Stop Faking It: How Real Leaders Stay Motivated, No Matter What

Hello, Visionary Leaders! ??

Let me ask you something. How often do you let what happens to you dictate how you feel or how your day goes? More often than we’d like to admit, right? We've all been there. The morning starts off rough—a missed alarm, an overflowing inbox, and suddenly your mood takes a nosedive. What happens next? You fake it ‘til you make it, pushing through, but deep down, that negative energy festers. ??

Let’s get real here—faking it doesn’t fool anyone. Your team, your peers, even your family—everyone sees right through it. And the one person you're really faking? Yourself.

So how do you stay motivated, no matter what life throws at you? How do you maintain the drive to lead when everything seems to be pushing back?

The Neuroscience of Motivation ??

First things first, motivation isn't some mystical force that appears out of nowhere. It's grounded in our brain chemistry—specifically, the release of dopamine. Every time we take a step toward our goals, our brain rewards us with a little hit of dopamine, making us feel good and encouraging us to keep going. The problem? When circumstances knock us down, we stop moving forward, and our dopamine levels plummet. That’s when the spiral begins.

But here’s the kicker—you can hack this system. You don’t have to wait for external factors to dictate your motivation. You can create it.

Stop Letting External Events Control You

Let’s cut straight to it—what happens to you is only part of the story. What matters most is how you respond. Leaders who thrive, regardless of circumstances, understand that motivation doesn’t come from perfect conditions. It comes from a commitment to their vision, no matter what obstacles show up.

Instead of saying, “This day is a disaster, I’ll never get anything done,” flip the script. Ask, “What can I do right now to move closer to my goal?” Small actions, done consistently, ignite momentum. ??

Action Over Feelings ??

We’ve all heard the phrase “action precedes motivation,” but here’s the truth—it’s fact. If you wait until you feel motivated to take action, you’ll be waiting a long time. You don’t need the perfect emotional state to get things done; you just need to start. When you act, even if you’re not feeling it, your brain takes notice and begins to release those little dopamine rewards. Next thing you know, you’re not just pushing through—you’re thriving.

Why “Faking It” Is Hurting Your Leadership ??

The idea of “faking it until you make it” has been around forever, but here’s the hard truth—it’s outdated, and worse, it’s ineffective. Faking it creates a disconnect between your true self and the image you’re projecting. Your team can sense when you’re not being genuine, and that lack of authenticity chips away at trust.

Real leadership is about owning where you’re at—even if it’s a tough spot—and taking control of your narrative. Your team doesn’t need a perfect leader; they need a real one who knows how to navigate storms, not just sunny days. ???

3 Proven Tips to Stay Motivated, No Matter What

1. Shift Your Focus: Instead of obsessing over what’s going wrong, focus on the smallest actionable step you can take. Progress, no matter how small, fuels motivation.
2. Celebrate the Small Wins: The brain craves recognition. By acknowledging even minor achievements, you trigger dopamine releases that keep you moving forward.
3. Practice Resilience: Understand that setbacks are part of the journey. Leaders who embrace challenges as learning opportunities instead of roadblocks maintain a steady source of internal motivation. ??♂?

Conclusion: Own It—Don’t Fake It ?

The reality is, motivation won’t always come easy. But you don’t need to fake it. You need to own your journey, your highs, your lows, and everything in between. Take charge of your mindset, focus on what you can do, and let action fuel your drive. Your team isn’t looking for a perfect leader—they’re looking for one who’s real, resilient, and relentlessly motivated.

Ready to own your leadership journey? Let’s go!

Until next time, stay true, stay motivated, and most importantly—stay YOU.

Yours in Growth, Larry ??