The Myth of Motivation: Why You Don’t Need It to Get Things Done

Motivation. That fleeting spark we all believe is the cure-all for productivity.

There’s a romantic notion that one day we’ll wake up, struck by an epiphany so electrifying that we suddenly write novels, nail workouts, and crush our to-do lists—all in a caffeinated blur of inspiration.

But here’s the harsh, unfiltered truth, my friend: motivation isn’t your knight in shining armour. And waiting around for it? That’s a guaranteed one-way ticket to Procrastination Station (no return fare, sorry).

Productivity’s real MVP? It’s not motivation; it’s discipline—a less flashy, but far more reliable sidekick.

And in today’s newsletter, we’re breaking down why motivation is overrated, why discipline gets the job done, and how you can turn action into a self-sustaining habit.

Grab a cuppa – we’re going in!

What is Motivation, Really?

Ah, motivation. It’s the glossy Instagram influencer of the self-help world—attractive, addictive, and utterly unreliable.

At its core, motivation is that emotional drive that nudges you to take action. Its psychological underpinnings are rooted in the anticipation of reward.

You get excited about hitting the gym (finally) because you imagine that future six-pack.

But here’s the thing: motivation is fickle. It ebbs and flows like British weather on a bank holiday weekend.

It’s also often tied to external factors—watching a rousing TED Talk, scrolling through #Fitspiration, or clutching that first overly ambitious coffee of the day.

It feels great in the moment, but it never sticks around long enough to matter.

Common Misconceptions About Motivation

Motivation = Productivity

This is classic wishful thinking. Being motivated doesn’t always lead to action. You can feel jazzed about a project without actually doing a thing—been there, bookmarked that.

You’ll Feel Motivated Enough Eventually

Spoiler alert: no, you won’t. Waiting for motivation to strike is like waiting for a bus on an out-of-service route. You can stand there all day if you like, but you’re the one losing time.

Motivation is the Solution to Everything

Sure, motivation has its place. But relying on it is like gambling your entire salary on one questionable horse at the races. The odds? Not in your favour.

Getting Things Done Without Motivation

If motivation is a flake, then discipline is its dependable older sibling—the one who remembers everyone’s birthdays and shows up to help you move house.

Discipline is built through habits, routines, and a bit of gritty determination. It’s not sexy, but it works.

The Discipline of Greats

Take legendary author Stephen King, for instance.

He writes 2,000 words a day, come rain, shine or a bad case of writer’s block.

Is he motivated every day?

Doubtful.

But his routine makes it possible.

Or consider athletes like Serena Williams, who trains diligently whether she “feels like it” or not.

They don’t wait for motivation; they build systems that trigger action.

The message?

Doing the work trumps waiting for inspiration.

How to Build Unshakable Discipline

Forget the motivational posters and start building habits that remove the need for spurts of inspiration.

Here’s how:

1. Start Small and Stay Consistent

Ever heard the phrase, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time”?

Break down big goals into smaller, manageable steps. Writing a book becomes “write 200 words daily”.

Achievable wins build momentum.

2. Create a Routine

Establish a time and place for your work. Willpower is finite, but routines become second nature.

If you always write after your morning coffee or exercise at 6 PM sharp, it stops feeling like a choice and starts feeling automatic.

3. Set Realistic Goals

Yes, be ambitious—but keep it realistic.

Instead of, “I’ll finish my website by tonight,” try, “I’ll write three key pages this week.”

Avoid setting yourself up for failure—your ego (and future self) will thank you.

4. Use the Two-Minute Rule

Commit to just two minutes of a task to get started. Often, the hardest part is simply beginning.

Once you’ve started, inertia usually carries you forward.

5. Find Intrinsic Rewards

External rewards are lovely, but short-lived. Seek intrinsic motivation—the joy of the process itself or personal growth.

If you find meaning in the task (even if it’s just pride in finishing), success feels much more rewarding.

Fighting the Discipline Doldrums

Of course, discipline isn’t exactly sunshine and rainbows.

The slog is real, and obstacles like procrastination and burnout are lurking. Here’s how to stay on track:

Burnout Busters: Schedule proper breaks (No, scrolling TikTok at your desk doesn’t count).

Practice self-care: Mindfulness, exercise, or even a Netflix binge (guilt-free!) can recharge your batteries.

Procrastination Hack: Pretend you’re interviewing yourself for a documentary about your future success. Would Future You be proud that Present You binge-watched YouTube videos of animals sneezing instead of finishing your pitch deck?

The Motivation-Action Feedback Loop

Here’s the twist no one tells you about motivation—it doesn’t come first.

Action creates motivation, not the other way around.

This is what we call the Motivation-Action Loop.

Start doing, and the satisfaction of progress fuels motivation to keep going. It’s a positive cycle that builds on itself.

Think of it as starting a car.

Taking action (even if it’s tiny) is the ignition key, and motivation is the full tank of petrol that keeps you running.

Are You Finally Over Motivation?

Motivation is like that unreliable mate who cancels plans at the last minute—fun when they’re around but far too flaky to rely on.

Discipline, on the other hand, might not be Insta-glamorous, but it puts in the work (literally).

Start small, build routines that stick, and take action even when the mood hasn’t RSVP’d.

Action beats intention every time.

PS – If you like this blog please time the time to share it with a friend or colleague! It really helps!