MOTIVATION MYTH
The Motivation Myth: Why Waiting to ‘Feel Like It’ Is Keeping You Stuck After 40
If you’re a woman over 40, you’ve likely experienced it: standing in front of your workout clothes, staring at your kitchen counter, or scrolling through health tips, thinking, “I’ll do it when I feel motivated.” The truth is, waiting to “feel like it” is one of the biggest reasons many women stay stuck, frustrated, and far from their health goals.
Why motivation isn’t what you think
Motivation is a fleeting feeling, not a constant force. It ebbs and flows with your energy levels, stress, and mood. Relying on motivation as your main driver is like waiting for perfect weather to go for a walk—sometimes it never comes. After 40, life often becomes busier, energy can dip, and your body may respond differently than it did in your 20s or 30s. If you wait to feel like it, you may never start—or worse, you may start inconsistently and get discouraged.
Action creates motivation, not the other way around
The most successful transformations don’t happen because someone felt like it every day—they happen because they committed to showing up, even when they didn’t feel like it. Action fuels momentum. Momentum fuels motivation. When you take a small step—even a tiny one—your brain releases dopamine, a natural feel-good chemical. Suddenly, motivation starts to follow action, not precede it.
How to stop waiting and start building momentum
Set micro-goals
Big goals like “lose 10 kilos” or “exercise every day” can feel overwhelming. Break them into small, achievable actions. For example, commit to a 10-minute walk, prepping one healthy meal, or drinking more water today. Small wins build confidence and make bigger changes feel possible.Anchor habits to your daily routine
Habit stacking works wonders. Tie new habits to things you already do, like stretching after brushing your teeth or doing squats while waiting for your coffee to brew. Linking actions to existing routines makes them automatic and removes the “decision fatigue” that often kills motivation.Focus on consistency, not perfection
You don’t need to be perfect to see results. Show up, do the work, and let small, consistent actions accumulate. After 40, your body may respond more slowly than it did in your 20s, but consistent effort is far more effective than sporadic bursts of “motivation-fueled” activity.Create external accountability
Sometimes internal motivation isn’t enough. Tell a friend, join a class, or work with a coach who can help keep you on track. Accountability creates structure and encourages action even when motivation is low.Celebrate the process, not just the outcome
Shift your focus from “I want to lose X kilos” to “I am showing up for my health and energy today.” Celebrate small victories—consistency, effort, and progress. Motivation grows when you notice and reward your own dedication.
The bottom line
Waiting to “feel like it” keeps your goals out of reach. The secret is simple: start before you’re ready, take consistent action, and let motivation catch up. After 40, building habits that stick is far more powerful than waiting for inspiration to strike. By taking small, intentional steps every day, you create momentum that drives real, lasting change—without relying on motivation to appear like magic.
Takeaway: Your actions, not your feelings, create results. Start today, even if you don’t “feel like it,” and watch motivation become a natural byproduct of consistent effort.