“He who has a why can endure any how.”
— Fredrick Nietzsche
Let’s be real—there are days when motivation just isn’t there. You know you have work to do, goals to chase, a vision for your life… but somehow, the energy to take action is missing.
Even as someone who loves my work as a life coach, motivational speaker, and author, I still hit those moments. The kind where administrative tasks feel like climbing a mountain with no end in sight.
So what pulls me through?
My compelling reason.
What’s a Compelling Reason?
Your compelling reason is your deep “why”—the emotional driver behind your actions. It’s not about surface-level goals. It’s the vision that gets you out of bed, keeps you going when you’re tired, and reminds you of what truly matters.
When motivation fades (and it will), your compelling reason is the anchor that holds you steady and the fire that keeps you warm.
My Personal “Why”
When I started my business, I was living with my parents while recovering from a life-altering accident. They were loving and supportive, but eventually, I longed for my own space.
That longing—to reclaim my independence and have a place to call my own—became my compelling reason. On days when I didn’t feel like showing up, I’d remind myself:
“This is so I can help people and move out.”
I still remember the joy of carrying my books into my new home, the first grocery run to fill my fridge, and the peace of sleeping in my own space. Those were simple things, but to me, they felt monumental. That’s the power of knowing your “why.”
Other Compelling Reasons That Inspire
A client of mine once wanted a raise but was afraid to ask. We talked through her reason: she dreamed of becoming a foster parent and creating a loving home. When she connected to that vision, it gave her the courage to ask—and she got the raise.
My friend Diane wanted love again after two divorces, but didn’t think it was possible. Her compelling reason—believing she was still worthy of love—pushed her to do the inner work, and eventually, she found her life partner.
Another client, Victor, wanted more creativity in his life through writing comics and making music, but he was stuck working 70–80 hours a week. His reason? To reconnect with what made him happy. Once he got clear on that, things started shifting.
And me? These days, my reason has evolved. I want to buy a home, support my mom in her later years, and build financial security for the future. When admin work calls and I’m tempted to procrastinate, I whisper to myself:
“This is for Mom.”
That alone pulls me back to my desk, every single time.
What’s Yours?
If you’re feeling unmotivated, tired, or overwhelmed, I encourage you to pause and ask:
“What’s my compelling reason for doing this?”
When you reconnect to your why, everything changes.
🍬 Action Nibbles: Small Steps with Big Impact
- Ask yourself: What is my compelling reason?
- Write it down: Use calligraphy, colored pencils, or even paint—make it beautiful.
- Place it where you’ll see it often: Your desk, your mirror, or even your phone wallpaper.
- Create a “Vivid Vision”: Write a short essay or bullet list describing the life you’re working toward.
- Make a vision board: Fill it with words, pictures, and inspiration—something that visually reminds you of your goals.
Remember…
Motivation isn’t permanent, and that’s okay. As Zig Ziglar said:
“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing—that’s why we recommend it daily.”
You don’t need to feel inspired all the time.
You just need to remember your compelling reason—and let it carry you forward.
Clarity Cookies 
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