Mismatched Socks, Morning Walks and the Myth of Motivation

The Motivation Myth - Marokopa Falls, Waikato

On a Clear Day…

On a clear day, I can see for miles but today isn’t one of them. 

The mountain across the valley has vanished again, swallowed by yet another passing squall, I know from past experience that it’s only a matter of time before it reaches me too. 

I’m up early, dressed and ready for my morning walk but spring has other plans. The weather is once again serving up a bitter cocktail of wind and wet - restless, blustery and uninviting.

I head back toward the bedroom, my eyes momentarily lingering on the inviting comfort of the bed, then, with quiet resolve, I reach into the wardrobe for my raincoat.

Choose your clothes to match the conditions - Hobbiton, Waikato

Spring Weather and Good Intentions

I typically walk between thirty to sixty minutes dependant on what other exercise and commitments I have. In this weather, despite wearing a good raincoat, I’ll likely get wet so look forward to a warm shower on my return. 

Although blustery, it’s not dangerous as I can choose between walking along the river trail or staying within an urban setting away from potential stray branches being blown down on me.

Unpacking the Myth of Motivation

Who in New Zealand hasn’t made grand plans to get out there and do something only to have the weather turn against them? I’m not talking about wild storms or dangerous winds, just the everyday kind of unpleasant weather, the sort our fantastic island nation seems to specialise in.

The kind that makes you hit the snooze button on your alarm and snuggle down once more into the warm embrace of your bed. The rain intensives and a week quickly passes and once more, you find you’ve not stuck to your well intentioned exercise goals. 

Why Motivation Isn’t Enough

Before you berate yourself for not feeling motivated, take a moment, pause, breathe. 

There may be more at play than simple laziness. If you’re waiting to feel motivated before you take action you may be headed in the wrong direction. 

“Motivation is as fickle as the spring sun, appearing one moment, gone the next”

The Power of Small Consistent Actions

Rather than waiting for a surge of inspiration to drag you out from beneath the blankets and onto the morning trail, the real secret lies in building confidence and momentum through small, steady steps.

This process creates a positive feedback loop, where action leads to a sense of accomplishment, which in turn generates motivation for further action.

It Starts the Night Before

In practice, my morning walk starts the night before with a simple evening ritual. 

Before going to bed, I lay out the exercise clothes I’ll be wearing in the morning and that way when the alarm goes, I have less to think about and simply get dressed on auto pilot. 

If the forecast really is a shocker, I’ll adapt my plans, instead spending my exercise time indoors doing yoga, pilates, strength training or spin cycling. In that way, I keep my promise to myself and a consistent exercise routine.

Dressed for the occasion - Lake MacKenzie, Routeburn Track, Fiordland National Park

The Unexpected Perks of Early Morning Walks

Of course you can exercise at any time of the day, but for myself, I know that by keeping that early morning appointment, a busy day is less likely to sabotage my intentions. 

Another advantage is I’m far less likely to bump into anyone to witness my fashion crimes, namely mismatched socks and hair that looks like I lost a fight with my pillow!

Rewiring the Formula: Action -> Motivation

The traditional view that motivation precedes action can create several problems;

1. Paralysis by waiting: Waiting for the "right moment" can lead to procrastination and a complete standstill.

2. Unrealistic expectations: Expecting to always feel motivated is unrealistic. When motivation inevitably dips, such as on that rainy morning, it can lead to feelings of guilt, self-doubt and discouragement.

3. A flawed loop: The common formula of "Motivation -> Action" is less powerful and sustainable than the reverse "Action -> Motivation".

4. Increased fear: Waiting for readiness can build up the fear of failure, making the task seem even more daunting. If you are struggling to begin a new habit and feel genuinely afraid, create a smaller goal, rather than a 30 minute walk, commit to walking for 15 minutes.

Consistent Action Builds Confidence - Mount Pirongia Summit, Waikato

Consistent Action Builds Confidence

Consistent action, even in the absence of motivation, is the most powerful tool for building self-efficacy and confidence.

1. It creates momentum: Taking a small first step, like putting on your workout clothes or deciding on the route for your walk is often the hardest part. This small action breaks the initial inertia and builds momentum, making it easier to keep going.

2. It proves your capability: Each time you follow through on a commitment that you’ve made to yourself, you build self-trust and gather evidence that you can rely on yourself. These small proofs of your ability build a sturdy foundation of confidence over time.

3. It reduces the fear of failure: When you consistently take action, you inevitably experience setbacks. You learn that failure is not a reflection of your worth but a normal part of the process, which reduces its power to intimidate you.

4. It creates habits: Consistency is the key to forming habits. When an action becomes an automatic routine, it no longer relies on willpower or motivation to get it done, freeing up mental energy for other tasks. Cleaning your teeth each night is a habit and not one that you rely on motivation to complete.

So, I Step Out Anyway 

The rain taps against the window, steady now, as the wind carries whispers of reluctance through the trees. But I’ve already made my choice. I shrug on my raincoat, step into my shoes, and open the door.

It’s not about heroics, and it’s certainly not about motivation.
It’s about showing up, for myself.
Even in the drizzle. Even when I’d rather not.

Because over time, these small acts of showing up, day after day, in mismatched socks and under grey skies, are what quietly shape resilience. Not in grand gestures, but in quiet, consistent defiance of inertia.

The truth is, I don’t need perfect weather to move forward.
I just need to start.

And with each step, I remind myself:
I can do hard things, even when I don’t feel like it.

Rainbow over Maungatautari, Waikato

Over To You

How do you keep moving when motivation disappears?
Do you have rituals, habits, or mindset shifts that help you stay consistent, even on those grey, rainy mornings?

I’d love to hear from you.
Share your thoughts in the comment, whether it’s a story, a strategy, or just a “me too.” Your insight might be exactly what someone else needs to read today. 💬👇