Why I Say Motivation Is Overrated

Alright, kids, gather ‘round. Pa’s got some wisdom to drop on you.

You see, everyone and their grandma wants to tell you about the magic of motivation. “Get motivated! Stay motivated!” they chant. But let me tell you something: motivation is like that friend who promises to help you move but never shows up when it’s time to lift the couch.

In other words, it’s flaky. Consistency, on the other hand, is your reliable pal. The one who shows up every time with a truck and a dolly, ready to get things done.

Here’s the Deal

Motivation is great for a momentary boost, like a shot of espresso. But life is more of a marathon than a sprint, and you can’t run a marathon on espresso alone. You need a steady diet—one that includes a hefty serving of consistency. It’s not glamorous. In fact, it’s about as exciting as oatmeal. But it’s oatmeal that sticks to your ribs and gets you through the day. Motivation is dessert. It’s sweet, it’s fun, but try living on cake and see how far that gets you.

Think about it like this: motivation gets you to the gym. Consistency keeps you there when the newness wears off, and the soreness sets in. You know those early morning wake-ups that feel like a slap in the face from reality? That’s where consistency flexes its muscles. Motivation would roll over and hit snooze, but consistency is the reason your butt is up and at ’em, day after day, grinding it out while everyone else is still dreaming of donuts.

So, when life gets tough—and it will, I promise—don’t count on motivation to save you. Lean on consistency. It’s the thing that keeps you going when motivation has packed its bags and left for a sunnier destination. Because, let’s face it, consistency is the reliable old friend you never knew you needed, and it’s going to help you go the distance.

Building a Strong Foundation Through Routine

Now, let’s talk about this thing called a routine. I know, I know—”routine” sounds about as thrilling as watching paint dry. But let me tell you, it’s a secret weapon in the battle of life. Think of routine like the roots of a tree. Without roots, even the mightiest oak would topple over in a gentle breeze. But with deep roots, it weathers every storm. Your routine is your roots.

Listen, I didn’t get this dad bod by accident. I’ve had my fair share of routines. The one where I eat ice cream while watching late-night TV? Not the best. But the one where I wake up early to go for a jog? That’s the stuff legends are made of. A solid routine is what gets you out of bed when the bed feels like the best thing that’s ever happened to you. It’s what gets you to work on time, keeps your teeth brushed, and makes sure you eat more than just pizza rolls for dinner.

But here’s the trick: your routine doesn’t have to be rigid. It just needs to be consistent. Set yourself up with a few non-negotiables—like brushing your teeth or, I don’t know, showering—and then build from there. Start small. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your perfect routine won’t be either. But once you get into the groove, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

And don’t be fooled into thinking routines are only for boring people. You think The Rock wakes up and just wings it every day? Nope. He’s up at 4 a.m., lifting more weight than your dad ever did in his glory days, and it’s all because of his routine. A routine that’s built on discipline, hard work, and a little bit of insanity. So, if it’s good enough for The Rock, it’s good enough for you.

Self-Discipline and Personal Accountability

Now let’s get into the nitty-gritty: self-discipline. I know, it sounds like one of those boring words adults throw around when they want you to stop having fun. But self-discipline isn’t about saying no to everything that’s fun. It’s about saying yes to what’s good for you in the long run, even if it’s not fun right now.

Think of self-discipline like your internal GPS. Without it, you’re just driving around aimlessly, hoping you eventually get somewhere good. With it, you’ve got a clear path to your destination. Sure, there might be some traffic along the way, but at least you know where you’re headed. And here’s a little secret: self-discipline is easier than you think. It’s not about being a drill sergeant to yourself. It’s about being your own best friend—the kind of friend who tells you when it’s time to get off the couch and do something productive.

And speaking of friends, accountability is your other secret weapon. Find someone who won’t let you off the hook. Someone who will call you out when you’re slacking. This isn’t the friend who says, “It’s okay, we all need a cheat day.” No, this is the friend who says, “Get your butt up, we’re going for a run.” And trust me, you’ll thank them for it later.

But accountability isn’t just about other people holding you to your word. It’s about holding yourself accountable, too. Write down your goals. Make a plan. And then stick to it like glue. No excuses, no whining, just good old-fashioned hard work. Because at the end of the day, the only person you’re really competing against is yourself. And let me tell you, that guy or gal in the mirror? They’re tougher than they look.

The Power of Gratitude and Self-Respect

Now, let’s wrap this up with a little talk about gratitude and self-respect. I know, you’re thinking, “Dad, what’s with all the heavy stuff?” But hear me out. Gratitude is like the secret sauce of life. It’s what makes everything taste better. When you’re grateful for what you have, even the small things, life just feels a little bit brighter.

Think about it. You ever seen someone who’s constantly grumbling and complaining? Not a happy camper, are they?

Now, take someone who’s thankful for the little things—like a warm cup of coffee in the morning or finding a $5 bill in their pocket. Those are the folks who’ve figured out the cheat code to life. Gratitude turns what you have into enough, and sometimes, that’s all you really need.

And self-respect? That’s the cherry on top. When you respect yourself, you make choices that reflect your worth. You don’t settle for less, you don’t let people walk all over you, and you sure as heck don’t waste your time on things that don’t matter.

Self-respect is knowing your value and not letting anyone—or anything—tell you otherwise.

So, next time you’re feeling down or unmotivated, take a step back and count your blessings. Remember the good stuff you’ve got going on. And then, take a deep breath and remind yourself who you are and what you’re capable of. Because trust me, you’re stronger, smarter, and more capable than you give yourself credit for. And if you ever forget that, just remember your old dad said so.

Now, go out there and be awesome. Because this life? It’s still pretty darn great, and there’s a lot of awesome stuff left to do.