“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.”
Jim Ryun
Why Turning Motivation into Habits Sustains Leadership
I can’t count the number of times I’ve felt the surge—that fire when a goal grabs hold, and I’m certain this is the time it’ll stick.
Ever felt that? That surge when you declare, “I’m all in!”?
And then—two weeks later—you’re staring at a calendar littered with missed workouts, unkept commitments, and another vision collecting dust.
Yeah, me too.
Motivation lights the fuse. But habit? Habit keeps the rocket in orbit when the fuel runs low. That’s why turning motivation into habits is the difference between a fleeting spark and lasting leadership impact.
Willpower Doesn’t Work—Habits Do
I used to believe I could outwork anything—just grit my teeth and push through. But grit runs out. Life will test you. When it does, willpower won’t hold you up.
Benjamin Hardy’s book, Willpower Doesn’t Work, drove this home for me. Success isn’t about trying harder; it’s about creating systems that sustain you when motivation fades.
I’ve felt this shift personally. One of the habits I’ve been hit or miss on for years—but always wanted to embrace—was an evening journaling routine. I knew it helped me reflect and stay centered, but I could never stick with it.
This year, I finally found a process—a system—that worked. I haven’t missed a single day in almost two months. Now, it’s more than a habit. It’s part of me. When I skip it, I feel off. That’s how I know it’s taken root. It’s no longer just something I do—it’s something I need.
That’s what systems do. They anchor you when motivation dips.
What’s one system you could build today that reinforces what matters most in your leadership?
Build Habits Around Your Leadership “Secret Sauce”
Every leader has a “thing”—that unique strength or quality that makes you effective. Maybe it’s how you inspire others. Maybe it’s your ability to cut through noise and create clarity. That’s your leadership “secret sauce.”
For me, it’s questions.
When I’m leading at my best, I’m asking more than I’m telling. I’m creating space for others to think, contribute, and grow. The problem is, when I’m stressed or rushed, that default shifts. I slip back into making statements, driving the agenda, filling the silence.
So I built a system—a personal checkpoint. Before every key conversation, I pause and remind myself: “Ask, don’t tell.” I jot down a few questions in advance. That small habit snaps me back into alignment with the leader I want to be.
Your ‘A-game’ isn’t just about you—it’s the difference between your team thriving or drifting. When you hardwire your strengths into habit, you build trust, momentum, and results that last.
When I lean into questions, I see the difference. Engagement rises. Ownership increases. The team’s thinking sharpens.
When I slip? Conversations stall. Ideas get lost. The difference is subtle, but the cost is real.
What’s your “secret sauce”?
What would it look like if you didn’t leave it to chance?
Your Challenge: Choose One Habit That Reinforces Your Leadership Gift
This is where it gets real. Pick one.
One habit that aligns with who you are at your best.
One system that removes the need for willpower and protects what matters most.
Write it down. Build it into your day. Let that habit carry you forward long after motivation fades.
Because leadership isn’t about starting strong—it’s about staying strong. And habits are what get you there.
More than that—your consistency is what gives your team confidence. Your habits create the stability they rely on.
So, what will they see in you today?
