Motivation is a Myth
What does being “motivated” mean to you?
Is it when you wake up and suddenly feel compelled to do something wonderful for yourself, your career, your health, or your life? Is it when you have a moment of inspiration and start a new project? Is it when you see someone else doing something incredible and it makes you want to do it, too?
“Motivation” is fleeting. It’s not something we’re born with. It comes and goes. And it’s not something we can keep.
I’m absolutely convinced that motivation doesn't actually exist. Instead, I like to think of motivation as something entirely different: momentum.
The dictionary defines momentum as strength or force gained by motion or by a series of events.
So how do you gain momentum in your life? Well, as the dictionary definition suggests, you get momentum by a series of events.
Essentially, action creates momentum. What does it take to gain momentum? It takes action. In order to feel strength, force, or this sense of “motivation” that inspires you to keep going, the only requirement is to get started.
I often tell my Life Coaching clients that action precedes motivation.
If you’re waiting for some magical day to wake up, have perfect conditions, and feel motivated and inspired, you could be waiting a long time. Because motivation is a myth; it’s not something you just wake up and have.
So what do you need to do first?
Take action. Some action – any action! It can be a tiny, messy, imperfect action. Sometimes, the uglier the better.
“Motivation” will follow the action. Or, as I prefer to say, you’ll pick up momentum. You’ll get the ball rolling, get things moving, and start a ripple effect in your life.
After getting started, it’s not motivation that’s going to keep you going. It’s consistency and self-discipline. Creating a framework for sustaining your progress is crucial to help you keep going. Once again, motivation isn’t going to be there every day- it’s fleeting. Instead, you must have a dialed-in routine you can follow day after day that will allow you to maintain forward progress.
In practice, this consistency and self-discipline can take different forms. Here’s what it might look like:
Establish a morning or daily routine that you stick to at least 5 days per week
Every Sunday evening, schedule out the week ahead to account for your priorities
Find an accountability partner to help you stick to your goals
Dedicate one hour daily to working on your passion project
Hire a Life Coach to meet with weekly to keep you on track
Having a system that you can execute consistently will prove to be much more effective than waiting until you are “motivated” to progress towards your goals.
Sustainable systems trump motivation every time.
It takes commitment to get started… and consistency to finish the job.
