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the myth of motivation (what high performers do instead)

Why showing up beats waiting for motivation, an innovative AI idea for legal mediation, and three varied workouts - from home bodyweight circuits to outdoor park bench challenges.

Author

Morgan Tate
June 20, 2025

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There's a scene in Rocky where Stallone says, "Nobody wants to get up at 4 a.m. to run when it's cold outside. But I do it."

Despite my share of concussions in life, I realize Rocky is a fictional character.

But let's put that aside—his point stands.

This sentiment reveals a fundamental truth about success: it's not about motivation—it's about consistently showing up, even when it's the last thing you want to do.

Here's the thing—I love working out—it's one of my true passions in life.

You didn't need to roll your eyes at that.

My point is that even though I love working out, I don't always love working out.

This is especially true after a long workday or poor sleep. When these and countless other factors interfere, motivation isn't always there.

As Ryan Holiday titled his book, "The Obstacle Is the Way"

The ancient Stoics had it right: resistance is where growth happens.

As Epicurus put it, "The greater the difficulty, the more glory in surmounting it." When motivation fails—whether it's a 4 AM run or pushing through after poor sleep—we're facing opportunities for triumph. Each challenge we overcome adds to our strength and resilience.

Think about it: if success were easy, everyone would achieve it. The struggle isn't a roadblock—it's the path itself. Success isn't built on perfect days; it's built on showing up when everything goes wrong.

Let's look at how this plays out:

  • Writers who publish consistently outperform those waiting for inspiration (for example: watch this comparison between Stephen King and George RR Martin)

  • Athletes who train on schedule beat those who train when they "feel like it" (cough Zion Williamson cough)

  • Businesses that maintain consistent processes outlast those riding waves of motivation

So how do we build this consistency? Start small:

  1. Create non-negotiables: Pick 2-3 daily activities that happen no matter what (one of mine is daily mobility).

  2. Remove friction: Prepare everything in advance to eliminate excuses (put out my mobility mat on the floor the night before).

  3. Track everything: Use a simple habit tracker to build streaks (I use a daily journal).

Remember: The goal isn't motivation—it's showing up regardless of how you feel. Because often, your most important work happens on the days you least want to do it.

idea of the week 💡

Today's idea comes from Idea Browser, which I highly recommend bookmarking and subscribing to if you haven't already:

  • problem: Legal mediation is expensive ($300/hour) and inaccessible for many people dealing with disputes.

  • idea: AI-powered Conflict Resolution Concierge that provides mediation guidance at $99/month. The platform helps draft proposals, analyzes documents, flags emotional triggers, and guides users through structured negotiation frameworks.

  • how it makes money: $99/month subscription model for unlimited AI coaching, document analysis, and proposal drafting. Start with divorce mediation, then expand to custody, business disputes, and workplace conflicts.

  • why it might fail: Regulatory challenges in legal tech, resistance from traditional legal professionals, potential liability issues if AI advice leads to unfavorable outcomes.

workout of the week

Three different workouts to challenge yourself this weekend:

at-home workout:

Complete 5 rounds:

  • 20 push-up to downward dog

  • 25 jumping lunges (total)

  • 15 bicycle crunches (each side)

  • 30-second hollow hold

Rest 90 seconds between rounds

gym workout:

  • 5x5 deadlifts

  • 4x12 Bulgarian split squats

  • 3x15 cable rows

  • Finisher: 50-40-30-20-10 kettlebell swings

outdoor workout:

Complete 4 rounds:

  • Run 200m sprint

  • 15 box jumps (park bench)

  • 20 dips

  • 10 broad jumps

Rest 2 minutes between rounds

tweet of the week

Okay, I don't condone Ozzy Osbourne's approach to health and wellness, but these health maximalists are missing the forest for the trees.

Having a granola bar before bed should NOT devastate your state of being 😂 build some resiliency my guy.

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