Stop Chasing Motivation: Build Systems That Actually Work for You

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I’m not here to sell you a lifestyle. There are no shortcuts, no hacks, no miracle routines that work for everyone. Anyone promising you a “one size fits all” fix deserves suspicion.

I’m still figuring out my own path — but what I can share is the mindset shift that finally helped me make progress:

Systems succeed where motivation fails.

False Starts & the Motivation Trap

I used to throw myself into new goals with nothing but excitement and hope. And every time, the same thing happened:

• motivation fades

• progress stalls

• guilt kicks in

• I’m back at zero

The real problem?

I had no clear goal and no structured way to reach one.

Just vague desires like “lose weight” or “get fit” with no timelines and no steps.

That’s burnout on a countdown.

For years, I avoided planning because I thought planning meant pretending life is predictable.

But having no plan is actually giving up control — you drift wherever the current takes you.

Two quotes finally hit home:

• “No plan survives first contact with the enemy.” — Helmuth von Moltke

• “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.” — Mike Tyson

For most of my life, I used Tyson’s quote as an excuse not to plan.

But the point isn’t “plans are pointless.”

It’s this:

• A plan gives you something real to adapt from.

• Systems keep you moving forward even when motivation dies.

A System That Finally Worked (for Running)

Running is something I’ve failed at more times than I want to admit.

Too much overthinking. Too little preparation.

So this time, I tried a different approach:

Step 1 — Pick a structured programme

Instead of guessing, I used the Runna app by Strava — an 8-week “New to Running” plan.

Clear goals. Clear pacing. Trackable progress.

(A huge psychological advantage.)

Step 2 — Fix what isn’t working quickly

Two weeks in → injury.

Shins screaming. Calf strain.

Instead of quitting (like old me)…

I looked for system failures:

• wrong shoes

• weak ankle support

• muscle imbalance

Step 3 — Upgrade the tools, not the goal

I invested in:

Running Shoes

Under Armour Surge 4 — better support, better form, no shin pain since.

👉 View on Amazon

Compression Sleeves

Helped relieve calf strain + improved blood flow during runs

👉 View on Amazon

Proper Running Socks

Reduced impact and friction, ankle feels protected

👉 View on Amazon

Small adjustments can make a massive difference.

What Changed?

Now:

• I’m injury-free

• I’m actually enjoying running

• I look forward to my workouts

• I’m one week away from completing the programme

• I feel more positive than I have in years

And all of that came from a system, not motivation.

Build Your System (Start Here)

Don’t chase hype.

Don’t chase energy.

Build the habits and structure that support the person you want to become.

Ask yourself:

1️⃣ What’s the goal?

2️⃣ What’s the first tiny step?

3️⃣ What support/tools will keep me consistent?

4️⃣ How will I adapt when things get difficult?

If you’re ready to begin your own running journey, try the same programme or gear I used — or shop around and find what fits you.

And if you’ve had your own false starts and breakthroughs?

I’d love to hear about them.

📩 Drop me a message or leave a comment — let’s build systems together.