Hey friends!
We’ve all been there. Some days you wake up motivated, ready to crush your to-do list, and then life happens. A kid needs help, an unexpected email pops up, the laundry is calling — and suddenly that motivation you had? Gone.
Here’s the truth: motivation is great for a spark, but it’s unreliable. Some days you’ll feel energized and unstoppable. Other days, you’ll feel exhausted, distracted, and behind before the morning coffee even kicks in. If you’re relying on motivation alone to get things done, you’re setting yourself up for frustration.
Why Motivation Fails
Motivation is temporary. It’s emotional. It depends on energy, mood, and circumstances outside your control. That’s why trying to rely on willpower alone is exhausting — and often, it’s the very thing that keeps busy moms from making progress on the things that matter most.
Think about it: how many times have you said, “I’ll start tomorrow” or “I just need to get inspired first”? Motivation is nice, but it doesn’t create lasting results.
What Really Works: A System
This is where a system comes in. A system doesn’t care if you’re tired, distracted, or uninspired. It’s repeatable, reliable, and takes the guesswork out of what to do next. A good system helps you:
- Focus on what matters most (even when you feel pulled in a hundred directions)
- Reduce decision fatigue by giving you a clear next step
- Build momentum without needing to wait for motivation
When you have a system, progress happens consistently — even on the days motivation is nowhere to be found.
How to Start Building Your System
I like to think of it in three simple steps, the same framework I teach in my POP Method:
- Prioritize — Figure out the 1–3 things that really matter each day or week. Don’t waste energy on low-impact tasks.
- Organize — Create systems to support those priorities. This could be physical (your workspace), digital (email or calendar), or mental (checklists, reminders).
- Plan — Break your priorities into actionable steps with realistic timing. Know exactly what you’re doing and when.
Even implementing this in small ways can give you clarity and reduce the overwhelm that comes from relying on motivation alone.
Quick Wins You Can Try Today
- Identify the top three tasks you must accomplish tomorrow — write them down.
- Clear one area of clutter or set up a small system to make your next task easier.
- Schedule your next day in 30-minute blocks, including breaks and small wins.
These small steps help you start building a system that works — so you’re not at the mercy of motivation.
Take the Next Step
If you’re ready to stop feeling stuck and overwhelmed, I created a free guide to help you take simple, practical steps to regain control and move forward with clarity.
👉 Download “3 Ways to Get Unstuck and Out of Overwhelm” today and start making progress — even on your busiest days.
Get the Free Guide Here
💛
Nicole
Stay tuned for next week’s POP Talk!
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