As an empowerment coach, my work centers around helping others find the drive to live their best, most authentic lives. But, if I’m being honest, I wasn’t always this motivated. There were times when I felt stuck, directionless, and deeply unmotivated. I’d wake up with a sense of inertia that dragged me down, preventing me from pursuing the things I said I wanted. I questioned my purpose, value, and ability to move forward.
However, through my journey of self-discovery, I learned that motivation isn’t something that appears magically or stays with you 24/7. It’s cultivated. It’s a skill, a mindset, and, most importantly, a practice. Today, as a coach, I leverage my empowerment framework to keep myself motivated and help others break through their barriers.
The Myth of Constant Motivation
One of the biggest misconceptions I had (and many people share) is that motivated people always feel motivated. The truth? Motivation ebbs and flows. It isn’t always a burst of energy that propels you forward. Some of the most meaningful actions I've taken came from moments when motivation was nowhere to be found, and I was full of doubt.
I had to accept that motivation isn’t always about feeling inspired. Sometimes, it’s about taking action—taking that first step, even when it’s hard or when you’re tired. My perspective changed once I understood that motivation could be cultivated through action.
Building My Empowerment Framework
The turning point for me came when I started developing an empowerment framework. It’s a simple, scaffolded approach designed to help people (myself included!) connect with their deeper values, tap into their strengths, and create a sustainable path forward. Here’s how it worked for me and how it can work for you:
Start with Your “Why” - Motivation without purpose is like running a race with no finish line. If you don’t know why you’re doing something, it's easy to lose interest or energy along the way. I didn’t know my “why” early on, which left me floundering. But it became easier to stay focused once I tapped into my core values—what truly drives me at my most profound level. My “why” became about helping others discover their strengths and purpose. That gave me a sense of responsibility and fulfillment that kept me going, even on tough days.
Action step: Identify your core values. What do you care about most? What lights you up? Write these down, and refer to them whenever your motivation is slipping.
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Set Intentional, Manageable Goals - I used to set vague goals like “be more productive” or “feel better about myself.” But these goals are hard to measure and even harder to stay motivated toward. Now, I set specific goals tied to my core values. They’re also manageable. Small wins build momentum. I can’t stress this enough. Every time I accomplished something—no matter how small—it created a ripple effect that led to more significant achievements. Breaking things down into small, manageable steps kept me from feeling overwhelmed and allowed me to build confidence over time.
Action step: Break down your bigger goals into smaller tasks. Celebrate small wins and use them as stepping stones toward more significant achievements.
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Embrace Accountability and Support - One game-changer in my personal motivation journey was realizing I didn’t have to go it alone. Seeking accountability and support made a huge difference. Whether it was sharing my goals with a friend, a coach, or even publicly, the simple act of vocalizing what I wanted to achieve held me accountable. Accountability keeps you moving forward when your motivation wanes. Having a trusted person check your progress can rekindle the fire when you feel like giving up.
Action step: Identify someone who can hold you accountable—a coach, friend, or colleague—and commit to checking in with them regularly.
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Self-Compassion Over Perfection - In the early stages of my journey, I beat myself up when I fell short of my goals. However, I realized that this perfectionist mindset was killing my motivation. When I shifted to a place of self-compassion, everything changed. I began to understand that setbacks are part of the process, not a sign of failure. Being kind to myself allowed me to bounce back quicker and stay in the game. This mindset shift is a cornerstone of my empowerment coaching now.
Action step: Practice self-compassion. Don't criticize yourself if you miss a goal or fall off track. Acknowledge the setback, learn from it, and keep moving forward.
How My Empowerment Framework Helps Others
As a coach, I now use this framework to guide others toward motivation and self-empowerment. It’s not about telling people what they should do but helping them discover their strengths, passions, and unique pathways. When my clients connect with their “why,” set intentional goals, build accountability, and practice self-compassion, they start to see motivation not as something they need to wait for but as something they can actively create. I always remember what Irish poet William Butler Yeats said: “Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot, but make it hot by striking.”
If you’re feeling stuck or unmotivated, I encourage you to start small. You don’t need to wait for inspiration to strike. Take action today, and let the momentum build. Motivation is within your reach—you just have to cultivate it.
Using these tools and frameworks, I went from someone who struggled with motivation to someone who now helps others unlock theirs. And if I can do it, so can you. Let me know how I can support you because I believe “No One Should Journey Alone!”
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