As entrepreneurs, we’ve all been there: staring at our to-do lists, knowing there’s important work to be done, but feeling the urge to avoid it. We keep thinking, “I’ll get to it when I feel motivated.” The problem is that this mindset often leads to endless procrastination. So, what’s the secret to staying motivated and productive—especially on those days when you just don’t feel like it?
It’s a common misconception that motivation is the key to success. The truth? Motivation follows action, not the other way around.
If you wait for motivation to kick in before you take action, you’ll likely stay stuck. Think about it—when we wait for motivation, we are essentially waiting for the perfect moment to get started. But the perfect moment rarely comes. Instead of waiting for motivation to strike, the most successful entrepreneurs rely on something far more powerful: momentum.
Momentum is what keeps you moving forward even when motivation is nowhere to be found. The key to building momentum is simple: you have to start—even when you don’t feel like it. And once you get the ball rolling, it becomes easier to keep going.
So, how can you start building momentum when you feel like doing anything but working?
Here are a few practical strategies to get you started:
1. Commit to Just 5 Minutes.
One of the best ways to overcome the feeling of being stuck is to break the task down into a tiny, manageable chunk. Often, we think we need to dive into a big project or spend hours on it to make a dent. But this can feel overwhelming, and it’s one of the reasons we procrastinate. Instead, commit to just 5 minutes of focused action.
Start with something small. It could be as simple as writing a single sentence, making one phone call, or setting a timer for a short period of focused work. The beauty of this is that once you start—even with just 5 minutes—you’ll likely find it easier to continue. The key is not to worry about how much you need to do, but simply getting started.
Most people are surprised to find that once they commit to those 5 minutes, they end up working for much longer. Momentum builds as you start, and before you know it, you’ve made significant progress.
2. Create a Consistent Routine.
One of the greatest ways to ensure that you take consistent action is to create a routine. Relying on motivation to get started each day is like trying to catch lightning in a bottle—it’s unpredictable. Instead, build a routine where action is required at the same time each day.
When you create a routine, your brain gets conditioned to expect action. You’re not relying on “feeling motivated”; instead, you’ve already built the structure that gets you into work mode. Whether it’s a morning routine, a scheduled work block in the afternoon, or a consistent evening ritual, routine becomes the backbone of your success.
For example, you could dedicate the first 30 minutes of your day to high-priority tasks, or maybe you reserve your afternoons for deep work. Over time, you’ll notice that you don’t need to wait for motivation anymore. Your body and mind will be trained to take action as soon as you hit the routine trigger.
Consistency doesn’t have to be rigid, but having a structured time to focus on work helps create an environment where action becomes automatic.
3. Track Progress Visually.
The human brain is wired to respond to progress. We love to see how far we’ve come. And when we track our progress visually, it not only motivates us to keep going, but it also gives us the energy to take the next step.
You can track progress in several simple ways:
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Checklists: Nothing feels better than crossing off tasks.
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Habit Trackers: Use a daily habit tracker to monitor your progress.
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Progress Charts: Seeing your progress chart slowly fill up is incredibly rewarding.
Visual tracking reinforces the habit of taking action. It helps you focus on the positive momentum you’ve built, rather than getting bogged down by how much is still left to do.
Imagine checking off small victories throughout the day. Even if you haven’t finished everything, those visual cues serve as a reminder of how much you’ve accomplished. And seeing progress—no matter how small—will continue to drive you forward.
4. Use the Power of Small Wins to Build Confidence.
One of the reasons motivation fades is because we often look at our goals as huge mountains that feel insurmountable. But what if you shifted your focus to the small wins along the way? Small wins provide a sense of accomplishment and build confidence.
When you start focusing on winning little battles throughout the day, the pressure of completing the entire project doesn’t seem so daunting. This doesn’t just apply to business, either—this can work in your personal life too. Win the small battles first, and the larger ones will follow.
Small Wins = Big Results.
5. Embrace the Power of Focused Time Blocks.
Working in focused time blocks—often referred to as the Pomodoro Technique—is a great way to make the most of your time. The Pomodoro Technique consists of working in blocks of 25–30 minutes, followed by short breaks. This simple method eliminates the need for motivation by focusing on the task at hand in small chunks.
The beauty of this technique is that it removes any ambiguity. You know exactly what you need to do and for how long, making it easier to get started. Plus, the breaks give you a mental reset, so you can maintain focus over a longer period.
The Bottom Line: Motivation Is Unreliable. Momentum Is Key.
At the end of the day, motivation is a fickle friend. It can come and go, and often it seems to elude us when we need it the most. But momentum? That’s what creates lasting success. Momentum is what helps you stay on track and keeps you moving forward, even when the desire to work is nowhere in sight.
The secret isn’t to wait around for motivation to strike; it’s to build momentum by taking consistent action. And once you get started, the motivation follows.
If you want to make progress every day—no matter how small it might seem—focus on creating the momentum that will carry you through. Start small, stay consistent, and track your progress. With this approach, you’ll find yourself building unstoppable momentum, one small action at a time.
So, the next time you find yourself waiting for motivation to start, remember this: Action breeds momentum, and momentum creates success.