Struggling with Motivation? Kiss Motivation Goodbye!

Does it surprise you that sometimes I don't want to sit down and record these videos? It's not that I don't love you, and it's not that I don't have anything to say. It's just motivation, right? If you're struggling with motivation, productivity, self-discipline, or focus, that's what I want to talk about in the next few minutes.

What do you do when you are less than motivated to do what you know you need to do? Here's the question that got me to finally lock in and sit down to create this content: What are you avoiding?

The Power of Facing Avoidance

What are you avoiding? What could you be doing—or should you be doing—right now instead of watching this video?

For some of us, it's enough to realize that we are intentionally avoiding the task that would eliminate the stress and pressure we feel. As soon as we get it done, we feel better. I know that as soon as I finish this video, I’ll feel 100% better and lighter because this is the number one priority I set out to accomplish today.

For others, it takes more than just asking, "What am I avoiding?" Another question that might help is this: What will happen if I continue to avoid what I know I need to do?

The Consequences of Procrastination

When we avoid tasks, we procrastinate. We think, “I’ll just do it later.” But what actually happens? The task becomes harder to do tomorrow. Why? Because you now have to do the task you should have done today, along with everything else you need to do tomorrow. That's how work builds up.

You've probably experienced this before. When your to-do list grows longer, you feel less capable and more unmotivated to start. Sometimes, the list gets so long that you don’t even know where to begin—so you don’t start at all.

The truth is, no time is going to be easier to get the task done than now. You really only have two options: do the task now (which is hard) or do it later (which will be harder).

Hard Now or Harder Later

Does it help to hear that you always have these two options: hard now or harder later? Think about it.

Now, here’s a last thought on motivation: Motivation is a flirt.

Motivation is like the boy you like who gives you an emotional high. He makes you feel on top of the world, like you can do anything. But then, next week, he’s talking to someone else. Motivation feels great, but it’s unreliable. It’s uncommitted to you.

So, you shouldn’t wait to feel motivated to live your life or get things done.

The Reality of Motivation

If you set a goal in December or early January, you might already feel your motivation wearing off. You may not feel as energized about the goal you set in mid-January as you did when you first set it.

Motivation doesn’t last long. As leaders, you have to learn to operate, be productive, and stay focused—even when you don’t feel like doing the things you know you need to do.

The Challenge

What’s the goal you know you want to achieve? Maybe it’s good for you, or it might even be required—like passing a class or doing well on a test. You know you’d feel so much better once it’s done.

Here’s your challenge—and mine: Let motivation go. Let it flirt with other people. Your success is not dependent on how you feel.

If you're ready to take this challenge to kiss motivation goodbye, please like this video and share it with friends who could benefit.

A Personal Reflection

At the time of this recording, there are multiple fires raging in Southern California, where I live. I know people who have been directly impacted. Everyone I know seems to know someone affected by these fires. It feels like COVID all over again—devastating.

Sitting down to carry on with life and work as usual didn’t feel right. For several days, I let go of my normal routines to give myself the emotional space to empathize with those who are hurting and to process my feelings about what’s happening in my state.

But after a few days, I realized this wasn’t serving anyone—not the people affected by the fires, not my students, and not the parents I work with. Moving forward at less-than-productive levels doesn’t help.

Shifting the Mindset

So, I decided to address what I’ve been struggling with: motivation. By sharing how I’ve been trying to shift my mindset—not relying on motivation to get my work done—I hope it helps you too.

If you’ve been impacted by these fires, know that my heart and prayers go out to you. If there’s anything I can do to support you, especially if I know you personally, please call, text, or email me at b[email protected]. I would love to support you.