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The Shocking Truth About Motivation

(Why You Don’t Need to Feel Ready. You Need to Move.)

The “Cult of Hustle” says motivation is everything.
“Hollow Wellness” says wait until you feel inspired.
Both are wrong, and both keep people stuck.

I learned this the hard way.

When I waited for motivation and got nowhere

Two years ago, I decided to get serious about my health. I had a gym membership for an entire year and never went. I always felt too tired or too stressed. I kept waiting for the day I would finally “feel like it.” That day never came.

Then I read an article that said motivation doesn’t come before action. It comes after. That idea challenged me. The more I thought about it, the more I realized it was true. Even Jesus expressed deep sorrow and distress before going to the cross, yet He still stepped forward. His obedience came before the feeling.

So I tried something different. I stopped waiting for motivation and took action anyway. I went to the gym even when I didn’t want to. That small step rewired something inside me. I began returning consistently. Movement created momentum. Obedience created desire.

Now, whenever I want to see progress in any area of my life, I start even if I feel nothing. Action leads. Emotion follows.

Scripture has been saying this all along

Proverbs 16:3 — “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”

Notice the order. Work comes first. Motivation and clarity come later. Commit the action, and direction becomes clear.

This is the same pattern the brain follows.

What neuroscience actually reveals

Research shows motivation rarely begins the effort. Effort creates motivation.

When you take action, even in small steps, the brain releases dopamine. This dopamine reinforces the behavior and tells your mind, “Do that again.”

It forms a simple loop:

• Effort first
• Dopamine next
• Motivation grows
• More action follows

Small wins create more drive than distant goals.

The saints taught this truth long before science

St. Theophan the Recluse wrote, “Begin. Only begin. When you act, you will feel the stirrings of grace.”

Grace often arrives after obedience. Action opens the door.

Why we feel stuck

Most people believe motivation must come first. That belief creates:

• procrastination
• discouragement
• quitting when the feeling fades

The truth is simple.
You do not wait for motivation.
You train it through action.

A simple practice for today

• Pick one small task you have been avoiding.
• Set a five-minute timer.
• Work until the timer ends, then stop.

This small effort triggers the dopamine loop.
Your brain learns that doing the work feels good.
Momentum begins to grow.

Why this matters for professionals

The “Cult of Hustle” burns people out by chasing hype.
“Hollow Wellness” keeps people passive by chasing moods.

Blue Church Living offers a calmer way.
Move first. Trust God. Let grace and biology carry you forward.

You do not need motivation to begin. Once you begin, motivation will follow.