Why motivation comes and goes, and why that’s normal
Motivation is one of the most misunderstood parts of training.
When motivation is high, everything feels easy.
When it dips, people assume something is wrong.
They start thinking:
-
They’ve lost discipline
-
The program isn’t engaging
-
They’re not “in the right headspace”
-
Training isn’t for them
In most cases, motivation hasn’t failed.
It’s just responding to load.
What Motivation Actually Reflects
Motivation isn’t a fixed trait.
It’s a short term signal tied closely to energy availability and system readiness.
When training load accumulates, the body becomes more conservative with output. One of the first things to drop is the drive to push.
That’s not weakness.
It’s regulation.
Motivation tends to be highest:
-
Early in a block
-
When fatigue is low
-
When novelty is present
And lowest:
-
Mid block
-
When consistency has been high
-
When load is being carried well
This pattern is normal.
Why Motivation Feels Unreliable
Motivation follows momentum.
It rises when training feels light and responsive.
It dips when sessions feel heavier and demand is higher.
The mistake is expecting motivation to lead the process.
In reality, motivation is usually a lagging indicator, not a driver.
Consistency builds momentum.
Momentum restores motivation.
The Common Misinterpretation
Most people treat motivation dips as a reason to change direction.
They:
-
Look for new programs
-
Chase novelty for excitement
-
Wait until motivation “comes back”
-
Judge themselves for lacking drive
None of this solves the issue.
Motivation doesn’t need fixing.
Training structure does the work.
When Motivation Dips Actually Matter
Motivation deserves attention when:
-
It disappears alongside declining performance
-
Fatigue continues to accumulate without relief
-
Recovery isn’t improving over time
That’s when load should be adjusted.
But again, the solution is managing demand, not forcing enthusiasm.
How to Respond Inside a Training System
When motivation dips:
-
Stick to structure
-
Reduce decision making
-
Let consistency carry you
Training doesn’t require passion every day.
It requires repetition.
Motivation usually returns once capacity catches up.
The Principle to Remember
Motivation follows capacity and momentum, it doesn’t lead them.
Consistency comes first. Motivation follows.
How This Fits with Training Signals
Motivation dips are a common Training Signal that people often personalise or misread.
That’s why they’re included inside the Training Signals framework, to help you understand when low drive is expected and when load needs adjustment.
You can view the full overview here:
Where to Go Next
-
Return to Training Signals for other common responses
0 comments