Hey Unbreakables!
We’ve all been there. That fire in our gut, that surge of motivation convincing us this time will be different. We commit, we push forward - then life punches back. Hard.
The truth? Motivation is unreliable. It’s not what keeps us moving when things get tough. There’s something deeper, something stronger - and if we get this right, we won’t need to chase motivation ever again.
Motivation is overrated.
We act like it’s the key to lasting change, but deep down, we know better.
We’ve all been there. Fired up, ready to change, convinced this time will be different. A book, a podcast, a late-night epiphany - something flips a switch, and we swear we’re going to follow through.
Then life happens.
Motivation fades. Reality punches us in the face. And suddenly, that commitment we were so sure of? It’s a distant memory.
So if motivation isn’t the thing that keeps us going, what is?
Why Motivation Fails Us
Motivation is just hype. It’s the sugar rush before the crash, the pre-game speech before the first hit knocks you on your ass. It gets us moving, but it never lasts.
We tell ourselves we just need more of it. That if we wanted it badly enough, we’d push through. But that’s a lie.
Because even the most disciplined, high-achieving people aren’t running on motivation.
They’re running on meaning.
Think about it. Parents don’t need to feel motivated to care for their kids. Athletes don’t wake up every day dying to train - but they do it anyway. People fighting for something bigger than themselves don’t stop just because they don’t feel like showing up.
They don’t rely on motivation. They rely on something deeper.
The Missing Piece: Meaning-Driven Growth
When something means enough to us, we don’t need to be convinced to keep going - we just do.
That’s why some people push through the hardest challenges while others fold at the first sign of resistance. It’s not about willpower. It’s about being anchored to something bigger than the fleeting feeling of “I should do this.”
Example: Two people start working out. One does it because they saw a motivational video and felt inspired. The other does it because they want to be strong for their kids - to be the kind of parent who’s present and active in their lives.
Who do you think is still training five years from now?
Motivation fades. Meaning lasts. But even meaning itself isn’t fixed - it evolves. What drives us today might not hold the same weight in five years, and that’s okay. The key is regularly reassessing and realigning with what actually matters.
How to Build Meaning-Driven Growth
If we want real, lasting change, we need to stop chasing motivation and start locking into meaning. Here’s how:
Find the Why Beneath the Goal
Most goals are surface-level. Dig deeper. Ask: Why does this actually matter to me? Keep going until you hit something real.Instead of "I want to get in shape," try "I want to be strong enough to play with my grandkids."
Instead of "I want to make more money," try "I want to create stability for my family so they never have to struggle."
Turn Meaning Into a System
Motivation is unreliable. Systems aren’t. Instead of waiting to feel like taking action, make action the default.Want to write more? Block off writing time like a non-negotiable meeting.
Want to read more? Keep a book in sight instead of your phone.
Want to train consistently? Commit to a program, a coach, or a workout partner who holds you accountable.
Use Friction as a Meaning Test
Resistance isn’t failure - it’s feedback. When things get hard, ask yourself:Is this still important to me? If yes, then the struggle is just proof that it matters.
If no, maybe the goal was never meaningful in the first place - and that’s worth knowing.
The Power of Meaning Over Motivation
Motivation is a spark, but meaning is the fire that keeps burning.
But let’s be real - some people don’t have the luxury of sitting around contemplating meaning all day. Life is brutal. Bills need paying, responsibilities pile up, and some days, just surviving feels like enough.
If you’re in survival mode, forget the big, lofty purpose. Anchor into something small but real. Find one thing that matters enough to push through, even if it’s just being a little better than yesterday.
Because at the end of the day, we don’t need more motivation. We need something worth showing up for.
So, what’s one goal you’ve struggled with? Instead of waiting for motivation, ask yourself:
What meaning does this hold for me?
"Motivation fades. Meaning last".....Simple and true. Thanks Danny.