Action Ignites the Spark: The Top 5 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Wait For Motivation To Start

Have you ever stared down a mountain of laundry, knowing it would only take a few minutes to fold, yet it sat there for days, weeks even, taunting you with its existence as you waited for the elusive "motivation" to tackle it?

Or, perhaps you have just embarked on a new fitness regime and you’re holding out for that Forrest Gump-esque kick of motivation to strike in order to get outside and go for a run.

These common scenarios illustrate a crucial truth: motivation often follows action, not the other way around.

While the desire to be productive might seem like the necessary precursor to action, waiting around for motivation can be a recipe for procrastination, stagnation, and even a lowering of self-esteem!

The laundry pile and daily exercise aren't the only victims of this motivation misconception though. We often delay starting projects, learning new skills, or pursuing goals because we lack the initial spark of inspiration. We believe that eventually, motivation will magically descend upon us, propelling us into action. However, this waiting game can be a trap that keeps us motionless and unfulfilled.

The truth is, motivation is a fickle friend, prone to fluctuations and fleeting moments. It can be ignited by external factors like a motivational speech or a compelling video, but it can just as easily wane in the face of challenges, setbacks, or simply the passing of time. Not to mention being heavily influenced by more innocuous biological factors like how tired or hungry we are.

So, faced with that knowledge, what can we do?

Well, without further ado, here are the top five reasons why taking action first, instead of waiting for motivation, is a more effective strategy for getting things done:

1. Action Fuels the Fires of Motivation

Often, the mere act of starting a task is the catalyst for motivation. The initial resistance you might feel melts away as you engage with the activity. Completing small, manageable steps creates a sense of accomplishment, building momentum and igniting a desire to continue. This positive feedback loop fuels further motivation, making it easier to stay engaged and complete the task. 

2. Learning Through Doing

We often overestimate the complexity of tasks when viewed through the lens of anticipation. This overestimation can lead to procrastination fuelled by fear and overwhelm. But by taking action, we can begin to break down

the task into smaller, manageable steps. As we progress, we gain valuable experience and learn new skills, building confidence and competence. This newfound knowledge and ability further fuel our motivation to continue.

3. The Power of Habit Formation

Consistency is, unsurprisingly, the cornerstone of achieving long-term goals. By taking action, even when we don't feel inherently motivated, we begin to establish positive habits, planting the seeds of routine in our daily lives. These habits, nurtured through consistent action, gradually transform into ingrained routines, making it significantly easier to persist even when the initial motivational spark fades. This not only simplifies goal pursuit but also frees up mental energy to tackle new challenges and opportunities.

4. Self-Efficacy Through Action

Action breeds self-efficacy, the belief in our ability to achieve desired outcomes. By taking initiative and completing tasks, we build a stronger sense of self-confidence and control over our lives. This belief in our own capabilities further motivates us to pursue our goals with greater enthusiasm. When you know that these small steps you take make a positive difference in your life, you nurture and grow a sense of autonomy, self-belief, and self-esteem.

5. Overcoming Procrastination

Waiting for motivation often leads to procrastination, the act of delaying or postponing a task or set of tasks. While it can be driven by a variety of factors, it is most commonly borne out of fear. Procrastination not only hinders progress but also creates feelings of guilt and anxiety, further perpetuating the cycle of inaction. Taking action first, however, circumvents this cycle and allows you to make tangible progress towards your goals. As Nike says "Just Do It".

Bonus Reason - Breaking the Law of Inertia

Imagine a heavy bowling ball sitting motionless on the ground. According to Newton's First Law of Motion, an object at rest tends to stay at rest unless acted upon by an external force. This principle applies not just to physical objects, but to our own motivation as well. Just like the ball, we can remain stuck in a state of inaction if we wait for the force of motivation to strike us. However, by simply taking the first step, we act as that external force required to propel ourselves into motion. This initial action, even if small, disrupts the inertia of inaction and sets the stage for the momentum of motivation to build. Once you get over that initial hurdle of taking the first step, the second phase of this law - an object in motion stays in motion - comes into effect. Remember, the act of starting often sparks the very motivation we believe is necessary to get things done.

It's important to acknowledge that action doesn't always equate to immediate results or unwavering enthusiasm. There will be moments when even after taking the first step, motivation might falter. However, it is during these moments that the true power of consistent action shines through. By persisting with the task, despite fluctuating motivation, you build resilience and develop a disciplined approach that serves you even when your internal spark feels dim (for more on this, see my blog post on the incredible compounding effects of discipline and consistency here).

Remember, you don't have to be "in the mood" to start. Sometimes, all it takes is taking the first small step, and the motivation will follow. Embrace the power of action, and watch your goals transform from distant aspirations to tangible achievements.