Is “Motivation” Really Just Garbage?

I’ve been listening to Mel Robbins’ recently launched podcast, and she said one particular thing that stuck with me. “Motivation is garbage!” she exclaimed. 


Is she right?


Mel is a world-renowned motivational speaker, so I was surprised to hear her blast the very thing her audience is seeking – motivation. We all need motivation to get things done, don’t we? 


She talked about how society feeds us the idea that we will do something once we are motivated. However, the downfall is that motivation is not coming to the rescue! Since our brains are wired to avoid uncomfortable things, trying new or ‘outside-the-box’ endeavors requires much more effort than the routine actions we’ve grown accustomed to. When we want to do something different – start a business, write a book, or try something new – we must reach down and dig out the energy to get it done.

Try a Countdown Instead

So how do we get in touch with this energy or motivation? Mel started doing things with the support of a countdown: 5…4…3…2…1. At one, she launches herself into what she needs to do, whether she wants to or not. She has used this for everything: getting out of bed when she doesn’t want to, not eating when she isn’t hungry, and even making one more sales call to close the day. 


She attributes her success with this countdown method to science. When you interrupt your brain pattern, you have 5 seconds to stop yourself from talking yourself out of action. This is called breaking the habit loop, or metacognition, if you want to get precise. Successful people throughout history have used it, and you can use it too. 


Simply put, you outsmart your brain by directing yourself in ways that allow you to do things you usually wouldn’t. It’s human nature to perceive speed bumps as barriers and let small challenges stop you from doing what needs to be done. Starting rituals helps you form new habits. Thus, the countdown “54321,” where you take action immediately upon saying 1, will set you up to do any activity, big or small.

What’s At Risk While You’re Waiting for Motivation?

In just 5 seconds, you can rob yourself of the joy you’ll feel if you take action or the success you’ll feel after taking a risk and having it pay off. The biggest risk? Not ever becoming who you want to be because you were afraid to take one simple step. That’s why you must start moving before your brain talks you out of it.

How To Interrupt The Pattern

Add a mantra thought that will be your anchor. Your mantra is not positive thinking on its own, but should be coupled with the interruption of the negative thoughts by counting. Catch yourself straying from the vision or anchor thought- bring in 5..4..3..2..1- and focus back on the vision you see for yourself. It can be: I will close this sale, I will not eat unhealthy food, I will do this….

Tell yourself you will do this, AND tell yourself you are excited to do it! Being nervous is the same as being excited – you just need to say it out loud!

Getting motivated can be daunting- using this method should help you get that ‘launch’ you need to get started and silence those negative thoughts!

Listen to her podcast in full here:


https://www.melrobbins.com/podcasts/episode-3

Our Latest Insight

When Should I Add a Controller to My Accounting Team: The Financial Controller Readiness Checklist

By Alisa McCabe • June 29, 2026
As your service business grows, there comes a point where basic bookkeeping no longer gives you the full financial picture you need. Knowing when to bring in a financial controller can be the difference between scaling confidently and flying blind. What a Financial Controller Actually Does A financial controller is essentially your company's chief accountant. They oversee accounting operations , ensure your financial statements are accurate, manage budgets, reconcile accounts, and translate complex financial data into clear insights for leadership. Unlike a bookkeeper who records transactions, a controller interprets what those numbers mean for your business. They also oversee accounts payable and receivable, coordinate audits, and set financial performance benchmarks. For service businesses specifically, this means someone who understands utilization rates, WIP for unbilled hours, project profitability, and realization rates. These are the levers that actually move the needle in a people-driven business. The Financial Controller Readiness Checklist How do you know you're ready? Run through these signs: Your revenue has crossed $1M and is growing fast. More revenue means more complexity. A bookkeeper handles the past. A controller helps you manage the present and prepare for the future. Your financial reports feel reactive, not proactive. If you're only looking at numbers after decisions are already made, that's a gap a controller fills. Cash flow surprises keep happening. Unexpected shortfalls often signal that AR management, billing cycles, and WIP tracking aren't being monitored closely enough. You're losing visibility into project profitability. If you can't tell which clients or projects are making you money, you need controller-level oversight, not just a P&L. You're preparing for growth, a credit line, or an audit. Lenders and auditors want clean, well-structured financials. A controller makes sure you're ready. Month-end close takes too long or keeps having errors. This is a process and oversight problem, and it's exactly what a controller is built to solve. You are still doing financial reviews. If you, or a partner, are spending hours reconciling reports or questioning numbers, your time is not being optimized. Financial Controller vs. Bookkeeper: Understanding the Gap Many growing service businesses assume that hiring a bookkeeper is enough. Here's where the roles diverge:

The Transparency Trap: When Sharing Too Much Undermines Leadership

By Alisa McCabe • June 15, 2026
Transparency has become a popular leadership principle in modern organizations. Many leaders believe that openness builds trust, strengthens collaboration, and encourages accountability across teams. In many cases, that instinct is correct. Problems can arise, however, when transparency becomes excessive or poorly timed. Effective financial strategies require a balance between honesty and thoughtful discretion. Sharing every concern, uncertainty, or early-stage idea can sometimes create confusion rather than clarity.  Understanding where transparency helps and where it may unintentionally harm morale allows leaders to communicate in ways that support stability, confidence, and thoughtful decision making.

From Scrappy to Strategic: Evolving Your Leadership Style as Your Company Scales

By Alisa McCabe • June 1, 2026
Many entrepreneurs begin their journey with relentless energy and determination. Early-stage companies often rely on fast decisions, constant experimentation, and founders who personally handle countless responsibilities. As companies grow, however, the same approach can begin to create friction. Teams expand, operations become more complex, and expectations shift. Effective leadership styles must evolve to match the changing needs of the organization.  Scaling a company does not mean abandoning what made a founder successful. It requires refining those strengths while developing new leadership capabilities that support sustainable growth.

CONTACT US

Contact Us