The Motivation Myth

The thought for this blog post came to me during a particularly unproductive morning, when I found myself scrolling through my phone instead of tackling my tasks. I was waiting for that elusive “spark” of motivation to hit, as if it were some magical force that would suddenly make everything easier. But as I reflected, I realized this mindset is a trap-one that echoes humanity’s age-old resistance to discomfort, much like how early critics of the wheel probably complained it made things “too easy” and eroded our natural strength. We’ve always created tools to overcome inertia, yet we hesitate when it comes to our own habits. What if motivation isn’t the starting line, but the finish?

The common belief that motivation must precede action can often hinder progress, as relying on fleeting inspiration can lead to stagnation and a decline in overall drive. Instead, actively engaging in tasks, even without initial enthusiasm, can build momentum and cultivate genuine passion, essentially reversing the traditional sequence of motivation and action.

Why Waiting for Motivation Holds People Back?

Waiting for motivation to strike is often counterproductive because dopamine, the molecule primarily responsible for motivation, drive, and craving, functions on a ’pleasure-pain balance’. While dopamine surges in anticipation of a reward, the actual attainment of that reward often leads to a drop in baseline dopamine levels afterward, creating a desire for more to alleviate a subtle sense of pain or craving. This means that external motivation that comes from money, status, or external validation like praise-provides only a temporary boost and wanes off because the brain finds anticipation more rewarding than attainment itself.

It’s a bit like the ancient philosophers who warned against overindulgence in pleasures, think of Epicurus, who argued that chasing highs leads to greater lows. Today, we chase motivational “highs” through apps, quotes, or pep talks, but they fade just as quickly. The real issue? If you’re always waiting for that dopamine hit to start, you’re conditioning your brain to associate action with external rewards, not intrinsic momentum. Over time, this creates a self-fulfilling prophecy of procrastination, where the longer you wait, the harder it becomes to move.

Have you ever stared at your to-do list, waiting for a spark of motivation to hit? You’re not alone. Many people think they need to be motivated to start working, but in reality-being unmotivated and facing that initial inertia-is part of the process. You need to go through that to feel motivated.

Flipping the Script: How Action Creates Its Own Fuel

Now, imagine if we approached this like our ancestors did with tools. They didn’t wait to “feel like” hunting; they sharpened spears because survival demanded action, and that action built their skills and drive. Similarly, starting a task-any task, without waiting for motivation flips the dynamic. The act of doing releases small dopamine rewards along the way, turning inertia into momentum. It’s not about forcing enthusiasm; it’s about recognizing that motivation is a byproduct, not a prerequisite.

Think about it: Have you ever dragged yourself to the gym, only to feel energized halfway through? That’s action breeding motivation in real time. By pushing through the initial resistance, you’re not just completing a task, you’re rewiring how your brain responds to challenges. This isn’t new; it’s the same principle behind habits like writing, which Socrates famously resisted because he thought it would weaken memory. Yet, his ideas endured precisely because others acted on them by writing. If we wait for perfect conditions, we risk the same irony. Ideas and progress left unrealized.

Practical Steps to Act First and Let Motivation Follow

The good news is, you have control over this, just as you do with how you condition people around you (as I explored in a previous post). Whether knowingly or unknowingly, you’re shaping your own motivational patterns every day, so why not steer them intentionally? Here are a few simple ways to start acting without waiting for the “spark”:

Embrace the Micro-Start: Don’t aim for the whole mountain; just take the first step. If you’re avoiding writing, commit to one sentence. Often, that’s enough to shift the pleasure-pain balance in your favor.

Link It to a Routine: Anchor your action to something you already do, like reviewing your to-do list right after your morning coffee. This reduces decision fatigue and builds automatic momentum.

Observe Your Patterns: Pay attention to what drains your drive. If scrolling social media kills your motivation, create friction-put your phone in another room. Ask yourself: What small change could make action feel less painful?

Celebrate the Process, Not the Peak: Reward the effort, not just the outcome. A quick walk after a focused 10 minutes can reinforce the habit, much like how a leader rewards team effort to build long-term effectiveness.

These aren’t grand overhauls; they’re subtle shifts that accumulate, turning action into your default mode.

Final Reflection: Don’t Wait. Create Your Motivation

Motivation isn’t a finite resource you hoard; it’s a fire you ignite through movement. If you choose to act first, even on your gloomiest days, you’ll find that passion emerges naturally, propelling you forward. Remember, greatness isn’t born from perfect feelings; it’s forged in the discomfort of starting. So next time you’re stuck, ask yourself: What if I just begin? The motivation you seek might be waiting on the other side.