Ah, motivation …
“I’ll start on Monday.”
“Next month will be a better time.”
“I just need to feel more motivated.”
We’ve all told ourselves these things at some point. It’s a story that feels reasonable – like we’re being patient, strategic, or waiting for the ‘right time.’ But more often than not, it’s a trap. A trap that keeps us stuck in place, waiting for a wave of inspiration that may never come.
Here’s the truth: you don’t need to feel ready to begin. In fact, waiting to feel ready is one of the biggest blockers to personal growth, progress, and change.
The Myth of Motivation
Motivation is often seen as the spark that starts the fire – but research shows that it’s usually the result, not the cause, of action. We’ve been sold the idea that we need to feel inspired to act, but psychologists suggest the opposite is more accurate.
In his work on behavioural activation, psychologist Cameron D Norman explains that action often precedes motivation, not the other way around. When we do something – anything – it creates momentum, and that momentum fuels further action. We feel good because we did the thing, not because we felt good beforehand.
That’s why waiting to feel ready can be a form of self-sabotage dressed up as self-care.
Action Creates Momentum
Think about how hard it is to get out of bed on a cold morning. The resistance is real. But once you’ve taken those first few steps and the kettle’s boiling, everything becomes easier. Action reduces friction. It’s called activation energy – the energy needed to initiate a process. Once the process begins, it becomes self-sustaining.
James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, puts it well:
“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”
Small actions – taken consistently – build habits. And those habits become the building blocks of your future self.
You Don’t Have to Feel Ready
It’s normal to feel uncertain, nervous, or unmotivated. These feelings aren’t a sign that you shouldn’t begin – they’re a sign that you’re stepping into something that matters.
Found of Story of My Life Journal Glen Foreman encountered this when writing his dad’s biography, The Legend from Bruce Rock. There were more than 100 interviews to do and every time he did one, another one or two were added to the list, with the interviewee saying, “Oh, you HAVE to speak to so-and-so”. The frustration was building, feeling he needed to complete the interviews before starting to write, because they could determine the direction of the story. But, after reaching out to acclaimed biographer Robert Hilburn, he received the invaluable advice of “don’t wait; just start writing”.
Instead of waiting for clarity or confidence, try showing up in spite of the discomfort. That’s where growth happens.
As psychologist Susan David notes in her TED Talk on emotional agility (watch it here), courage isn’t the absence of fear – it’s acting in alignment with your values despite fear.
How to Begin When You Don’t Feel Ready
Here are five quick, actionable strategies to get you moving:
- The Five-Minute Rule
Commit to just five minutes. Starting is often the hardest part. After five minutes, you’ll often find the inertia has faded. - Lower the Bar
Set the goal ridiculously small. Instead of “write for an hour,” try “open the journal and write one sentence.” Progress is progress. - Lead with Identity
Ask: What would the person I want to become do right now? This subtle shift aligns your behaviour with your future self. - Track it Visually
Seeing progress, even in tiny doses, keeps you engaged. Use a habit tracker or a simple cross-off calendar to build a visible streak. - Celebrate Micro-Wins
Every time you act without feeling ready, you’re rewriting your internal narrative. Recognise it. Celebrate it. Lock it in.
These tools are baked into the design of the Story of My Life Journal – a structured, year-long resource built to help you show up consistently, even when motivation feels distant.
Journaling Prompts to Move You Forward
Grab a pen and explore one of these:
- “What story am I telling myself about why I can’t begin?”
- “What’s one thing I could do today, even if I don’t feel ready?”
- “What would change in my life if I started showing up for five minutes each day?”
If you want more guided prompts like these, explore our free resources and learn more about how we can support your journey at Story of My Life.
You Don’t Need to Wait
Starting is a decision, not a feeling. And most of the time, clarity and confidence are found through action – not before it.
So don’t wait for the lightning bolt of motivation. Light your own spark. Take one small step. Begin messy, unsure, and unmotivated. But begin anyway.
Because the story of your life is being written either way – why not take the pen?
