The Myth of Motivation

(Or: Why Waiting for a Feeling Keeps You Stuck)

We’ve all bought into it — the idea that motivation is some magical inner spark. That one day, it’ll hit you out of nowhere, and you’ll finally feel ready.

You’ll leap off the couch, toss the biscuits, start the routine, clean the garage, and drink something green.
And it’ll feel effortless. Obvious. Inevitable.

Except… no.

Motivation isn’t a dependable life partner. It’s more like a flaky friend who texts “I’m on my way” and never shows up.

You don’t need it.
What you need is understanding — and a much simpler starting point.

Motivation Doesn’t Come First

That’s the big misunderstanding.
We think we need to feel a certain way to act.
But actually? The opposite is true.

When you act — especially in small, doable ways — the fog lifts.
You feel a bit clearer. A little more capable. Maybe even… inspired.

But it doesn’t start with inspiration. It starts with a step.

Even a really average one.

You Don’t Have a Motivation Problem

You have a human brain.
One that’s designed to keep you safe, conserve energy and stick with the familiar.

That’s not laziness. That’s biology.

So when your mind says:
“Eh, not today.”
“It’s too hard.”
“Let’s wait until we feel more ready.”

…it’s not personal.
It’s just your mind trying to protect you from uncertainty.

It doesn’t mean you have to listen.

You’re Allowed to Start Without the Spark

The whole “wait until I feel motivated” idea?
It’s optional.

You don’t need to feel excited. Or clear. Or confident.

You just need to be willing to take a very small step, without needing the step to feel like magic.

Wash the plate.
Go for the walk.
Eat the veg.
Write the sentence.
Pause before you snack — even if you snack anyway.

It’s not about doing it perfectly.
It’s about remembering you don’t need your feelings to approve before you begin.

Gentle Action Builds Momentum

You don’t have to push yourself.
But you also don’t need to wait to feel pulled.

There’s a quiet middle ground.

A space where you notice:
“I don’t feel like it right now. And… I can still take a step.”

Not because you’re trying to become a productivity robot.
But because you’re seeing through the old story that says you can’t move forward until you feel amazing.

You can feel meh.
You can feel unsure.
And still — take the next tiny step.

Final Thought

Motivation isn’t what gets you going.
It’s what sometimes shows up after you’ve already started.

So don’t wait for the lightning bolt.
Don’t wait to want it.

Just begin.
Lightly. Lovingly.
Badly, if you must.

And watch what happens next.