The “Test” in Testimony
The “Test” in Testimony She sat in the class at the front. She really had no real need to be there. She wasn’t looking to… Continue
Grit vs. Motivation
We’ve all been told that motivation is the magic key to reaching our goals—but let’s be honest, motivation is flaky. It shows up uninvited at 2am and ghosts you when it’s time to hit the gym or make that tough decision. This article isn’t about chasing feel-good vibes; it’s about building the one thing that actually gets you where you want to go: grit. If you’ve ever wondered why your perfectly planned goals fall apart by February, keep reading—this one’s for you.
Let’s Talk About Motivation
It’s tricky. Slippery. Unreliable.
And despite what the personal development world will tell you—I don’t coach to it.
Motivation is never there when you actually need it.
It shows up at 2am disguised as anxiety or restlessness—when you're wide awake, watching your ceiling fan spin, wondering what you're doing with your life.
Meanwhile, I talk, eat, and breathe goals daily.
They’re in my head, scribbled on paper, stuck to my planner, and embedded in every conversation I have.
But even with all that, motivation? Still fickle.
The New Year’s Resolution Trap
Let’s keep it simple and familiar—
January 1st.
You’ve made a resolution. You’re going to get in shape. Cut soda. Show up for yourself.
- Join the gym
- Hire a trainer
- Toss the holiday snacks
- Buy the $100 leggings
- And you show up
Day One:
Your trainer tells you the truth. Not motivational—just real.
You start your circuit next to gym gods sculpted like Michelangelo statues.
You feel awkward. Intimidated. Uncomfortable. But you're there.
Day Two:
You wake up sore. So sore.
You limp to the kitchen, regretting tossing those cookies.
You tell yourself you’ll go back tomorrow. Or maybe the next day. Or…
Day Five:
You squeeze into those expensive leggings and drag yourself back in.
Your trainer asks about your diet.
You don’t lie… but you definitely gloss over the leftovers and lack of grocery shopping.
Meanwhile, that couple at the gym is squatting small cars and looking flawless.
You feel defeated.
Two months later:
The gym key tag is in your junk drawer.
Motivation? Gone.
You had the plan.
You had the coach.
You had the leggings.
What happened?
Why I Don’t Coach to Motivation
Because I’ve seen this story too many times.
And I’ve lived it.
Motivation is a mood, not a strategy.
I coach to GRIT.
Grit is the thing that shows up after motivation has left the building.
Grit is what makes you keep showing up—especially on the days when you don’t feel like it.
The Real Work: Managing the Voice in Your Head
So much of what stops us isn’t physical.
It’s the voice in our head saying:
- “Don’t do that. You might get hurt.”
- “Don’t leave your steady job for something risky.”
- “What if it doesn’t work out?”
- “You’re not strong enough.”
Sometimes that voice sounds like a parent, an ex, a friend, or your 4th-grade teacher.
Sometimes, it's you.
That voice wants to keep you “safe.”
But safe isn’t where growth lives.
This is why one of my favorite exercises with clients is naming that voice—calling it out.
Then, we write the real plan.
Grit = The Plan
Plans are powerful.
They’re flexible, living things that shift and evolve with you.
But more importantly—they are doable.
With a plan, you’re not waiting on motivation.
You’re building habits.
You’re training your brain to trust that you will show up.
My Story: A Gym Example, But So Much Bigger
Two years ago, I decided to change my body.
Not all at once—but I built a habit.
- I started slow.
- I committed to the gym 4x a week.
- I hired a trainer so I wouldn’t hurt myself.
- I increased my weights—slowly.
- I changed my grocery list, meal by meal.
- I made daily promises and kept them.
Was I motivated every day?
Absolutely not.
But I showed up every day.
That’s grit. That’s the secret.
So… What Do You Really Want?
And more importantly—
Do you have a plan?
Because motivation isn’t going to get you there.
But grit will.
