Feeling Unmotivated? Here’s What’s Really Going On (and What to Do About It)
Have you ever had a day—or maybe even a season—where you just couldn’t summon the energy to work on your health goals?
You’re not alone.
A lack of motivation is one of the most common roadblocks people face. And while it’s easy to assume you’re just being lazy or undisciplined, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Motivation Doesn’t Come First
Here’s the thing most people don’t realize:
Motivation doesn’t lead to action—action leads to motivation.
In other words, it’s not about waiting until you feel ready. It's about starting small, even when you don’t feel like it. Once you begin, your brain and body naturally shift gears.
Why is this so hard, though?
When life gets busy, your brain prioritizes survival. That means conserving energy, avoiding uncertainty, and sticking to what's familiar. Anything that feels new, hard, or requires effort—like prepping a healthy meal or squeezing in a workout—gets pushed to the back burner.
It’s not your fault. It’s biology.
But here’s the good news: You don’t have to rely on willpower to make progress. You just need to create momentum—and that starts with something tiny.
Try This: The 5-Minute Rule
If you’re feeling stuck, try this simple mindset shift:
👉 Commit to just five minutes.
Tell yourself you’ll do one small thing to support your health—and only for five minutes. For example:
Take a 5-minute walk
Chop up one fruit or veggie for later
Stretch while you watch TV
Breathe deeply or meditate for a few minutes
Write in a journal for a short reflection
At the end of those five minutes, you can stop. Or keep going if you're feeling it. The goal isn’t to do “all the things”—it’s to prove to yourself that you can start.
This tiny action interrupts your brain’s resistance and flips the switch from “pause” to “play.” You move from protect mode to action mode—and that’s where the magic happens.
Why This Works
This approach is rooted in behavioral science. Small, achievable tasks reduce friction and build confidence. You start to feel capable again, and that naturally fuels motivation.
It’s not about doing it all—it’s about doing something.
Remember:
Small steps shift your mindset
Small steps build momentum
Small steps lead to lasting change
So if you’ve been waiting for a burst of motivation to get started, here’s your gentle nudge:
You don’t need to feel ready.
You just need five minutes.
Final Thought:
Motivation isn't missing—it just needs a spark. Start small. Start today. And trust that each step forward, no matter how tiny, is a powerful act of self-care.
