"Don't expect to be motivated every day to get out there and make things happen"

We can't always count on feeling motivated. Some days, getting out of bed feels like an uphill battle, let alone tackling our dreams and goals. The core idea here is straightforward: don't rely on motivation alone to drive you forward. Motivation is fickle, like a friend who shows up late to the party—sometimes it’s there, and sometimes it’s not. What really matters is consistency and discipline.

This idea isn't new. Think back to ancient times when the Roman philosopher Seneca talked about the importance of willpower over fleeting emotions. Or consider the words of modern self-help gurus who emphasize habits over motivation. It’s the same message threaded through different fabrics of history: motivation is great, but it's not dependable.

Take athletes, for example. Think about Olympic swimmers who train for years for a shot at glory. They don’t wake up every morning bursting with enthusiasm to dive into a cold pool at 5 AM. But they do it anyway. Michael Phelps, one of the greatest swimmers of all time, has often spoken about the grueling routines and how he didn't always feel like showing up. But he did because he knew it was the only way to reach the top.

So, how do you apply this wisdom? Start by building routines. Make a habit out of the things you want to achieve. If you dream of writing a book, write a little every day—rain or shine, inspired or not. Habits don’t require you to feel a certain way; they just need you to act. Set small, manageable goals. Instead of saying “I’ll write a chapter today,” aim for a page. Small steps are easier to take consistently.

Now, picture this: you're a young entrepreneur with a passion for baking. You dream of opening your own bakery, but after the initial excitement, you hit a slump. You don’t feel like testing recipes or working on your business plan. What do you do? You bake anyway. You set a routine—maybe two new recipes a week. You commit to working on your business plan for 30 minutes a day. Some days, the kitchen feels like your playground; other days, it's just a room with an oven. But you keep at it. Over time, you start seeing progress. Your skills improve, your business plan takes shape, and eventually, your bakery doors open.

It’s like a friend of mine who wanted to get fit. She didn’t always feel like hitting the gym—especially those cold, dark winter mornings. But she made a pact with herself. She set her gym clothes out the night before, set an early alarm, and just went. Sometimes she had great workouts, other times she just went through the motions. But she went. And you know what? She got in great shape not because she was always motivated, but because she was consistent.

In the end, it's about showing up. Even when you don't feel like it. Even when the bed feels too cozy and the world too harsh. Because success isn’t built on moments of high energy and enthusiasm; it’s built on the mundane, everyday acts of persistence. So, don’t wait for motivation to strike. Get out there and make things happen, one small step at a time.