Estimated Reading Time: 9 minutes
Introduction
The truth is, feeling motivated every day isn’t realistic for any of us.
We’ll be subjected to the highs and lows of life, experiencing a range of emotions that make it difficult to sustain the same level of energy long-term.
Image by rawpixel.com on magnific
Whether through search engines or discussion forums, many of us are seeking to discover an answer to a common concern — “How do I stay motivated?”
For those who ask, the intent is clear, and it should reinforce our confidence in our commitment.
However, the underlying belief behind this question is often misguided — that staying motivated is what will sustain our consistency.
Image by benzoix on magnific
As someone who’s experienced countless episodes of motivational emptiness, I came to realise that, in reality, the above works in the opposite order.
So, I wish to offer a perspective that brings clarity so you can move forward with a renewed confidence, unhindered.
Image by DC Studio on magnific
Motivation — A Byproduct
In the early stages of a new venture, what many of us overlook is that success depends on building a strong foundation — one that requires action over feelings.
The key to motivation isn’t emotion, but rather practicing skills that build it.
To do so, we must commit to discipline and consistency, regardless of how we feel at any given time.
These traits help sustain motivation, even if they don’t always bring immediate enthusiasm because through consistency, we ultimately build discipline.
Image by wirestock on magnific
Another word for discipline is ‘trained’ and with consistent training, we can transition from being a novice to becoming an eventual expert.
The more consistent we are, the more we improve, building both our confidence and our motivation along the journey.
While successful results can strengthen motivation, we must first develop the skills that lead us there.
Image by Kampus Production on pexels
The confidence we build through practicing our skills comes from the discipline we apply —and in turn, it motivates us to strive for more.
This is why it’s imperative that, even on days we don’t ‘feel’ motivated, we continue to commit regardless.
Doing so, increases our level of growth over time, irrespective of how we feel in the moment.
When you look back at what you’ve achieved, you’ll realise it wasn’t motivation alone that got you there.
You earned that success through applied effort and commitment.
Image by Pavel Danilyuk on pexels
‘Why’ Sustains Momentum
Rather than prioritising motivation, choose to build momentum, structure, and disciplined patterns of behaviour.
Momentum is the process of sustained growth and increasing strength — and it takes time.
The best way to maintain our momentum, is to remember why we started in the first place, rather than relying on emotions to carry us through.
When you began, you likely felt energised and had a clear vision of what you hoped to achieve.
Always return to that initial mindset, especially on the days you struggle.
Image by Polina Zimmerman on pexels
Reflecting on your why is what will get you up and to the gym even when you don’t feel like it.
It’s what keeps you writing the next chapter of your book, even through moments of doubt and writer’s block.
Your why will drive you to revisit your business plan, even after rejection and moments of discouragement.
Your why, will push you beyond your perceived limitations into your unexplored capabilities.
Image by Polina Kovaleva on pexels
To protect your motivation, it’s important to maintain your momentum in your actions. And to do that, you must never to give up.
Take a break, allow yourself time to rest and reset if necessary – but don’t give up on your vision.
In the below video I speak about my experience during a particularly challenging year — The highs and lows, what I learned, and how I stay on form.
(I encourage you to scroll back and watch it once you’ve finished this post).
Character Over Comfort
As you continue to persist, your motivation will naturally fluctuate, but the one thing that should never change is You.
Feel the emotions — the discouragement, the fatigue, the lack of finance, and the lack of support, but You must remain constant.
There will be many situations in life that fall beyond our capacity to control them, but how we respond is the one thing we can always take ownership of.
Image by teksomolika on freepik
Many people struggle to positively respond to the negative emotions evoked as a result of difficult situations.
The majority of successful entrepreneurs belong to the minority of people who could.
Their relentless effort, despite the setbacks they faced along the way, eventually led to their breakthrough.
Successful people remain committed to their goals regardless of how they feel or how their circumstances may appear.
Image by Tima Miroshnichenko on pexels
When I listen to successful entrepreneurs give advice, one message stands out – consistency.
With consistency, we give ourselves the opportunity to continuously improve.
We’ll make mistakes, but we’ll learn from them. We’ll move from being a novice to becoming an expert.
Through our efforts we’ll earn our own respect — and that of others.
Summary
If you stay committed, even on the most difficult days, I can’t guarantee you’ll suddenly feel motivated — but I can assure you that you’ll improve, and your progress will continue.
From today, recognise that you’re part of a minority — and that the discipline you practice will set you apart from the majority.
Image by freepik
Being good is stage one, becoming great is the next — but it’s the continuity that ultimately leads to excellence and that’s where the difference becomes irrefutable.
Feed your motivation, by sustaining your momentum.
Endeavour to remain committed, no matter what.
Image by diana.grytsku on freepik
Motivation is like the sun – it comes and goes. Sometimes it shines brightly, at other times it dims beneath the passing clouds of uncertainty.
Our emotions behave much in the same way, rising and falling in response to the movement and experiences of life.
Image by Mateus Andre on magnific
Stay anchored in your why and keep pressing forward — if you can refrain from giving up, you’ll eventually excel in what you set out to do.
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory 2 Corinthians 4: 17
