The Dad Edge Podcast

The Motivation Lie Your Parents Told You

Apr 11, 2025

Waiting for a spark of motivation? Forget it! The truth is, real change begins with action, not inspiration. Discover how taking small, consistent steps can transform your life and help you show up as a better dad. Dive into personal stories that highlight the power of intentional behavior and the importance of having a strong 'why.' Plus, learn how your kids’ proactive attitudes can inspire you to prioritize action over temporary motivation. It's time to break free from the motivation trap!

22:39

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Quick takeaways

Real change comes from taking action rather than waiting for motivation, which can often be misleading and counterproductive.

Modeling a strong work ethic as a parent influences children's attitudes toward motivation and instills values of resilience and commitment.

Deep dives

The Myth of Motivation

Waiting for motivation to take action is a common misconception that often holds individuals back. Instead of relying on feelings of inspiration, taking action is what truly spurs motivation. Real-life examples highlight how parents exhibit immediate motivation in critical situations, such as caring for a sick child or responding to emergencies, demonstrating that motivation can be found when it truly matters. By recognizing this contradiction, one can shift from waiting for motivation to actively pursuing goals, setting a precedent for both personal growth and effective parenting.

The Counterproductive Myth of Waiting for Motivation

9min

Taking Action: The Key to Extraordinary Living

13min

How many times have you been stuck waiting for that magical lightning bolt of motivation to finally get things done? I know I have, countless times.

But here's the truth I've learned, and it's what I want to share with you today: motivation is a lie we tell ourselves.

In this episode, I'm laying it all out. I'm not waiting for some feeling to strike me before I tackle what needs to be done, and neither should you. Real change, the kind that sticks, starts with action–whether you feel like it or not.

I'll be sharing some of my own struggles and the practical steps I've taken to break free from this motivation trap. For me, it became about more than just my own goals; it was about showing up as the dad my kids deserve. That intention, that commitment to them, became the real kickstarter.

In this episode, I'm diving into:

Why this whole idea of 'finding motivation' before starting is complete BS.
The powerful realization I had: taking action actually creates the motivation you're waiting for.
The simple, actionable strategies I use to get moving, even on those days when I feel like I'm dragging myself through mud.
How focusing on the 'why' – especially the 'why' behind being a great dad – can be the ultimate fuel for consistent action.
The incredible momentum you build in your life, and for your family, by taking those small, consistent steps, even when you don't feel like it.

Look, I've seen the research, and it backs this up. Behavioral science shows that just doing something, anything, can shift your mindset and create that positive feedback loop. And as dads, we know our actions set the tone. When we show up, even when it's hard, our kids see that.

So, if you're ready to stop waiting for a feeling and start taking control, this episode is for you. Let's ditch the motivation myth together and start building a life of action, one small step at a time.

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