The “I don’t feel like it” death loop

“I don’t feel like it.”

I’ve said this to myself so many times in my life it’s depressing to think about.

Motivation is hard to muster; forcing yourself out of bed, or to the gym, or to write that f*cking blogpost.

We know we need to do the work, but we don’t feel like it. We’ll do it when we’re inspired.

The problem with this approach is that you can’t control when you feel inspired to do what needs doing.

Sometimes it’s tomorrow. Or late at night. Or never.

But there’s a solution.

We think we need to feel like it to do it. And it always happens in that order. Inspiration>motivation>action. But that’s wrong.

Action causes inspiration, just like feeling like it (inspiration) causes motivation.

It’s a circle, not a straight line.

…action > inspiration > motivation > action > inspiration…

You get it.

As you get started you’ll feel more inspired by your effort. And then you’ll be motivated to continue.

Going to the gym (action) makes you feel good (inspiration), giving you fuel to keep going (motivation).

Next time you find yourself dreading something, just start.

Be callous. Ignore your feelings. Blitz past your reasons not to. Skip the line and start with action.

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Photo by Kyle Glenn on Unsplash