Waiting for Motivation? You May Be Waiting a While

Have you ever sat around waiting for motivation to show up like some kind of magical muse? Almost expecting that one moment where you suddenly feel energised, inspired, and 100% ready to take action? Yup… me too.

It turns out, motivation is quite flaky. It comes and goes as it pleases, and if you’re relying on it to kickstart something important, you may be waiting a while.

The truth? Motivation doesn’t come first. Action does. And the longer you sit there waiting for the ‘right moment,’ the deeper you sink into the rut.

The 'I'll Start When I Feel Ready' Trap

You tell yourself: I'll start when I feel more motivated... Once I have more energy, I'll get going... I just need to find the right mindset before I take action...

And suddenly, days turn into weeks, and you're still exactly where you started. Sound familiar?

I've been there too. In fact, only yesterday, I was discussing this very issue with some of my coaching peers. We realised that even as professionals, we often wait for that perfect burst of inspiration before taking action. But what we've learned is that motivation is a by-product of action, not the spark. Waiting for it keeps us stuck; taking even the smallest step forward creates the momentum we need.

What’s Actually Keeping You Stuck?

If you’re feeling stuck, it’s likely not because you’re ‘lazy’ or ‘unmotivated.’ It’s usually something deeper:

1️. Fear of getting it wrong – Because if you never start, you never fail, right? 

2️. Perfectionism – If it’s not going to be perfect, why bother doing it at all? 

3️. Overwhelm – The task feels too big, so you do… absolutely nothing 

4️. Self-doubt – Who am I to do this anyway?

None of these things will magically disappear the moment motivation strikes. If anything, they get louder the longer you wait.

How to Get Unstuck (Even When You Can’t Be Bothered)

1. Lower the Bar

Stop making it a thing. If the goal feels too big, shrink it. 

Instead of “I need to start exercising,” try “I’ll do a five-minute stretch.” 

Instead of “I should write a book,” try “I’ll scribble down three ideas.”

Small action beats big plans every time.

2. Stop Negotiating With Yourself

Have you ever had that inner debate? Should I? Shouldn’t I? Maybe later… Sorry, but that’s the fast track to nowhere.

Instead of “Should I go for a walk today?” say “I always go for a walk after lunch.”

No debate. No drama. Just done.

3. Use the ‘Five-Minute Rule’

Tell yourself: I only have to do this for five minutes. That’s it. If after five minutes you want to quit, go ahead. But 9 times out of 10, you’ll keep going because getting started is the hardest part.

4. Reframe ‘Failure’ as Progress

If fear of messing up is keeping you frozen, reframe it. Instead of “I have to get it right,” try “I just need to get started.” Instead of “What if I fail?” ask “What will I learn?”

5. Change Your Environment

If you’re stuck in a rut, switch it up: Work in a different room. Take your laptop to a café. Go for a walk and let your brain breathe.

Your environment has a massive impact on your energy. Change that, and you’ll change how you feel.

Final Thoughts: Stop Waiting & Start Moving

Waiting for motivation is like waiting for the weather to be just right before you leave the house. You’ll be stuck forever.

So, if you’ve been waiting for motivation to kick in, flip the script. Take the tiniest action first, and let motivation catch up with you. Because once you’re in motion, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner.