Olympic runner Jim Ryan said, motivation is what gets you started. habit is what keeps you going. This is why you can't rely on the ups and downs of motivation that is based on your emotions, you simply can't reliably base your drive solely on your inconsistent feelings. What studies show however, is that when it comes to achievement, developing dependable values, and productive daily habits will serve you well. values and habits help you to make good decisions while achieving more with your time. They create a solid foundation that won't let you down like emotions often do.

None of this is to say that emotional motivation is useless because it does greatly influence you. However, your new priorities and habits will prove to be powerful and actually making progress. Let motivation get you started. Values keep you in your lane and habits push you across your finish line.