If you can’t get motivated, you’re not alone. Getting started often feels like the hardest part, especially when things aren’t perfect or you don’t feel “ready.” This post is for you if you’re struggling to stay on track with your health goals, feel stuck in a cycle of procrastination, or need a fresh mindset to move forward. Motivation isn’t something you wait for. It’s something you build by taking action, one step at a time.
Inside this post, you’ll find powerful mindset shifts to help you reset, take action, and feel proud of your follow-through. These thoughts are simple, but they work. You don’t have to feel perfectly motivated to start – you just have to start.
Powerful Weight Loss Affirmations
Feeling motivated doesn’t just magically happen. We have to start when things aren’t ‘perfect’, and focus on the end goal.
This is your reset: let go of the idea that motivation comes first. In reality, motivation often follows action. The goal is not perfection, it’s progress.
“Perfectionism is not necessary for success.”
Most people quit not because they aren’t capable, but because they believe one slip-up ruins everything.
That mindset is toxic. It turns one cookie into “I blew it, so I might as well eat the whole sleeve.”
It turns one skipped workout into “I’ll just start over next week.”
Here’s the truth:
Progress is not linear. You will have off days. And that’s okay.
What matters is how you respond.
You don’t need 30 perfect days. You need 30 days of showing up, adjusting, and not giving up.
“I feel more motivated after I start – starting is key.”
You will never feel ready. Especially when you’re overwhelmed, exhausted, or discouraged by past failures.
But if you can just take the first step — lay out your clothes, prep your smoothie, write your grocery list — you’ll shift.
Action flips the switch.
And your brain goes from “what’s the point?” to “let’s keep going.”
Try this: Set a timer for 5 minutes. Just do something. You’ll be shocked how quickly it gets easier.
“I love myself now, and I also love who I’m becoming.”
This one hits deep. You do not have to hate your body to change it.
In fact, when you treat yourself with respect, you make better decisions. You stop chasing punishment and start choosing nourishment.
This journey isn’t just about a smaller body. It’s about a stronger mind. A clearer head. A more confident version of you who doesn’t need external validation.
You can hold love and growth at the same time.
Say this: “I am allowed to take care of myself because I’m worthy now – not once I hit my goal.”
“I will feel so much better after I follow through.”
This isn’t just positive thinking. This is psychology.
Your brain releases feel-good chemicals (like dopamine) after you complete something. That post-workout high? That feeling when you tick off a habit tracker? That’s real feedback from your nervous system.
The hard part is starting, but the reward is always on the other side of the action.
Anchor thought: “I’ve never regretted following through. I’ve only regretted when I gave up.”
“I can create a food plan I’m excited about.”
If your food plan feels like punishment, you will not stick with it.
It doesn’t matter how “clean” or “low-carb” it is… if it doesn’t excite you, it won’t be sustainable.
The best plan is the one you actually want to follow.
That includes flavor, variety, and yes, meals that feel comforting and satisfying.
Instead of asking: “What should I cut out?”
Try asking: “What meals feel both nourishing and exciting?”
“I always have the option to be committed to my goals even when it’s hard.”
You will face resistance.
You will want to quit.
And you’ll be tempted to negotiate with yourself.
That’s when this affirmation matters most.
Discipline isn’t about never slipping. It’s about choosing to recommit, again and again.
You don’t need a new plan. You need a new perspective.
Hard days don’t mean failure. They mean you’re growing.
“Following through today makes it easier to follow through tomorrow.”
Every time you show up (even a little) you are wiring your brain to trust you again.
This is how habits are built.
Not by being perfect. But by being reliable.
Think of every action as casting a vote for the person you want to become.
And the more votes you cast, the stronger that identity becomes.
Say this aloud: “My future self is grateful I showed up today.”
“The best way to get unstuck is to take action.”
Clarity, motivation, and confidence all come from action. Don’t wait to feel ready – move first.
Feeling stuck doesn’t always mean you’re doing something wrong.
It often just means your nervous system is overloaded. You’ve been in decision fatigue. You’ve spent too much time thinking instead of doing.
Action (even tiny, messy, imperfect action) is the fastest way to break the cycle.
Start with one of these:
- Drink a full glass of water
- Pack your lunch for tomorrow
- Move your body for 5 minutes
- Unfollow a triggering social media account
Do something small. Then do it again.
“I’m becoming the type of person who stays committed to her goals.”
This identity shift is key. Each choice you make reinforces who you’re becoming – someone who shows up and follows through.
When you say, “I’m not motivated,” your brain checks out.
When you say, “I’m someone who shows up anyway,” your brain finds a way.
You are becoming the version of yourself who doesn’t rely on hype.
You trust yourself. You follow through. You rebuild, even when it’s hard.
Affirmation for identity shift: “Every action I take reinforces the woman I’m becoming.
Self-love and acceptance are the keys to lasting weight loss.
You don’t have to hate your body or punish yourself to change. In fact, the opposite is true. When you lead with compassion and acceptance, you’re more likely to make consistent, empowered choices that feel good and last long term.
Common objection: “But I’m not disciplined enough.”
Helpful reframe: Discipline gets easier when your mindset is supportive, not critical. You’re more likely to follow through when you believe in your ability to grow.
Join the Best Body Program
In the Best Body program, you’ll learn how to use foods like these to feel full and stay consistent. You get a science-based weight-loss plan personalized for you, plus almost 2000 dietitian-created recipes and coaching support. You’ll also get tools to make meal planning easy and stress-free.
