Motivation Is Not the Answer

For a good chunk of my life, I was waiting.

Waiting to feel motivated to work out. Waiting for the right energy to food prep and eat healthy. Waiting to want to tackle that big goal I’d been putting off for years.

Waiting for the courage to do what I really wanted to do.

I figured once motivation showed up, I’d be unstoppable.

But it never did. Or at least, not consistently enough to rely on.

Why couldn’t I just wake up excited to exercise?

Why did I keep saying I wanted to do or start certain things to better my life - but then not do it?

Why did it feel like other people were just… more driven?

I assumed motivation was something you either had, or didn’t. And I told myself: “I’ll get to it when I feel more motivated.”

But here’s the uncomfortable truth I had to face: Motivation wasn’t the problem. My thinking was.

“Action comes before motivation.” 

I read that line in a book in my early 30s, and it blew my mind.

I had it backwards my whole life. I thought motivation sparked action - but in reality, action sparks motivation.

It completely flipped how I saw things - and I’m sharing it today in case you’ve ever found yourself stuck in the same loop (or just need a reminder to break it).

If you’ve been waiting to feel ready to finally start that business, get your finances together, go for the life you really want…

This is your wake-up call.

Motivation isn’t the spark. Movement is.

🧠 Let’s Back It Up with Science

This isn’t just self-help fluff - it’s grounded in psychology and behavioral science.

✅ The Behavioral Activation Principle

Therapists use this technique to treat depression and anxiety. The idea is simple: even when you feel low, taking a small action can create momentum and improve your emotional state. It’s used in evidence-based treatments like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) to get people moving when they’re stuck in inertia.

✅ The Zeigarnik Effect Psychologist

Bluma Zeigarnik found that people remember incomplete tasks more than completed ones. That mental tension creates a powerful urge to finish what we start - meaning starting something is often all it takes to engage the brain and build momentum.

✅ Newton’s First Law (in human terms)

An object at rest stays at rest. But an object in motion stays in motion. You’re not lazy - you’re just stationary. Once you move, momentum makes it easier to keep going.

✅ Mel Robbins' 5-Second Rule

Her whole method is based on the idea that you’re never going to “feel like it.” So when your brain resists action, count down: 5-4-3-2-1, and go. The action interrupts the habit loop of hesitation.

✅ Jerry Seinfeld’s “Don’t Break the Chain”

Seinfeld became one of the most successful comedians by writing one joke a day. Not because he was inspired - but because he made it a habit. He used a calendar and marked an X each day he wrote. His only goal? Don’t break the chain.

🎯 What This Means for You

It means if you’re not feeling motivated right now - that’s not a signal to wait.

It’s a signal to start.

Start small. Start messy. Start without a 10-step plan. Just start.

Want to work out? Put your runners on and walk around the block.

Want to build a business? Open your laptop and take the first step.

Want to sort your finances? Log into your bank account and check where your money is going.

Don’t wait to feel ready. Do something, and readiness will follow.

✋ Let Me Be Real With You

I’ve built businesses. I’ve run races. I’ve changed careers. And I can tell you - I definitely wasn’t motivated every day for any of it.

Most days, I didn’t “feel like it.” But I did it anyway - even if it was a small step - and that’s what built the consistency.

That’s what built the momentum. And eventually, it became who I was.

Not because I waited for motivation. Because I stopped relying on it.

🙌 What to Do Next

Pick one thing you've been putting off.

Take the smallest possible action on it today.

Do it again tomorrow. And the next day.

Don’t aim for perfect. Aim for consistent.

Let the habits carry you when motivation disappears - because it will.

The owner switch happens when you stop thinking like a passive employee of your life, and start acting like the owner.

Owners don’t wait for inspiration or instruction. They move - and let momentum do the rest.

You've got this 🙌

_{Partner Disclosure: some of the links in my emails may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on them and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support my work and allows me to continue providing valuable content to you at no charge. Thanks for your support!}