The Tooth Is Out There?

Yes/No

Stop Waiting to Feel Ready

(Because Pulling the Tooth Slowly Just Drags Out the Pain)

Let’s be honest…waiting around for motivation is like sitting in a dentist’s chair with a loose tooth, insisting, “I’ll feel ready to pull it in a minute.”

And the longer you wait, the more it aches.

We imagine motivation as this magical force that shows up to sweep us off the couch and into greatness. But real life? It’s messier — and way more human. In reality, action sparks motivation, not the other way around. And science backs this up. When you start a task — yes, just start — your brain releases dopamine and endorphins, giving you a little “feel-good” nudge. These aren’t just rewards for finishing; you get a chemical high just for showing up.

Starting Is Half Done

Think about it: once you’ve begun, the hard part’s already shrinking in the rear-view mirror.

Starting is what most people mistake for courage. But really, it’s just momentum.

You don’t need a firewalk or a life coach shouting affirmations (though I’ve seen those work wonders too). You just need a nudge. A toe in the water. A slight lean toward the thing you’ve been avoiding.

And once you’re in motion — brushing the tooth, stepping on the treadmill, opening the laptop — your brain says, “Oh! We’re doing this?” and gets on board.

Tiny Moves. Big Shifts.

Here’s a lighter, easier route to motivation:

1. Identity First

Don’t say “I want to be motivated to work out.” Say, “I’m the kind of person who moves every day.” Your brain likes consistency — give it something to live up to.

2. Make It Ridiculously Small.

Drink one glass of water. Write one sentence. Tidy one corner. These aren’t “too little” — they’re jet fuel in disguise.

3. Feel Where You’re Headed.

Picture what happens if you don’t change. Is that a future you’d choose? (If it makes you wince, good. That’s clarity).

4. Breathe Like You Mean It.

Inhale for four. Hold for four. Exhale for six. Three rounds. You just reset your nervous system without needing a single crystal.

5. Break The “Waiting” Habit.

You’re not lazy. You’re just in the pattern of pause. And patterns are rewritable — especially with movement.

Motivation Hides in Motion

It’s a strange truth: you’ll feel more motivated once you start. That first action — even a small one — flips a switch. Your physiology changes. You stop thinking and start doing. And before you know it, you’re halfway through the thing you spent all week avoiding.

It’s like finally yanking that wobbly tooth — sudden, a bit jarring, but way less painful than dragging it out. And when it’s done?

Maybe even a grin.

So no, you don’t need more prep time.

You don’t need to feel “ready.”

You just need to begin.

Because when you do, your body follows, your brain catches up, and motivation? It tags along for the ride.

PS: Start now. Seriously. Open that tab. Lace the shoes. Make the call.

The tooth’s coming out one way or another — better with one firm pull than a week of sore indecision.

Main – Photo by David Clode on Unsplash