Motivation Comes After Movement

I used to think I had to wait until I felt better to get things done.

But the longer I waited, the worse I felt.

Eventually, I realized that doing something was the only thing that ever pulled me out of a depressive slump, even if it seemed like a meaningless task. The further behind I was on something, the better it felt to make progress in it. The more I moved, the clearer my head became, and the more I felt compelled to keep going.

Recently, I found out there’s actually a bit of neuroscience behind this.

Taking action, even in tiny steps, triggers your brain’s dopamine system. It doesn’t just make you feel good, it chemically teaches your brain that effort is worth repeating.

Each bit of progress builds momentum, and that momentum becomes motivation.

One of my favorite boxers, and current global boxing king, Oleksandr Usyk, says he doesn’t believe he possesses motivation to train for boxing. Rather, he says he has discipline. When he does what he’s supposed to, he feels better and becomes motivated by it... a lesson backed by neuroscience (and hella grit; go watch his fights).

So if you’re waiting to feel ready, you might consider starting now anyway, because the truth is that the mental stamina doesn’t come before the action.

Movement creates balance, both physically and chemically.

Be kind to yourself today.
We're all working on something.