Why Action Beats Inspiration Every Time
By Vilis Ozols
“I just need to get motivated.”
You’ve said it. I’ve said it.
We’ve all waited for that magical spark — the fire, the inspiration, the mood.
But here’s the truth: Motivation is wildly overrated. And relying on it might be the biggest reason your goals, your team, or your organization stays stuck.
Want results?
Don’t chase motivation — build momentum.
Motivation Is a Liar
Motivation feels great… when it shows up. But it’s inconsistent, emotional, and often absent exactly when you need it most — in the trenches, on the tough days, during the messy middle.
Whether you’re a leader guiding a team, a coach inspiring athletes, or an individual pushing toward a breakthrough — you can’t afford to wait for “inspiration.”
Motivation is the emotional spark.
Momentum is the mechanical force.
Think about this: Olympic athletes don’t feel like training every day. Elite teams don’t always feel “fired up.” World-class performers don’t rely on hype. They rely on systems, discipline, and tiny actions that create progress.
Momentum Is the Real MVP
So, what is momentum really?
Momentum is a self-sustaining loop:
Small action → Progress → Confidence → More action.
Unlike motivation, momentum doesn’t require you to feel anything. It just requires you to move.
One small step turns into another. And then another. And suddenly, you’re not trying to get motivated — you’re too busy moving forward.
Action changes emotion more than emotion creates action.
The very act of doing — even something small — can create the very motivation you were waiting for in the first place.
Four Ways to Build Momentum When Motivation is Missing
Whether you’re leading a team or leading yourself, here are practical ways to stop waiting and start moving.
1. Start Small (Ridiculously Small)
Waiting to feel “ready” is a myth. Instead, start with what I call the 10-Minute Rule — commit to just 10 minutes of progress.
You’ll often do more. But the point is to get in motion.
Progress is addictive. Build that addiction.
2. Design Your Environment for Movement
Motivation fails in environments full of friction.
Want to build momentum? Remove obstacles.
- Make your tools visible and easy to access
- Schedule your work time like an appointment
- Eliminate choice. Create default actions
Think less about trying harder, and more about making it easier to begin.
3. Track Micro-Wins
Momentum loves evidence. So give it some.
- Log your small wins
- Celebrate consistency
- Share progress with your team
Don’t underestimate the power of visible forward motion — even one percent daily progress compounds like crazy.
4. Schedule Action, Not Inspiration
Stop waiting for the perfect mood.
Leaders, especially, must build cultures that value consistency over hype.
Calendar over vision board. Strategy over slogans.
You don’t need everyone on your team to feel “motivated” every day.
You need them to know what to do next and feel supported in doing it.
Leaders Create Momentum Machines
Want to know the secret behind every high-performing team I’ve coached or consulted?
It wasn’t raw talent. It wasn’t great speeches.
It was clarity of action, consistent feedback, and cultural habits that rewarded movement — not mood.
Here’s how great leaders fuel momentum:
- Recognize effort, not just outcomes
- Simplify the path forward so teams always know the next step
- Normalize progress, not perfection
Momentum First. Motivation Follows.
You don’t need to “feel like it.” You need to move.
And once you move — you create energy.
You build confidence. You reinforce belief.
And somewhere along the way, motivation finally shows up — usually after it’s needed most.
The only goal you can’t accomplish is the one you don’t go after.
So stop waiting for the spark.
Light the engine.
Want to Create a Culture of Momentum?
Let’s talk. Whether you need a keynote to ignite your next event or a coaching program to shift your team into gear, I help leaders and organizations stop waiting and start winning.
Email: vilis@ozols.com
Phone: (307) 460-8583