Action First: Motivation Follows
Zig Ziglar's insight "Do it, and then you will feel motivated to do it" challenges the common misconception that motivation must precede action, when in reality, taking action generates motivation.
This quote from Zig Ziglar emerged during his decades-long career as one of America's most influential motivational speakers and sales trainers. In the 1970s and 80s, when self-help culture was gaining mainstream attention, Ziglar challenged the conventional wisdom that motivation must precede action. Through his seminars and bestselling books like See You at the Top (1975), Ziglar emphasized that waiting for motivation was actually backward thinking. This quote became a cornerstone of his philosophy after noticing that many seminar attendees would leave his events fired up but quickly lose momentum. Ziglar realized that sustained achievement came not from emotional highs but from establishing disciplined action regardless of feelings. This counterintuitive insight revolutionized productivity approaches and has remained relevant across changing work landscapes because it addresses a fundamental human tendency to procrastinate until feeling "ready."
The wisdom in Ziglar's quote can transform everyday life in numerous ways:
Morning Routine: Instead of waiting until you "feel like" exercising, simply put on your workout clothes and take the first step. The motivation often arrives after the first five minutes of activity.
Work Projects: When facing a challenging task, commit to just 10 minutes of focused work rather than waiting for inspiration. This small action overcomes inertia and frequently generates momentum that carries you forward.
Relationship Building: Don't wait until you feel socially energized to reach out to a friend or family member. Make the call or send the message, and you'll often find your emotional connection strengthens through the act itself.
Learning New Skills: Begin practicing that instrument, language, or craft despite feeling inadequate. The satisfaction of even small progress creates motivation that wasn't there before you started.
Service to Others: Volunteer or help someone even when you don't particularly feel compassionate in the moment. The act of serving frequently awakens deeper care and purpose that wasn't accessible through mere contemplation.
Philippians 4:9 states: "Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."
Paul wasn't instructing believers to wait until they felt spiritual enough to act. Rather, he emphasized that putting godly principles into practice is what brings divine peace and transformation. The action comes first, and God's empowering presence follows our obedience, not our feelings.
Today, identify one important task you've been postponing until you "feel motivated" and commit to taking just one concrete step forward within the next 24 hours. Notice how your emotions and energy shift after beginning. Remember: leaders don't wait for perfect conditions—they create momentum through deliberate action that inspires both themselves and others.
Clarifying Questions:
What area of your life or leadership has been most affected by waiting for motivation rather than taking initiative?
How might this "action-first" principle change your approach to developing new habits or skills?
When have you experienced the phenomenon of motivation following action in your own life, and what did that teach you?
How could you restructure your environment or routines to make initial action easier when motivation is lacking?
In what ways might this principle apply differently to your personal development versus your leadership of others?
Schedule a discovery call to discuss how we can help you take a next step.