Story of the Week
Why Motivation Fades (and What to Do About It)
Motivation is like a spark — it gets you going, but it never lasts forever. The real secret to building habits and keeping a streak alive is learning how to show up even when you don’t feel like it.
James Clear talks about this in Atomic Habits. I reinforce the same idea in my own book, Lean Learning. And now, I want to bring it back to you here. Forget the science for a moment — here’s what’s actually helped me, and what you can try too:
1. Lower the Bar on Hard Days
You don’t have to be amazing every day. On the tough days, just do something. If you can’t record a 5-minute video, record a 30-second one. If you can’t write a full post, jot down a single idea. The goal is to keep the streak alive, not to be perfect.
2. Change Your State
Sometimes, a quick change of environment or a burst of movement can reset your energy. Go for a walk, stretch, or even just move to a different room. Shifting your body can shift your mind.
3. Remember Your Why
Take a moment to remind yourself why you started this habit in the first place. Is it to build a business? Help others? Prove something to yourself? Reconnecting with your bigger purpose is often enough to get you moving.
4. Use the “Just 5 Minutes” Rule
Promise yourself you’ll work on your habit for just 5 minutes. Most of the time, getting started is the hardest part. Once you begin, momentum usually takes over.
5. Celebrate Consistency, Not Intensity
Progress is about showing up, not showing off. Every time you follow through — especially on the hard days — you’re building the muscle that will carry you through the rest of the challenge (and beyond).
Your Challenge
Next time you hit a “don’t feel like it” day, try one of these tactics. And if you’re in the 30-Day Video Challenge, remember: the streak is more important than the size of the effort. Keep showing up, even if it’s just a little.
Here’s to building habits that last — even on the tough days!
