Why Motivation Fails and How Discipline and Purpose Lead the Way

By Kohila Sivas

https://www.learningsuccessacademy.com/

Ever feel like you’re stuck in place? Like you want to get things done, but no matter how much you think about it, you just... can’t move? You’re not alone. I used to sit there, waiting for some magical motivation to show up and kick me into action. Spoiler alert: it never came.

But then, I remembered about Newton’s First Law of Motion and everything changed. Yep, the same thing we learned about in science class applies to life. Let’s talk about why starting is so hard and how momentum can completely change your game.

Newton Was Right About More Than Physics

Newton’s First Law says:

• An object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by an external force.

What does that mean for you and me? It’s the perfect metaphor for why we procrastinate and why small actions can be so powerful.

• When you’re not doing something (like working on a goal or starting that project), it feels almost impossible to get started. That’s inertia—being stuck in your current state.
• But when you start—even with the tiniest step—you’re creating motion. And once you’re in motion, it’s easier to keep going. That’s momentum.

The Hardest Part Is Starting

I remember sitting on my couch one day, staring at my laptop. I had a big project due, but I didn’t feel motivated at all. My brain kept saying, “You need to want to do this.” But here’s the thing: I didn’t want to.

Then I thought about something a friend once said: “You don’t have to feel ready to start. You just have to start.”

So, I told myself: “I’ll just work on this for 5 minutes. That’s it.” Guess what? Once I started, I kept going. The hardest part wasn’t the work itself—it was overcoming the inertia of being at rest.

Momentum Beats Motivation Every Time

Motivation is great when it’s there, but it’s unreliable. One day you’ll feel inspired, and the next day… nothing. If you wait for motivation, you’ll stay stuck. But momentum? That’s something you can build and rely on.

Here’s how it works:

1. Start small. Break the inertia of being at rest.
2. Keep taking small steps. Every action builds momentum.
3. Over time, it gets easier because you’re already in motion.

Think of it like pushing a car. At first, it’s hard to get it moving. But once it’s rolling, it takes way less effort to keep it going.

Purpose Fuels the Fire

Now, here’s the twist: momentum alone isn’t always enough. You need a reason to keep going when things get tough. That’s where purpose comes in.

I used to struggle with writing. Then one day, I asked myself, “Why am I doing this?” The answer hit me hard: “Because I want to share my story and help others who feel stuck.”

Suddenly, writing wasn’t just about getting words on a page. It was about creating something meaningful. Purpose gave me a reason to keep pushing, even on the days I didn’t feel like it.

Motivation is nice when it shows up, but it’s not what drives success.

Success comes from:

• Discipline: Showing up, even when you don’t feel like it.
• Momentum: Small actions creating a snowball effect.
• Purpose: Knowing why the work matters.

So, the next time you feel stuck, don’t wait for motivation. Just take one small step. That’s all it takes to break inertia and start building the momentum that will carry you forward.

And remember: an object in motion stays in motion—so keep moving.

What’s one small action you can take right now to move closer to your goal? Drop it in the comments below and commit to making it happen.

#BuildMomentum, #DisciplineOverMotivation, #SmallStepsBigResults, #KohilaSivas