First published 1 May 2025

Is Waiting for Motivation Holding You Back?

Have you ever found yourself waiting for the “perfect moment” of motivation to strike before getting started on something important?

Or using a lack of motivation for staying stuck and doing not much of anything?

There seems to have been a running theme in my conversations this week, and so, like usual, I wanted to share some thoughts that may resonate for you too.
 

The Motivation Myth

We often believe we need to feel motivated before taking action. 

We wait for that magical/elusive surge of energy and enthusiasm to give us that kick to get started.

But here’s the real kicker: action creates motivation, not the other way round. You can have all the motivation in the world, all the grand plans and inspirational quotes pinned to your wall, or even tattooed on your skin, but without taking that first step – any step – nothing changes.

Likewise, even on days when motivation is nowhere to be found, taking small actions can create remarkable shifts. 

It just takes one step.

The Energy Perspective

In terms of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Five Elements theory, the relationship between action and motivation makes perfect sense:

• When we are stuck in inaction, we can experience Wood element stagnation—that frustrating feeling of being blocked or stifled.  Taking action, even small steps, helps move this energy.
• The Fire element drives our enthusiasm and passion, but it needs the fuel of action to burn.  Each action you take feeds this inner fire.
• The Earth element reminds us to stay grounded in practical reality rather than only floating in the realm of ideas.  It’s about doing the work, not just thinking about it.
• The Metal element teaches us the value of structure and discipline – doing what needs doing no matter how we feel about it.
• And the Water element reminds us that even the mightiest river begins with droplets – many small actions can grow into powerful momentum.

A Simple Practice

When working with clients using kinesiology, it’s common to find that unblocking the Liver meridian (Wood element) and strengthening the Heart meridian (Fire element) can help bridge the gap between intention and action.

But even without a formal session, you can support this energy yourself through simple practices:

1. The 1-Minute Rule: If something takes less than a minute to do, never mind writing it on your to-do list for later, do it immediately.  This builds your action muscle (of course, adding it to your done list after can add to the feel-good feeling!)
2. Morning Energy Activation: First thing in the morning, run your hands along your Liver meridian (starting at your big toe, running up the inside of your legs and torso to your rib cage)  to get energy flowing. (If you want the full cycle, get in touch and I can send you the details or find the video on the self-help page on my website!)
3. Heart Connection: Before a task you’re procrastinating on, place one hand on your heart centre for a few breaths, connecting with why this action matters to you.

Your Action Challenge

I’m curious: What ONE action, however small, will you commit to taking today? Not tomorrow. Not when you “feel ready.” Today.

Reply to this email or comment on our social channels with your action commitment. I’d love to hear from you, and your share might just inspire someone else who’s waiting for that motivation that never quite arrives.

Remember, we don’t have to feel our way into acting—we can act our way into feeling.

Until next week, keep taking those wee steps forward,

Angela.

P.S. If you’re feeling truly stuck between intention and action, perhaps it’s time for a session specifically tailored to you? I currently have only one appointment slot available next week (the week after has a little more availability).

Just message now to book yours.