I got sucked into all that motivational hype quite a few years ago. Based on a handful of inspirational quotes and some effective advertising, I subscribed to numerous self-help courses. I spent money I didn’t have, thinking some of these motivational gurus would turn my fortunes around.
Sure, motivational quotes can feel good. And because you felt inspired to share on Instagram or Facebook, you might even feel like you’ve done something productive for the day. But sorry, I’m about to throw a wet blanket over your well-meaning post. In reality, sharing Mahatma Ghandi’s quote, “Be the change you want to see in the world”, while you’re still hanging around the house in your pyjamas at 3.00 pm trying to finish “The Power of Positive Thinking” as you binge-watch the latest zombie apocalypse movie, ain’t that productive. Sorry.
You’re probably thinking, “What’s the problem with motivational quotes? Surely they’re not that bad?” Here’s the problem: they’re all nice and fuzzy but provide nothing more than a short-lived spike of “feel good” with no action. We’re all familiar with the phrase, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” Well, if it doesn’t kill you, it just might leave you feeling deflated, defeated, flat-broke, resentful, and stress-eating an entire family-size block of chocolate before lunch.
The Internet is cluttered with all this so-called wisdom. “Keep your nose to the grindstone,” they say. Well, I’m pretty sure that if this little gem means “to work hard without resting”, someone will see you having a meltdown in your car at the local mall because you got burned out. That’s not working smart. And you guessed it: then you’ll be recovering at home, binge-watching zombie apocalypse movies (or romcoms, if that’s your fancy) while shovelling kilograms of chocolate down your trap because they make you feel better about yourself, but just for the moment.
Now, don’t get me wrong — motivation is essential. It’s the spark that gets the fire started, but sparks fizzle out unless you chuck some more fuel on the fire. That’s where action comes in. There is no need to recite the mantra “I believe in me” fifty times a day or to keep doomscrolling on your device to find more “feel good” quotes. Just do something productive. Take a step — a baby step. For God’s sake, do something! Progress doesn’t have to be pretty, perfect, or spectacular. But it has to happen.
Here’s a thought: ditch the quotes and make a to-do list. Write down one tiny thing you can accomplish today. Clean out your inbox. Get out of the house and go for a walk around the block. Clean out that drawer. You know which one - your little graveyard for old phone chargers, adaptors, and electronic cables you don’t know what to do with. These small wins are worth hundreds of “I Believe in Me’s” because they build momentum.
So, the next time you feel the urge to post some motivational quote about climbing mountains, think about the last time you pulled on hiking boots. Probably never. Right? Words, quotes, captions, and posters won’t fix your life, but action might. So, if you really must, go ahead and keep your favourite quotes as wall art — they’re harmless. But don’t let them fool you into thinking that’s all there is to it. Motivation gets you to the starting line, but discipline gets you to the finish.
Now, go ahead and do something — no quote is required.
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