EP 294 Creating a Bias for Action When Motivation Fades

Hello, bold goal crushers! Welcome back to another episode of the Bold Goal Crusher podcast, where we crush goals, ditch overwhelm, and create the life we love. I'm your host, Sara Mayer, and today we're diving into something real. Let’s be honest, that shiny New Year motivation is probably gone. 

The vision boards are curling up at the edges, maybe they’re stuck on the back of the closet door. You might not even be able to find it. The gym is emptier. Maybe you never set a vision for the year, you didn’t do a vision board, but you had some goals that you started on and were really excited about. Maybe your goals are stuck, and you’re asking yourself, why can’t I just get myself to do it? 

You’re not alone, my friend. Today we’re going to talk about how to create a bias for action even when you’re not feeling it. 

First, let’s start off by debunking a big myth: You don’t need motivation to take action. Motivation is a feeling, and feelings are fleeting. If you rely on motivation to take action, you’ll only act when conditions are perfect, but conditions are never perfect. What you need instead is a bias for action, a mental habit of doing something to move forward regardless of how you feel. This is what separates goal crushers from goal collectors. 

Think about it. Motivation didn’t build your business, raise your kids, build your team, or get that podcast launched. Action did. So if motivation isn’t showing up, stop waiting for it. It’s okay. You don’t need motivation. Action will carry you until that motivation returns. 

A bias for action is a mindset, but then that mindset becomes a system. It means your default is to take small, quick steps instead of thinking, planning, doubting endlessly, or pushing it off. Let me be clear though: A bias for action doesn’t mean hustle. We don’t need to be in the hustle culture. It doesn’t mean doing everything; it means doing something. It’s the opposite of perfection paralysis. You don’t need a 90-day plan to send an email. You don’t need to feel ready to schedule a call. 

And the best part? Action creates clarity, even if it’s messy, even if you change direction. The people who get results aren’t the smartest or most motivated. They just do the next thing consistently, over and over. 

So let’s talk strategy. There are four ways to build your action muscle—your action muscle, not your motivation muscle—even when your brain is tired and motivation is gone. 

1. The Five-Minute Rule: Commit to five minutes of the task. That’s it. Just open the Word doc, respond to one email, write the first sentence. Usually, momentum takes over. If not, you still did something. 

2. Action Before Info Rule: Instead of researching, planning, or learning, just do it. Start a new course. Sign up. Think about running a new service? Post about it. Decide you want to go to the gym? Just go. No more “I need to figure it out first.” You’ll figure it out as you go. 

3. Stack Your Environment: If your phone distracts you, put it in another room. If working at your desk drains you, change locations. Make action easier than inaction. That’s the secret to high performers. It’s not willpower; it’s structure. 

4. Ask, “What Would a Bold Goal Crusher Do?” Seriously, ask yourself at that moment. You’ll be surprised how often the answer is: send the message, book the call, post the video. Do something. Just do it—like Nike. 

Now, let’s talk about those days when even the five-minute rule feels hard. Here’s what to do: 

• Lower the bar. It doesn’t have to be your best work, it just has to be work. 
• Pair action with something enjoyable. Listen to music, sip your favorite drink, go outside. 
• Get accountable. Text a friend or post your goal publicly. When the cost of inaction is seen, you’re more likely to move. 

Remember, you are not lazy. You’re human. Humans thrive with small wins and visible progress. 

So let’s bring it all home. Motivation is nice, but you don’t need it. Instead, build a bias for action. Pick your challenge this week. Pick one goal you’ve been procrastinating on. Commit to five minutes of action towards it every day this week. That’s just five minutes! Want bonus points? Post about it and tag me @boldgoalcrusherpodcast. I’d love to cheer you on. 

Until next time, friends, keep crushing those bold goals. Don’t forget, you don’t need to be motivated. You just need to move. So let’s get to it! 

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