We’ve all been there—wanting to work out, eat better, or take care of ourselves but waiting for that magical spark of motivation to make it happen. And when it doesn’t come, we blame ourselves. I just need more willpower. But if you’re struggling, it’s not because you’re lazy—it’s because motivation doesn’t just appear. If you’re looking for ways to motivate yourself, the key isn’t forcing willpower. It’s about getting clear on what you actually want and creating a plan that makes motivation easier.
This is something I had to learn the hard way. For years, my motivation was tied to pushing myself harder—working long hours, proving myself through achievements, and constantly adding to my resume. Until I burned out. I wasn’t unmotivated—I was exhausted.
And when you’re burned out, even the things you want to do feel impossible. In my Substack on burnout (Wellness as a Remedy: Overcoming Work Burnout Through Health Practices), I shared how I spent so much time chasing career success that my own health became an afterthought. The solution wasn’t forcing myself to “try harder.” It was reframing my approach.
So if you’ve been struggling to find motivation, you don’t need more willpower—you need a better starting point. Let’s take a step back and start at the real beginning: What do you actually want to change?
Ways to Motivate Yourself: Start by Defining Success
Most people say they want to “be healthier” or “get in shape.” But what does that actually mean? Are you looking to build strength? Improve endurance? Reduce stress? Feel better in your body? If you don’t know where you’re trying to go, no wonder motivation feels impossible—you’re wandering without direction.
This is something I explored in my blog on Defining Wellness. Many people assume they need sheer discipline to reach their goals, but the real driver of success is approach. You need to define what wellness actually looks like for youbefore motivation can take root.
If you’re feeling unmotivated, start here:
• What’s frustrating you about your current health or fitness?
• What would success look like six months from now?
• What do you actually enjoy when it comes to movement, nutrition, or wellness?
Instead of just saying, “I need to work out more,” get specific. Do you want to feel stronger in daily life? Have more energy for your work? Feel more connected to your body? When you define what success means to you, motivation follows.
Finding What Works: Motivation Through Exploration
Once you know what you actually want, the next step isn’t to force motivation—it’s to experiment and find what makes you feel good.
I learned this firsthand after my back surgery. I couldn’t run. I couldn’t lift. My usual methods for staying active weren’t options anymore, and for a while, I felt stuck. But instead of giving up, I used that time to explore movement in a new way:
• I tried yoga—not as a backup plan, but as a way to reconnect with my body.
• I reinvested in Pilates as a student, not just as a teacher, and it changed my perspective.
• I started walking—not as a lesser version of running, but as a stress-relieving activity in its own right.
• I never would have found these things if I hadn’t been forced to explore.
Too often, we get stuck in the belief that there’s only one right way to be fit. But the truth is, movement should fit you.If you don’t love the gym, don’t force it—try hiking, group fitness, or mobility work. If you hate running, don’t run—try lifting, swimming, or yoga. The more you experiment with ways to motivate yourself, the more likely you are to find something you actually enjoy.
The Power of Small Wins & Habit Stacking to Motivate Yourself
A big reason motivation fades is that we set ourselves up for failure by thinking we have to go all-in immediately. Instead, focus on small wins that build momentum.
One of the best ways to do this is habit stacking—instead of trying to carve out extra time for fitness, look for ways to enhance what you’re already doing.
• Take walking meetings during Zoom calls where you don’t need to be fully present.
• Do squats or push-ups while on your walk with your dog (hey they need time to sniff and explore anyways).
• Go through a few stretches or mobility movements (if you need ideas check out my Substack here) while waiting for your coffee to brew.
This takes the pressure off of finding a huge block of time for a workout. You’re integrating wellness into your life, not forcing it to be an extra chore.
Final Thoughts: Motivation Follows Clarity & Action
If you’ve been searching for ways to motivate yourself, the answer isn’t willpower—it’s clarity and action. The more you explore, the more you’ll find what excites you. And once you have a plan that actually fits your life, motivation gets a whole lot easier.
If you’re feeling stuck and don’t know where to start, let’s create a personalized roadmap together. Sign up for a Fitness Roadmap Call, where we’ll map out your goals and the best way to reach them—so motivation is never the thing holding you back again.
