Why Waiting for Perfect Motivation Is Holding You Back (And What to Do Instead)
You’ve been there before. Staring at a blank screen, knowing you need to start that project. Standing in your workout clothes, debating whether to hit the gym. Promising yourself you’ll finally learn that new skill—tomorrow. What’s stopping you? Often, it’s the belief that you need a surge of inspiration, a burst of unstoppable energy, or a flawless plan to begin. But here’s the truth: you don’t need perfect motivation to get started. You just need a tiny spark of “let’s try.”
Let’s unpack why waiting for motivation is a trap—and how embracing imperfection can unlock progress.
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The Myth of Perfect Motivation
We’ve all fallen for the idea that action requires a specific emotional state. We think, “I’ll start when I feel confident” or “I’ll tackle this once I’m less stressed.” But motivation isn’t a prerequisite for action—it’s often the result of it. Think about it: When was the last time you felt truly motivated to clean your closet or answer emails? Probably never. But once you start folding clothes or typing that first reply, momentum builds.
Neuroscience backs this up. Action triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and reward. Even small wins—like writing one paragraph or doing five minutes of exercise—signal to your brain that progress is happening. Over time, this creates a feedback loop: action fuels motivation, which fuels more action.
The problem? We’re conditioned to wait for motivation to strike like lightning. But what if we treated motivation like a campfire instead? All it takes is a tiny spark to ignite.
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The Power of “Let’s Try”
Imagine this: You’re dreading a task. Instead of thinking, “I need to finish this perfectly,” shift your mindset to “I’ll just try for five minutes.” This subtle reframe removes the pressure of outcomes and focuses on curiosity. What happens next?
1. Lowered Resistance
Big goals feel intimidating. But a “let’s try” mindset shrinks the challenge. You’re no longer committing to running a marathon—just putting on your shoes. You’re not writing a novel—just jotting down a sentence. By reducing the stakes, you bypass procrastination’s favorite weapon: overwhelm.
2. Building Momentum
Starting small creates a domino effect. Five minutes of work often turns into 30. A short walk might inspire a longer one. Tiny actions build confidence, proving to yourself that you can move forward—even without superhero-level motivation.
3. Embracing Imperfection
Perfectionism kills progress. The “let’s try” approach acknowledges that stumbling, adjusting, and iterating are part of the process. You’re not aiming for flawless—you’re aiming for forward.
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How to Cultivate Your “Let’s Try” Habit
Ready to ditch the waiting game? Here’s how to make “let’s try” your default mode:
1. Start Smaller Than You Think
Break tasks into laughably tiny steps. For example:
– Instead of “write a report,” try “open the document and write one bullet point.”
– Instead of “clean the entire house,” try “wipe down the kitchen counter.”
– Instead of “meditate for 20 minutes,” try “sit quietly and take three deep breaths.”
These micro-actions feel manageable, reducing the mental barriers to starting.
2. Focus on the First Step, Not the Finish Line
Olympic runners don’t obsess over the medal ceremony—they focus on exploding out of the starting blocks. Similarly, your job isn’t to complete the task immediately. It’s to take one step. Once you begin, momentum often takes care of the rest.
3. Schedule “Experiments,” Not Commitments
Language matters. Saying, “I’ll experiment with drafting an email” feels less daunting than, “I must finish this email.” Experiments allow room for imperfection. If it goes well, great! If not, you’ve still gathered data for next time.
4. Celebrate the Attempt, Not Just the Outcome
Reward yourself for showing up, regardless of results. Did you try a new recipe, even if it burned? Celebrate the effort. Did you attempt a tough conversation, even if it was awkward? Acknowledge your courage. This builds resilience and reinforces action as its own reward.
5. Use “When-Then” Triggers
Pair starting with a specific cue. For example:
– “When I finish my morning coffee, then I’ll spend two minutes organizing my desk.”
– “When I open my laptop, then I’ll write one sentence for my blog.”
These triggers automate the decision to act, reducing reliance on motivation.
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Real-Life Examples of “Let’s Try” in Action
– Fitness: A busy parent commits to “just putting on workout clothes” after work. Most days, this leads to a 10-minute walk. Some days, it stops there—but consistency grows over time.
– Writing: An aspiring author writes one paragraph daily. Some paragraphs are terrible. Others spark ideas for chapters. Within months, a manuscript takes shape.
– Learning: Someone afraid of public speaking starts by recording a 30-second video for no one. Gradually, they share it with friends, then speak up in meetings.
In each case, progress wasn’t driven by waiting for motivation—it was fueled by repeatedly choosing to try.
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The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything
Waiting for motivation assumes that your feelings control your actions. But the inverse is also true: your actions shape your feelings. By starting before you feel “ready,” you reclaim agency. You prove to yourself that you can act courageously even when motivation is absent.
This doesn’t mean forcing yourself through burnout or ignoring genuine limits. It means recognizing that motivation isn’t a magical force—it’s a skill you cultivate through consistent, tiny acts of bravery.
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Final Thought: Your “Let’s Try” Moment Is Now
You don’t need to wait for Monday, New Year’s, or a sign from the universe. Whatever you’ve been putting off—whether it’s a creative project, a health goal, or a difficult conversation—ask yourself: What’s the smallest version of “let’s try” I can attempt right now?
Maybe it’s sketching a rough idea, drinking a glass of water, or sending a two-sentence email. Whatever it is, lean into the messiness of starting. Imperfect action will always beat perfect inaction.
After all, the greatest achievements in life rarely begin with a grand plan. They begin with someone saying, “Let’s try.” Why not let that someone be you?
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