Motivation Is Overrated

Let’s Talk About the Days You Don’t Feel Like It

If I relied on motivation, I wouldn’t have a business. Contrary to popular belief, I don’t always feel motivated.

Over the last 10 years, I’ve seen a clear pattern. Something happens, I lose motivation, my social media slips and a few months later, so does my client base.

So if you’re wondering whether it’s just you… it’s not. Everyone loses motivation to work on their business, or at least parts of it.

The other week, I was tired, my to-do list was a mile long, and honestly? I couldn’t be bothered, and to be honest, I was a bit done. But that turned out to be my best week.

I signed a new client, booked a breakthrough call, and had someone reach out to me about a fitness space (which I’d been looking for).

I’m not always motivated, I don’t always FEEL like posting on social media, writing my blog, reaching out to potential clients. The difference is, these days I’m just really consistent. (And stubborn… but that’s a blog for another day.)

You don’t need more motivation. You just need to follow through on the promises you’ve made to yourself.

Motivation Is Flaky

When I was a teenager and into my early 20s, I was always trying to lose weight. I’d look at photos of people who “looked good” to try to stay motivated. I’d put them as my screen saver on my phone, or print them out and stick them on my wall. At first, it worked. I’d say no to chocolate and cake and think “Remember your goal!”

But then… I’d have a “bad” day, where I just needed some chocolate… which turned into more chocolate, cake… Or it was sunny, and we’d be out in a beer garden or having a BBQ and I wanted to join in the fun and not have to restrict myself.
That motivation? Gone.

It was all based on how I felt at the time or what was happening around me.

It’s the same in business. You’re not always going to FEEL motivated. You might have so much work that you no longer feel inspired, you feel overwhelmed and exhausted, or maybe your child is ill and they need looking after. Your plan goes out of the window and so does your motivation.

After years of trial and error, I’ve learned: real results come from consistency. Doing more of what works, again and again… 90-180 days from now, you’ll start to see the results of what you started today.

You don’t need more motivation, you need a structure that works and to build the muscle of consistency.

Where in your business are you still relying on motivation?

What to Do on the Days You’re Not Motivated

What do you do on the days your brain says, “Not today”?

I have loads of those.
I run two businesses and ’m a mum to an 18-month-old who doesn’t sleep more than an hour at a time on some nights, and who has endless energy throughout the day.
It can be exhausting.

Some days, I don’t want to write a blog or record a video. So I stopped forcing it. I make progress with the energy you have. I create my bare-minimum list: if I achieved this, it would move my business forward. 

Here are some things that work for me:

• I do high-energy tasks when I’ve had more sleep
• I save low-energy tasks for days I’m more tired
• I trust myself to get things done by the end of the week
• I batch tasks together (stopping and starting kills my motivation)

When your motivation is low you could:

• Set a 15-minute timer
• Choose one thing to get done that day
• Keep a weekly commitment list instead of a rigid daily one
• Voicenote ideas instead of writing
• Contact your coach to see if there’s something stopping you from taking action

Consistently show up daily in small ways that compound over time. 

• Following up with leads
• Creating and sharing content
• Checking in with clients

Simple, consistent action is what builds real momentum.

At first, it may feel like nothing’s happening. But then suddenly, click, things start moving.
And you’ll be glad you didn’t wait around for your motivation to kick in.

I sometimes find that just getting started helps me “get out of my head” and into action. What small thing could you do today to move your business forward? What difference would it make to the future of your business?

Small things, done consistently, create big results.

Do more of the Unsexy Stuff 

Do I love every task? Nope. Will you? Probably not.
Can you outsource some of it? Absolutely.

But even the tasks you do enjoy might feel like a slog some days.

Ever just want to sit in the sunshine and do absolutely nothing? Avoid the long list of your to-do list? (Just me?)

When I sit down to do a task I don’t love, I remind myself of what it leads to.
I’m deeply passionate about helping people with their fitness and business — and I’m happy to do the repetitive, behind-the-scenes work because it works.

Let me share a personal story with you. I’ve learnt from 10 years of business that real success comes from tracking. If you want to lose weight? Write down everything you eat and drink. If you want to grow your business? Get grounded in the numbers.
On this particular occasion, I wanted to have more money from the money I had, so I tracked it. I ask my husband about every transaction that comes in and out of our account. It’s tedious, boring and I have no motivation to do it, except… we have more money because of it. 

The unsexy stuff will differ from person to person. 

• Monthly accounts
• Social media
• Reaching out and connecting on LinkedIn
• Creating your marketing

Whatever it is for you. Doing all the aspects of your business, especially the parts you want to avoid, moves your business forward.

It’s often built in the moments no one sees you doing the work where the real magic happens.

When you’re doing the unsexy stuff,
What will this create for the future? Who will I impact? What am I committed to?

Make It Easy to Be Consistent

If you haven’t already read it, check out my blog:
[How I Structure My Week for Maximum Impact] — it’s packed with ways to get more done without burning out.

Here are a few things that make consistency easier for me:

• Simplify your to-do list: What’s truly a priority? What’s just a “nice to have”?
• Block time for key tasks: I always pick one priority for the day. Everything else is a bonus. (I always make sure anything for my clients is done first).
• Automate where you can: I write my blogs weeks in advance and scheduled time to upload them, find a photo, and write the email to send out. It gives me more time to play with, and I’m not panicking at the last minute. 
• Create accountability: I have a coach to hold me to the promises I make. Sometimes I do them to get a little “well done”. 

Ask yourself:
What’s one habit you could commit to this week that feels simple, useful, and sustainable?

If you haven’t downloaded 7 Days to a Sustainable Business Flow, you should! It really helps take the overwhelm out of your week.

Let’s Build This Together

If you’re still reading this then you’re the kind of person who wants to show up and change the way motivation occurs to you. You’re ready to get stuck into the unglamorous moments to impact more people. 

What could shift in your business if you chose consistency over motivation for the next 7 days?

You’re not alone. You don’t need to push harder. You just need to take consistent actions, especially on the messy days.

Remember, I’m here to help. Maybe one of your actions today could be to reach out and share where you’ve lost motivation. I have loads of free resources to help you.