Motivation Is Just a Myth - Learn the Key to Real Success

Motivation is one of those words we often hear in the context of success. "You have to be motivated and everything will work out". - how many times have you heard something like that? I myself used to believe that motivation was the key to achieving dreams. However, life quickly verified these beliefs. Today, I know that motivation is only part of the puzzle and that success requires more than that.

As Eleanor Roosevelt said:

We gain strength, courage and confidence through every experience where we really face the fear head-on... we have to do what seems impossible."

It was change and discipline that opened doors for me that I didn't even know existed.

Motivation - why is it not enough?

Motivation is like a spark - it lights a fire and gives excitement to start with. But what happens next? The fire goes out quickly if we don't fuel it with action, routine and the right structure.

According to a Stanford University study, 70% people who start new projects lose motivation within the first month. However, people who put specific habits and an action plan in place are 40% more successful.

I remember when I started my first projects. I was full of enthusiasm, but after a few weeks the excitement subsided and I started to lose direction. I realised then that motivation is variable - it comes and goes depending on the day, mood or circumstances. The key, therefore, is to create a system that allows us to keep going even when motivation drops.

For me, this system was about introducing specific habits and building discipline.

Discipline - the foundation for success

It's not motivation that gets you to the finish line, but discipline. It is what makes you get up in the morning and do what needs to be done, even if you don't feel like it. As Marie Skłodowska-Curie said:

"One has to have perseverance and belief in oneself. You have to believe that a person is capable of something and achieve it at any cost."

One of my key tools is the Pomodoro technique. I set a timer for 25 minutes and focus on just one task. When the time is up, I take a 5-minute break. This approach reduces the feeling of being overwhelmed and helps me achieve my goals consistently.

Systematicity and small steps

One of the most important elements of achieving success is to be systematic. Instead of throwing yourself in at the deep end and burning yourself out quickly, it's worth focusing on small steps. Every day I do something that brings me closer to my goal - even if it's a small task like writing an email or reading a few pages of a book.

A perfect example is Tatiana, who came to me feeling overwhelmed. Running two businesses, she wanted to break out of the task reel but didn't know where to start. Together we created an action plan based on small, regular steps. Within two months, Tatiana had implemented changes to her planning which resulted in more time for tasks or aspects of her life she wanted to give herself completely to.

Environment and support

Another element that is often overlooked is our environment. Motivation and discipline are important, but we won't achieve much if we surround ourselves with people who clip our wings. That's why it's so important to find the right support - whether it's a mentor, a mastermind group or simply friends who believe in our dreams.

For me, the people I met on my path were such a support. It is thanks to them that I had the courage to take difficult decisions and develop my projects. Sometimes all it takes is one sentence to put your goals into perspective.

Summary

Motivation is a great start, but in the long run we need more than that. Discipline, regularity, the right environment and a clear plan - these are the elements that will allow you to succeed, even when the motivation runs out. As Amelia Earhart said:

"The hardest part is deciding to act. The rest is just a matter of perseverance."

What about you? What keeps you from giving up on the way to your goals? Share your thoughts - I'm curious to hear what methods work for you! 😊

If you would like to learn more about how to achieve your goals effectively, I invite you to a free, no-obligation coaching session with me. Together we will find your path to success. The freshly designed planner, which includes proven techniques for building discipline and organising your time, will be available in January 2025. See how it can change your life!