Hey there. Motivation is probably one of the most overrated terms in health and fitness. People talk about it all the time as if it is the key to success. But if you are waiting for motivation to show up every day, you are setting yourself up for disappointment.
Motivation comes and goes. You might feel excited for a few days, maybe even a couple of weeks when you start something new. But eventually, that feeling fades. If you are relying on motivation alone, you will find yourself stuck, waiting for the right mood or the right burst of energy to take action. And that is not a sustainable way to build long-term habits.
What actually matters is action. The best thing you can do is focus on the small, consistent steps you take every day. And one of the easiest ways to do this is by planning ahead. I do not trust myself to just remember everything I need to do when I am building a new habit. That is why I put everything in a calendar.
If you are working on a goal, start scheduling it. Set reminders for when you will do your workouts, meal prep, or any other action that moves you forward. And do not just schedule the exact amount of time you think you need. Give yourself extra time. If you think it will take five minutes to make lunch, schedule ten. If your workout should take 30 minutes, plan for 45. Giving yourself that buffer helps remove stress and makes it easier to stick to your routine.
Over time, these actions become habits. And when habits start stacking on top of each other, they form routines. That is what builds real progress, not bursts of motivation.
So instead of waiting to feel inspired, focus on what you can do today. Schedule it, follow through, and let your actions build the momentum you need.
If you are ready to take this approach and build a solid process for your health and fitness, consider joining The YLF Experience. It is where we take these ideas and turn them into action with structure, support, and guidance.