Motivation feels electric at first — a flash of inspiration, a rush of possibility. Then it fades. We blame discipline, routines, or time. But often a deeper script is at work: a belief that success is reserved for others, or that failure defines identity.
These scripts create 'motivation debt.' You launch with energy, but underlying beliefs pull the plug when obstacles arise. To heal this, name the sabotage: what story plays back when progress slows?
Second, scaffold wins. Break big goals into ultra-small actions that generate consistent dopamine — not to trick yourself, but to retrain your expectation system. Success breeds habit, and habit updates internal code.
Third, create an environment that supports rather than fights your intent. Remove friction, add cues, and enlist accountability. The world will always test you, but a rewired inner system sustains momentum beyond the initial rush.
Finally, treat motivation like wiring — not faith. Rewire it through consistent practice, not shame. When your system updates, motivation becomes less a fleeting spark and more a steady current.