Have you ever sat around waiting for motivation to strike, only to end up scrolling through
your phone or binge-watching a show instead? It’s a common experience. We often believe that we need to feel motivated before we can tackle a task, but here’s the truth: action often comes before motivation.
That’s right—getting started, even if you’re not feeling it, is often the secret to creating momentum and finding motivation
along the way. So how do you do it? Let’s dive into why this works and some tips to help you take that first step.
Why Action Sparks Motivation
Motivation is like the wind—it can be unpredictable and fleeting. Action, on the other hand, is
entirely within your control.
When you take even a small step forward, you signal to your brain that you’re making progress. This can lead to a sense of accomplishment, no matter how small, which builds momentum and eventually fuels your motivation to keep
going.
Tips to Kickstart Action
1. Break It Down into Bite-Sized Steps
Overwhelm can paralyze even the most determined person. Instead of focusing on the big picture, ask yourself: "What’s one tiny thing I can do right now?" Maybe it’s clearing one corner of a messy counter or writing one sentence of a report. Small actions feel manageable and lead to bigger ones.
2. Commit
to Just Five Minutes
Tell yourself you only have to work on a task for five minutes. Often, getting started is the hardest part, and once you’re in the groove, you’ll naturally want to keep going. But if you truly want to stop after five minutes, you can—and you’ll still have made progress.
3. Set Up a TriggerPair your desired action with something you already do regularly. For instance, if you want to
journal, leave your notebook on the kitchen table so you see it after breakfast. These triggers create a mental cue to take action. 4. Reward Yourself for StartingSometimes, the promise of a reward can make starting easier. Enjoy a cup of tea (your favorite!) after you clear your inbox or treat
yourself to a walk after sorting through a cluttered drawer. 5. Focus on the Feeling Afterward
Think about how good it will feel to have the task done. Visualizing that sense of relief and accomplishment can be the push you need to take the first
step.
Examples of Action Before Motivation
The Gym: Getting out the door is often harder than the workout itself. Lacing up your sneakers and showing
up is half the battle.
Decluttering: Tackling one drawer often inspires you to keep going, even if you started with resistance. Writing: Many authors say the hardest part is putting the first word on the page. Once you begin, ideas flow.
Waiting
for motivation to strike can leave you stuck, but taking action puts you back in the driver’s seat. Start small, embrace imperfect beginnings, and trust the process. You might just find that once you take that first step, motivation is right around the corner, cheering you on.
