Why Waiting for Motivation is Holding You Back From Success

Have you ever said, "I just don’t feel motivated?" We’ve all been there, waiting for that perfect spark of inspiration to tackle a new project, make a life change, or push forward with a goal. But waiting for motivation is counterproductive. As leaders and professionals, we need to recognize that motivation isn’t the starting point; it’s the byproduct of action.

Let me explain why waiting for motivation might hold you back from what you want to accomplish.

Motivation Doesn’t Come First—Action Does

One of the biggest myths about motivation is that it shows up before you start. We imagine motivation will knock on our door one morning, full of energy and drive, pushing us to take on the world. The reality is that motivation often arrives after we’ve started. Action breeds momentum, and momentum sparks motivation.

Think about the last time you had a big task. You might have dreaded it initially, but once you started working, the progress gave you the energy to keep going. This happens when we stop waiting for motivation and start acting. You create the motivation you've been waiting for once you move forward, even with small steps.

Waiting for Motivation Creates Inertia

Leaders, we know that staying still is one of the most significant risks in any business or career. In physics, there’s a concept called inertia: objects at rest tend to remain at rest, while objects in motion stay in motion. This is also true in life and work. The more you wait, the more your goals and dreams remain untouched.

When we wait for motivation, we give inertia the power. Each day that passes without action becomes an invitation for self-doubt to creep in. We start to question whether we can achieve the goals we’ve set. And before we know it, we’re stuck—frozen in the idea of "I’ll get to it later."

Action Creates Clarity

Many leaders and professionals feel they need a clear plan or "perfect" conditions before starting something new. However, clarity often comes through action and trust in the process. Taking that first step, even if it’s imperfect, helps you see the path forward more clearly.

We refine our approach when we dive into a project, make a bold decision, or begin learning something new. The clarity we crave starts to develop because we took action, not before. Perfectionism can be a comfortable excuse to avoid moving forward. When that mindset takes over, we allow indecision and stagnation to rule.

Stop Waiting, Start Creating Your Future

Motivation is excellent, but it’s unreliable. If we wait for it, we risk falling behind. Instead, we must focus on creating routines, systems, and environments that make progress inevitable. As leaders, this is especially critical. You know that results don’t come from hope or inspiration alone but from consistent, focused action.

Ask yourself: What’s one thing I can do today to move things forward? Not tomorrow, not when I’m feeling more energized, but right now. Whether it’s a small task you’ve been putting off or a bold decision you’ve been delaying, that single step will generate the momentum you need to push forward.

Coaching Can Help Break the Cycle

If you’ve been waiting for motivation, it’s time to break the cycle. Coaching can be a powerful tool for shifting your mindset, holding you accountable, and guiding you toward meaningful action. By focusing on your energy, goals, and barriers, coaching can help you unlock your potential and create the motivation you’ve been hoping for—not through waiting but through doing.

By embracing action over waiting, you’ll build momentum and discover the energy and clarity you need to achieve the most important goals. Don’t let the myth of motivation stop you from reaching your full potential.

? Let’s Work on Your Tomorrow…Today!

Carol Urton Coaching and Consulting is a forward-thinking firm committed to empowering individuals and teams to bridge the gap between their current status and their desired future.

With decades of leadership in corporate responsibility, credit, and finance, Carol Urton brings a wealth of expertise to her clients, helping them navigate challenges and achieve success. Her extensive experience is further enriched by a robust nonprofit leadership and service background, which underscores her life’s mission of helping people thrive despite life’s hardships.

As an award-winning speaker and published author, Carol is also a certified professional coach accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ACC). Through her dynamic coaching, consulting services, and passion for training and speaking, Carol empowers her clients to overcome obstacles, unlock their potential, and turn their aspirations into reality.

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