How I Overcame the 'I Didn't Feel Like It' Trap

Breaking the Cycle of Inaction

For years, I found myself caught in a frustrating loop of inaction. I often would sit on my couch after a long day at work, endlessly scrolling through my phone—doom scrolling, to be specific—searching for a spark of motivation that never came. Whether it was hitting the gym, cooking dinner, or engaging socially, each activity felt like too much effort. Even the dream of landing my freelance job felt like a distant someday, not a reality I could reach.

Recognizing the Trap of Motivation

I repeatedly told myself, 'You should be doing more.' And yet, despite this inner dialogue, nothing ever changed because I wasn’t changing. It hit me one day: the thought of needing to feel motivated is a trap. I was waiting for the magical moment when energy and enthusiasm would strike, but that moment never came. This realization was a game changer.

Action Over Motivation

Then, I decided to test a new approach: I would adopt one tiny habit. Instead of overwhelming myself with grand goals, I opted for small actions. Whether it was a quick workout or a simple meal prep, I took one actionable step each day. And guess what? Taking action created momentum—motivation followed when I started doing something, no matter how small.

Now, when I face those days where I don’t feel like it, I challenge myself to do it anyway. This simple shift transformed my mindset. I learned that taking that initial step often leads to a cascade of productivity and fulfillment. Breaking free from inaction is possible. All it takes is a willingness to step beyond the comfort of waiting and jump into action.

Next time you find yourself thinking, 'I don’t feel like it,' remember that motivation is just one piece of the puzzle. It often shows up after the hard part—after you start moving. So, embrace the tiny habit approach, and watch how quickly your inaction turns into progress!