Why Motivation Won’t Always Be There—And What to Do Instead
Motivation is great—when it’s there. But what about the days when you just don’t feel like working out, eating well, or sticking to your routine? Here’s the truth: motivation is fleeting. It comes and goes, and if you rely on it to stay consistent, you’ll find yourself stuck in a cycle of stop-and-start progress.
The real key to long-term success? Discipline, habits, and a solid routine.
Why Motivation Fades:
Life gets busy, and energy shifts.
Waiting to “feel” motivated often leads to procrastination.
Relying on motivation alone means skipping workouts or healthy meals when you’re not in the mood.
What to Focus on Instead:
Build a Routine: Create a schedule for workouts, meal prep, or movement that becomes automatic—just like brushing your teeth.
Make It Easy: Remove obstacles. Lay out your workout clothes, prep snacks, and keep things simple.
Rely on Discipline: Some days, you won’t want to do the thing—but doing it anyway builds mental strength.
Focus on the Feeling After: Instead of thinking about the workout itself, remind yourself how good you’ll feel when it’s done.
Create Accountability: Join a class, find a workout buddy, or track your habits.
How to Take Action (Even When You Don’t Feel Like It):
Set a Non-Negotiable Minimum: Commit to something—even if it’s a 5-minute stretch or a quick walk.
Use the 5-Minute Rule: Start an activity for just five minutes. If you want to stop after that, you can—but chances are, you’ll keep going.
Stack It with a Habit: Tie your action to something you already do, like stretching while watching TV or walking during phone calls.
Reward Yourself: Track progress and celebrate small wins to keep yourself engaged.
Real Talk from Me: People often assume that as a coach, I’m always motivated to work out and eat well. Spoiler: I’m not. There are plenty of days when I’d rather curl up with a book than exercise. But I’ve learned that consistency isn’t about always wanting to do something—it’s about showing up anyway. Whether that means a short workout, a nourishing meal, or just moving my body in a way that feels good, I focus on progress, not perfection.
Try This: Next time you’re feeling unmotivated, commit to doing something small. A short walk, one set of an exercise, or prepping just one meal. Notice how taking action—even in tiny ways—shifts your mindset.
Always in your corner,
xoxo,
Paige
P.S. Need help building consistency? My 12-Week Bodyweight Essentials Course is designed to help you stay on track with zero equipment—just structured workouts and a solid plan. Join now and build a routine that sticks!
