We’ve been sold a dangerous lie about motivation.
Feel motivated first, then take action.
It’s so hard to start that way.
Let alone keep it going.
But really, motivation doesn’t come before the action…
It follows it.
The professional writer doesn’t wait for inspiration to write.
The successful investor doesn’t wait for confidence to invest.
The fit person doesn’t wait for energy to exercise.
The present parent doesn’t wait for patience to engage.
They act first. The feeling arrives later, often mid-action.
Who cares if you don’t feel like it.
And this flips the conventional wisdom on its head.
- “I’ll start when I feel ready”
- “I need to get inspired first”
- “I’m waiting to want to do it”
You don’t need to psyche yourself up, find your passion, or overcome procrastination.
You just need to start moving—physically, literally, right the fuck now.
Show up regardless of emotion. Trust that momentum creates motivation, not the reverse.
Choose one important action you’ve been postponing until you “felt like it.” Do it immediately, don’t even before finish this article.
Notice what happens to your motivation during and after.
The feeling you’re waiting for is waiting for you—on the other side of action.
Joe DiAndrea 