When Motivation Fades

Through my journey over the last few years, at the beginning of it… I didn’t feel like doing anything. I was depressed and anxious—two things I had never dealt with before in life. These emotions were foreign to me, and facing them was a challenge I felt like I was failing at. I had arrived at a place I never expected to be, and it sent me into a mental downward spiral. I knew I was drowning, but I didn’t know what to do about it. It seemed like everything I tried wasn’t helping. So how did I stop the spiral?

Discipline. Not motivation.

You see, motivation is a feeling, and like all feelings, it comes and goes. That’s why relying on motivation alone to create change in your life is a mistake. What happens on the mornings when you wake up and motivation isn’t there? Too many people believe they need to be motivated to take action, but that simply isn’t true.

For me, motivation doesn’t mean much—because it’s fleeting. It’s unreliable. If I truly want to change my life, I need discipline and consistency. Making small, deliberate changes every single day and sticking with them is what leads to transformation. Sure, it’s great when motivation is there, but on the days when it isn’t, discipline is what keeps me moving forward. There were mornings when getting out of bed felt impossible, but I committed to just one small task- whether it was making my bed or going to a short walk. That consistency built momentum over time.

As the legendary coach Lou Holtz once said, “Without self-discipline, success is impossible, period.” Success isn’t about feeling motivated all the time; it’s about showing up even when you don’t want to.

So how do you develop discipline? It starts with small, consistent actions. Here are a few strategies to help you stay on track:

• Start Small: Don’t try to change everything at once. Focus on one small habit and master it before adding another.

• The Two-Minute Rule: If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately. This prevents procrastination and builds momentum.

• Habit Stacking: Attach a new habit to an existing one. For example, if you want to start journaling, do it right after brushing your teeth.

• Daily Non-Negotiables: Identify small, essential habits you commit to every day, no matter what. These could be drinking a glass of water in the morning, reading for five minutes, or stretching.

• Accountability: Find an accountability partner or journal your progress to stay committed.

• Remove Temptations: Make discipline easier by eliminating distractions and setting up your environment for success.

Jocko Willink, a former Navy SEAL and leadership expert, put it best: “Discipline equals freedom.” When you develop discipline, you gain control over your life. You stop being a slave to moods and excuses and start making real progress toward your goals.

If you’re waiting for motivation to change your life, you’ll be waiting forever. Discipline is the key to real, lasting progress. Keep showing up, even when you don’t feel like it. That’s where the real change happens.

What is one small action you can commit to today that will move you closer to your goals? Start now! Action breeds progress.

Peace!