168: Why Small Actions Create Massive Progress

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Motivation feels amazing but it’s not what gets you to the finish line.

In today’s Thrive in 5, I’ll show you how to stop chasing motivation and start building momentum the real engine behind progress, confidence, and consistency. One small action at a time is how you win this game.

What we cover:

• Why motivation fades, and momentum builds
• The micro-action trick that gets you started
• How to track streaks without perfectionism
• Cues + environment hacks that help you stay in motion

🎯 Motivation gives you the spark. Momentum builds the fire. Let’s go.

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Episode Transcript

(00:00):
waiting to feel motivated beforetaking action.
In this Thrive five, you'lllearn why momentum, not
motivation is the true key toprogress and how to build it.
Starting today with small,simple steps,

Speaker (00:13):
Welcome back to Thrive in Five, where I give you a
quick burst of motivation andproductivity in five minutes or
less.
I'm Cindy, your host, aself-made entrepreneur, busy
mom, and a business coach.
I've built and sold severaldigital businesses ranging from
five to six figure successes.
So when it comes to managingtime and priorities in both life

(00:35):
and work, I get it.
I've been there and I am here tohelp you thrive.
let's talk about the differencebetween motivation and momentum
and which one actually helps youhit your goals.
Here's the truth.
Motivation is unreliable.
It's like that burst of energyyou feel after watching an
inspiring reel or starting a newplanner.

(00:56):
It gets you excited, but itrarely sticks along long enough
for you to get across the finishline.
Momentum, on the other hand, isbuilt.
It's not a feeling, it's arhythm.
It comes from taking actionagain and again.
Even when you don't feel likeit, if you've ever said, I just
can't get motivated, here's whatI want you to remember.
You don't need motivation.

(01:18):
You need to create movement.
Here's how to shift into amomentum mindset.
First start ridiculously small.
Like so small it feels silly.
Fold one piece of laundry.
Write one sentence.
Open the project tab.
That micro action is yourignition switch.
It sends a signal to your brainthat says, we're doing this, and

(01:41):
that's all you need to move fromstuck to started.
Second, track your movement, notperfection.
We lose momentum when we expectperfect consistency, but if you
can create a pattern, say threedays on one day off, you are
still building momentum.
Progress is progress.
The goal isn't never skip a day.

(02:02):
The goal is don't stay stuck.
Third use cues to keep yourmomentum going.
This could be setting yourclothes out the night before,
leaving your journal open onyour desk, or using music or a
timer to trigger your next task.
Your environment is eitherhelping you build momentum or
silently sabotaging it, make itwork for you.

(02:25):
This works because motivation isfleeting, but when you build
momentum, you create energy.
Even on days when you don't feellike it, and the more consistent
your actions, the more confidentand capable you feel that
confidence fuels more action andsuddenly you are unstoppable.
If you wanna implement thisimmediately, here are your

(02:45):
action steps.
Pick one small action that youcan take on right now.
Literally two minutes or less.
Set a visual or physical cue fortomorrow to help you keep going.
Track your streak.
Use a habit tracker checklist orsticky note, and don't wait to
feel ready.
Let the doing, create thefeeling.

(03:07):
Motivation might give you thespark, but momentum is what
builds the fire.
You've got this.
Keep going.

Speaker 2 (03:15):
Thanks for tuning into the Thrive in Five podcast.
If you found value in today'sepisode, I'd love for you to
leave a review.
It helps more listeners discoverthe show and don't forget to
subscribe so you never miss adose of productivity,
motivation, and success tips.
And hey, share this episode witha friend that could use a little
extra inspiration.
Until next time, keep thriving.

(03:37):
And remember, you've got this.