How many times have you told yourself, "I'll do it when I feel motivated"? Whether it's starting that new project, hitting the gym, making that important phone call, or finally tackling your to-do list, we often wait for a magical surge of motivation to propel us into action. But what if this entire concept of "waiting for motivation" is fundamentally flawed? According to bestselling author and speaker Mel Robbins, motivation isn't just elusive; she boldly states that motivation is a lie.
This isn't to say motivation doesn't exist, but rather that relying on it as a prerequisite for action is a recipe for stagnation and unfulfilled potential. This article will debunk the biggest myth about motivation and reveal what truly drives high achievers. Discover:
🚫 Why waiting for motivation is the primary reason you're feeling stuck.
✅ What to do instead to consistently take action (it's far simpler than you think).
📈 The real strategy high achievers use to get things done, regardless of how they feel.
As Mel Robbins powerfully puts it in the script snippet: "You'll never feel like doing hard things - that's normal. Successful people act BEFORE they feel motivated. That's the secret you weren't taught." Let's unravel this "secret" and learn how to break free from the motivation trap.
The Myth of Motivation: Why We Get It Wrong
We’ve been conditioned to believe that motivation is an internal feeling that precedes action. We think: "If I just felt like it, I would..." This belief system creates a passive waiting game. We wait for inspiration to strike, for the mood to be right, for that elusive spark.
The problem?
Motivation is Unreliable: Feelings are fickle. They come and go based on our mood, energy levels, external circumstances, and even the weather. Relying on something so inconsistent to drive important actions is a setup for failure.
The Brain's Bias Towards Comfort: Our brains are wired to conserve energy and avoid discomfort (as discussed in the "comfort zone" concept). Difficult, new, or challenging tasks inherently create a degree of discomfort. Your brain will naturally resist these, meaning you'll rarely "feel like" doing them. Waiting for motivation to do something hard is often waiting for a feeling that will never spontaneously arrive.
Motivation Often Follows Action: This is the critical insight. We have it backward. It's not "feel motivated -> act." It's often "act -> feel motivated." Taking a small step, making progress, and experiencing a sense of accomplishment are what generate feelings of motivation to continue.
Waiting for motivation is like waiting for the wind to fill your sails when you haven't even put the boat in the water.
What to Do Instead: The Power of "Activation Energy" and Simple Tools
If motivation isn't the answer, what is? Mel Robbins champions a far more practical and reliable approach: activate yourself. It’s about generating "activation energy" – that initial push required to start something.
Here's what to do instead of waiting for motivation:
Acknowledge You Won't "Feel Like It":
The first step is radical acceptance. Accept that, for most important or challenging tasks, you probably won't feel like doing them. As Mel says, "That's normal." Stop beating yourself up for not feeling motivated. This frees you from the guilt and allows you to focus on what you can control: your actions.
Use a "Starting Ritual" or "Activation Trigger":
Since you can't rely on feelings, you need a system to bypass them. This is where tools like Mel Robbins' 5-Second Rule (count 5-4-3-2-1 and PHYSICALLY MOVE) become indispensable.
The 5-Second Rule acts as an "activation trigger." It interrupts hesitation and the brain's tendency to talk you out of things.
The countdown creates a brief window to launch yourself into action before your feelings (or lack thereof) can take over.
Other starting rituals could be putting on your running shoes (even if you don't feel like running yet), opening your laptop to a blank document, or simply telling yourself, "Just five minutes."
Focus on the Action, Not the Feeling:
Shift your mental focus from "How do I feel about this?" to "What is the very next, smallest physical action I need to take?" Break the task down into an almost ridiculously small first step.
Instead of "Write the report," it's "Open the document."
Instead of "Go to the gym," it's "Put on your gym clothes."
Instead of "Clean the kitchen," it's "Clear one counter."
This makes the initial activation energy required much lower.
Embrace "Action Before Motivation":
This is the core truth. You don't need to feel good to get going. You need to get going to feel good. Force yourself, gently but firmly, to take that first step.
How High Achievers Actually Get Things Done
Contrary to popular belief, highly successful people don't walk around in a constant state of euphoric motivation. They have off days, feel tired, and face resistance just like everyone else. The difference lies in their response to these feelings.
They Rely on Discipline and Systems, Not Moods:
High achievers understand that feelings are unreliable. Instead, they build systems, routines, and habits that ensure they take action consistently, regardless of their motivational state. They have non-negotiable daily practices.
They Act Despite Not Feeling Like It:
This is the "secret" Mel Robbins points out. They have trained themselves to override their initial lack of desire. They know that the feeling of accomplishment and, yes, even motivation, will often kick in after they’ve started.
They Understand the Power of Momentum:
They know that getting started is the hardest part. Once they take that first step, momentum begins to build. Each small action makes the next one easier. This creates a positive feedback loop where action fuels further action (and sometimes, even a feeling of motivation).
They "Eat the Frog":
A concept popularized by Brian Tracy, this means tackling their most difficult or dreaded task first. They don't wait to feel motivated to do it; they get it out of the way, which then creates a sense of accomplishment and frees up mental energy for other tasks.
They Connect Actions to a Deeper "Why":
While they don't wait for fleeting motivation, high achievers are often driven by a larger purpose, a compelling vision, or strong values. This deeper "why" can provide the underlying drive to push through when immediate motivation is absent. However, even with a strong "why," they still need to employ strategies to initiate daily actions.
Breaking Free: Practical Steps to Implement Today
Identify ONE Thing You've Been Putting Off: What's that task you're waiting to "feel like" doing?
Acknowledge the Lack of Motivation: Say to yourself, "I don't feel like doing this, and that's okay. I'm going to do it anyway."
Apply the 5-Second Rule: When it's time to start, count 5-4-3-2-1 and physically move towards starting that task.
Focus on Just Starting (The First 5 Minutes): Tell yourself you only have to work on it for five minutes. More often than not, once you start, you'll keep going.
Notice How You Feel After Taking Action: Pay attention to the sense of relief, accomplishment, or even emerging motivation once you've begun or completed the task. This reinforces the "action creates motivation" principle.
The Liberating Truth
The idea that "motivation is a lie" isn't meant to be discouraging; it's incredibly liberating. It means you don't have to be a victim of your fleeting feelings. You have the power to act, to create, to achieve, regardless of whether you "feel like it" in the moment.
By understanding that successful people don't possess some magical, ever-present motivation but instead rely on discipline, systems, and the courage to act before they feel ready, you can adopt the same strategies.
Stop waiting for motivation to strike. It's an unreliable friend. Instead, become a person of action. Use tools like the 5-Second Rule, focus on the smallest first step, and trust that the feeling of accomplishment, and perhaps even that elusive motivation, will follow the effort. That, as Mel Robbins teaches, is the true secret to getting things done and unlocking your potential.
