
Alongside the willpower lament goes the song of “I’m just not motivated enough.” It’s another surefire way we convince ourselves that change is impossible and that we’re the problem.
Sound familiar?
“I want to eat healthier, but I’m just not motivated enough to plan meals.”
“I’d exercise more, but I can’t seem to find the motivation to start.”
Here’s the truth: Motivation isn’t some magical fairy that strikes out of nowhere. It’s not reserved for the ultra-disciplined or naturally energetic. It’s something you can build—step by step.

The Myth of Perfect Motivation
One of the biggest misconceptions is that motivation has to come first. People think they need to feel motivated to take action. But in reality, it’s the other way around: action creates motivation.
When you take even the smallest step forward, you create momentum. That momentum leads to progress, and progress fuels motivation. This cycle is how real change happens.
Shifting the Motivation Story
If you’re stuck in the mindset of “I’m not motivated enough,” it’s time to flip the script. Here’s how:
Find Your Spark Motivation grows when you know why you’re doing something. Not the surface-level “I want to lose weight” answer, but the deeper reason. Maybe it’s to feel confident chasing your kids around the park or to manage stress so you can sleep better at night. Connect with the reason that matters most to you.
Start Small, Win Big The secret to motivation is starting so small it feels almost too easy. Drink a glass of water in the morning. Stretch for one minute before bed. These micro-actions build confidence and momentum, making bigger changes feel less overwhelming.
Celebrate the Wins Every step forward counts. When you acknowledge your progress—no matter how small—you reinforce the belief that change is possible. Positive reinforcement is a powerful motivator.
What Motivation Really Looks Like
Motivation isn’t about always feeling fired up. It’s about showing up even when you don’t. It’s about finding ways to make the process easier, more enjoyable, or simply doable in the moment. Some days, that might mean walking instead of running. Other days, it might mean just putting on your sneakers. And that’s okay.
What’s one small action you can take today to move closer to your goal? Don’t worry about making it perfect—just make it possible. When you focus on what you can do, you’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish.
Stay tuned for Part 3, where we’ll explore strategies to take consistent action—even when motivation feels low.
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