Motivation Comes and Goes—And You Can Still Reach Your Goals
Motivation is unreliable. It’s fleeting, unpredictable, and often disappears when you need it most. It’s like a flaky friend who hypes you up one day and ghosts you the next.?
So, if you’re waiting for motivation to carry you to success, you may be waiting a long, long time.
Let me explain.?
Why Motivation Fails You
Motivation is like a mood—it fluctuates based on how you feel, your environment, and even the weather.?
An article from Harvard Health says motivation is important for reaching your goals, but waiting for it to appear can hold you back [1].
So, waiting for motivation to strike isn’t the answer. Instead, you need something more stable.
What Works Instead: Rely on Systems, Not Motivation
Motivation may get you started, but systems keep you going. Here’s why:
1?)? Systems: Build Habits, Not Hype
You don’t brush your teeth because you’re motivated—you do it because it’s automatic.
Don’t rely on willpower, but build systems that make success inevitable.
?? Work out? Schedule it into your calendar like a meeting.
?? Eat healthier? Plan your meals in advance.
?? Read more? Put your book on your pillow, so you pick it up before bed.
When you build systems, you don’t need motivation—you show up because it’s part of your routine.
2?) Know Your Why: Revisit It Often
People who find success don’t feel motivated all the time. They move forward whether they feel like it or not.
Instead of asking, "Do I feel like doing this?" Go back to your why, "I want to be able to run around with my kids in the backyard and be here to watch them grow up” Insert your TRUE why.
?? Tired? Do five minutes of movement anyway.
?? Uninspired? Write one sentence anyway.
?? Not in the mood? Start small, and momentum builds motivation.
The first few minutes are the hardest. Once you push through that resistance, action becomes easier.?
3) Identity Shifts: Become the Person Who Does the Thing
Your actions follow your identity. If you see yourself as someone who “tries to eat healthy” or “wants to work out,” you’ll struggle with consistency.
But when you identify as the type of person who does these things, your behavior will start to align.
?? Instead of “I’m trying to wake up early,” say, “I’m the kind of person who values my mornings.”
?? Instead of “I need to work out,” say, “I’m someone who moves my body daily.”
?? Instead of “I should be more organized,” say, “I’m someone who keeps things in order.”
Identity creates habits. And once something becomes who you are, motivation is irrelevant.
What Happens If You Rely on Motivation?
You may stay stuck in the cycle of:
What Counts Most ??
Motivation is great when it shows up, but it’s unreliable.
If you want lasting results, rely on systems, tapping into your why, and shifting your identity instead.
?? Create habits that remove friction.
?? Take action even when you don’t feel like it.
?? Embody the identity of the person who does the work.
When you stop waiting to feel motivated and start acting anyway, everything changes.
So, What’s Your Next Step?
Waiting for motivation won’t get you where you want to go. Instead, ask yourself:?
? What system can I implement today??
? What tiny habit can I commit to daily?
Drop a comment—I’d love to hear it.
And if you need help creating sustainable health and wellness habits that stick, let’s connect.
With love,
Alexa
References:
More articles:
#DisciplineOverMotivation #HealthyHabits #MindsetShift #ProductivityHacks #WellnessJourney #SuccessTips