I’m the type of person who kicks off the new year with a mood board and a list of ambitious goals—only to find myself struggling to keep up a month later. My biggest battle? Getting out of bed. Every night, I swear I’ll wake up early and embrace my #fitgirl era, but when morning comes, the snooze button wins. An extra hour of sleep later, I wake up feeling behind before the day has even begun.

We’ve all been there—you set big goals, start strong, and then… life happens. Suddenly, motivation disappears, and the last thing you want to do is push through. Whether it’s work, fitness, studying, or personal projects, staying motivated consistently can feel impossible. But the truth is, no one feels motivated all the time (yes, even those ultra-productive people who seem to have their lives together). The key? Learning how to show up even when you don’t feel like it.

Here’s how to keep going, even on the days when you’d rather do anything else:

1. Stop waiting for motivation to magically appear

One of the biggest myths about motivation is that it comes first, and then action follows. But in reality, it’s often the other way around—action creates motivation. If you wait until you feel like doing something, you’ll be waiting forever. Instead, commit to taking just one small step. Once you start, it’s much easier to keep going. To make mornings easier, I’ve developed a habit of opening Headspace for a short meditation and letting in natural light by opening the blinds—it’s a simple way to set a positive tone for the day.

2. Set micro-goals

Big goals can feel overwhelming, which makes it easier to procrastinate. Instead of focusing on the huge task ahead, break it into bite-sized steps. Instead of “Write a 10-page report,” start with “Write the first paragraph.” Instead of “Work out five times this week,” start with “Do a 5-minute stretch today.” Small wins build momentum, and momentum keeps you moving. The same goes for the amount of goals—I made 10 resolutions for January 2025 and quickly realized it was impossible to keep up. The key? Focus on changing just one or two habits at a time.

3. Romanticize the process

I’m a sucker for romanticizing life. Sometimes, the best way to stay motivated is to make things feel more enjoyable. Struggling to focus on work? Light a candle, grab a cozy blanket, and put on your favorite playlist. Dreading a workout? Buy workout clothes that make you feel good and create a fun playlist. Turn the experience into something you actually look forward to. I promise you—once you put on your workout clothes, you’re already halfway there.

4. Find your “why”

When motivation is low, reconnect with your why. Why did you start? What will achieving this goal bring to your life? Whether it’s getting healthier, advancing in your career, or working on personal growth, remind yourself of the reason behind it. Sometimes, simply remembering why you care is enough to reignite your drive. Shifting from “I have to” to “I get to” can be a game-changer. Instead of saying, “I have to work out,” try, “I get to work out and spend time on my health.” Rather than, “I have to do chores,” say, “I get to take care of my space.” This simple mindset shift turns obligations into opportunities.

5. Discipline > motivation

Harsh truth? Motivation is unreliable. Discipline is what keeps you going when motivation fades. This doesn’t mean forcing yourself to do things with zero joy—it means building habits that make tasks easier to stick to. Try to set a routine, remove distractions, and make commitments to yourself non-negotiable. But also remember that: you won’t always feel 100%, and that’s okay. Some days, you’ll need rest—and that’s just as important as pushing forward. The key is knowing the difference between resting and avoiding. If you’re genuinely exhausted, take a break. But if you’re just “not in the mood,” try taking that first small step.

At the end of the day…

Motivation isn’t a magical force—it’s a muscle you build by showing up, even on the hard days. The more you train yourself to take action despite how you feel, the easier it becomes. So, take that first step, no matter how small. Your future self will thank you.

What’s one area in your life where motivation feels like a struggle, and how can you make it more enjoyable?