Tuesday Health & Wellness

Motivation: When You Don’t Feel Fired Up — But You Still Show Up

Some days motivation feels loud.

Other days it’s quiet, slow, and hiding under a blanket.

And here’s the truth most people don’t say out loud:

Motivation doesn’t always show up first.

Sometimes movement invites motivation in — not the other way around.

Yesterday reminded me of that.

Not every push looks like hustle.

Not every win looks like productivity.

Sometimes motivation is simply choosing to stay engaged — even gently.

What Motivation Really Is

Motivation is the internal drive that moves us toward action.

It comes from a mix of:

emotional energy

mental focus

physical readiness

lived experience

And it shows up in different forms, depending on the day.

The Different Types of Motivation (and why this matters)

Intrinsic Motivation

Doing something because it feels meaningful or satisfying.

→ Pride. Purpose. Peace.

Extrinsic Motivation

Doing something because there’s an outcome attached.

→ Deadlines. Accountability. Responsibility.

Physiological Motivation

Rooted in basic needs.

→ Rest, hydration, nourishment, breath.

Social Motivation

Driven by connection and belonging.

→ Support, teamwork, encouragement.

Here’s the key:

👉 When one type is low, another can carry you.

How Motivation Actually Works

Motivation isn’t just “wanting to.”

It’s made of:

Activation — starting, even imperfectly

Direction — knowing what matters today Intensity — how much effort you can realistically give

Persistence — staying steady without burning out

Some days persistence looks like power.

Some days it looks like pacing.

Both count.

Why Motivation Feels Hard Sometimes

Low motivation doesn’t mean laziness.

It often means:

your body is tired

your nervous system is overloaded

your expectations are too high for the moment

Motivation doesn’t thrive under pressure alone.

It grows when support and self-awareness are present.

Ways to Gently Improve Motivation

No hype. No shame. Just real-life tools:

• Set smaller goals — momentum loves achievable wins

• Build routines — habits carry us when motivation dips

• Track progress — even quiet progress matters

• Lean on support — motivation multiplies in safe spaces

• Challenge yourself wisely — just enough stretch, not strain

Sometimes the most motivated thing you can do is listen to your body and adjust.

Lady Flava Takeaway

Motivation doesn’t always roar.

Sometimes it whispers.

And if all you did today was show up —that counts.

You’re allowed to move forward at the speed of care.