It’s Not a Motivation Problem
By Silvana La Pegna
If you’ve ever told yourself “I just need to get motivated,” there’s a good chance you’ve misdiagnosed the problem.
It’s one of the most common explanations most people reach for when progress slows or stalls. You might assume that if you could just want it more, or push a little harder you’ll start moving on it.
But it’s rarely a motivation problem.
What often looks like low motivation is actually mental overload.
Research shows that when we carry too many demands, decisions, or uncertainties at once, the brain shifts into a protective mode. Energy drops and so does our drive. Initiative becomes harder to access because our system is experiencing decision fatigue!
Each decision we make draws on limited mental resources. When those resources are depleted, your ability to initiate action declines.
Motivation tends to show up when three things are in place: you feel you have choice, you feel capable, and you feel like you’re heading somewhere that matters. When one of those drops away, motivation usually does too.
That’s why telling yourself to “push through it” often backfires.
But what you actually need is space.
That space comes from pausing long enough to stop reacting to every demand at once. With fewer inputs pulling you in different directions, your mind can reorganise and prioritise.
When clarity returns, motivation usually follows and the most obvious sign is you’ll feel ready and willing to take action.
If you’d like my support, there are two ways I can help you.
- You can book a conversation with me.
- Join my weekly event Monday Meditation that helps settle noisy minds. Register for a guest pass to try it for free!
References
Baumeister, R. F., Vohs, K. D., Tice, D. M. (2007). The strength model of self-control. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 16(6), 351–355.
Baumeister, R. F., & Tierney, J. (2011). Willpower: Rediscovering the greatest human strength. Penguin Press.
Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The “what” and “why” of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227–268.
Pignatiello, G. A., Martin, R. J., & Hickman, R. L. (2020). Decision fatigue: A conceptual analysis. Journal of Health Psychology, 25(1), 123–135.
Sweller, J. (1988). Cognitive load during problem solving: Effects on learning. Cognitive Science, 12(2), 257–285.
