Do It Anyway: How to Take Action Even When You Don’t Feel Like It

If you're waiting for motivation to strike before you take action, you're wasting time. The truth is that motivation doesn’t create action—action creates motivation. In this episode of Reflect Forward, I share three science-backed strategies to help you stop procrastinating and start moving, even when you don’t feel like it. Top performers, productivity experts, and psychologists use these techniques—and they’re surprisingly simple. I also get personal, sharing my own struggle with procrastination while writing my second book and how I’m using these exact strategies to push through. If you feel stuck, uninspired, or overwhelmed, this episode is for you. What You'll Learn: • Why waiting for motivation is a trap and what to do instead • How small actions create momentum and build confidence • Three simple productivity hacks to stop procrastinating and get moving The 3 Science-Backed Secrets to Taking Action: 1. The 5-Minute Rule – Just start Commit to working on your task for just five minutes—nothing more. This technique, similar to Mel Robbins’ 5-Second Rule, helps you push past hesitation and lowers mental resistance. Often, once you begin, you’ll keep going. Try this: The next time you're stuck, set a timer for five minutes and see what happens. 2. The 'Why Power' Method – Find the emotional connection Your deepest motivation comes from understanding why something matters to you. Simon Sinek’s Start With Why emphasizes that actions tied to a strong purpose are more sustainable. When you connect your tasks to a bigger reason, they feel more meaningful. Try this: Write down why achieving this goal is important to you. Keep it visible to remind yourself daily. 3. The Micro-Win Stack – Celebrate small victories James Clear, in Atomic Habits, explains that stacking small wins creates an identity shift—you become someone who acts. Small wins release dopamine, reinforcing motivation and making habits stick. Try this: Set three small goals for today, complete them, and acknowledge your success. Final Takeaway. You won’t always feel like taking action, but action is the ultimate motivator. The smallest step forward is infinitely better than standing still. You will never regret showing up—even if you didn’t feel like it at first. Episode Challenge Right now—before you close this episode—write down ONE task you’ve been avoiding. Set a five-minute timer and take action. DM me and tell me what you did! Please share this episode with a colleague or friend if you find it valuable. Subscribe to Reflect Forward on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review to help spread the word. Resources & Links: Don’t forget to subscribe to Reflect Forward on your favorite podcast platform or YouTube. Visit my website, kerrysiggins.com, to explore my book, The Ownership Mindset, and get more leadership resources. Let’s connect on LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok! Find Reflect Forward on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kerrysiggins-reflectforward Find out more about my book here: https://kerrysiggins.com/the-ownership-mindset/ Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerry-siggins/ For my website only Please order my book, The Ownership Mindset, on Amazon or Barnes and Noble Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn. Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Advice From a CEO! And if you are looking for a keynote speaker or a podcast guest, click here to book a meeting with me to discuss what you are looking for!