Recently I learned just how deceptive motivation can be. Although I struggled with it for years, it was one thing I always strived to have. I think we all do. We’ll hear someone talk about something life changing and it motivates us to do the same, we’ll read about something that could bring us amazing results so we get motivated to take the action or we see something we absolutely fall in love with and we become motivated to make it happen for us.

When I learned that motivation is not what you should rely on and the reasons why, I was hit with a huge wake up call because the way it was described is exactly what would happen to me every single time. I’m going to use myself as an example; I love my church. Every single Sunday I attend, the message always hits home in some kind of way.

The problem was that it soon became an ongoing cycle of going to Church, listening to an inspiring message that day, getting motivated to start the week off, and then by the time I got home or Monday arrived, that vigor just seem to evaporate and get tucked away until I received my next dose the coming weekend.

The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.

Vince Lombardi

The same happened with my fitness journey. The amount of times I’ve started working out (by watching health guru’s and being motivated by them) with a timeframe of about 2 months tops and then stopping only to start up again and again, is insane. The motivation always felt good in the moment, but it would never last to the point where I actually started seeing results.

Your success cannot be dependent on your motivation. It’s a component that stirs the energy within you but it’s not what’s going to get you results. Living by faith and strengthening my body has only been achieved by being consistent and persevering. Surprise, surprise: By doing this, I’ve seen more results in the last year then I have my whole life.

I told you my goal was to be consistent this year and that’s exactly what I’ve been doing. There’s always room for improvement but having witnessed the proof of what happens when I keep at “it,” it forces me to keep going on the days I may not want to. My sense of will has gotten stronger throughout the years and I learned that that is what ultimately helps you get the results you want.

Motivation is just the test run.

Don’t be deceived by motivation when all it wants to do is give you some false sense of security. “By hearing this person’s story or witnessing this person’s change, you’re on the path of doing the same.” You may be introduced to that new idea or way of living, but it’s the moment when that “drive” starts to fade that you really start your journey. It all depends on how you choose to handle it.

Inspiration can only go so far unless action is taken and becomes second nature. Lessons that can be implemented in all areas of life are the best kind and this is one of them. If you want to hear about any success stories, almost every single one will have the same key phrase; “I was consistent, I persevered, I kept at it, I didn’t stop.” If you want something bad enough, you’re going to do all that you can to make it happen. Motivation is just the test run.