This quote underscores the concept that motivation is not always a prerequisite for action. It suggests that waiting for the perfect mood or the right moment to start something could be a hindrance rather than a help. Instead of waiting for motivation to strike, just taking the first step and doing it, regardless of how you feel, can be more beneficial.

The idea of motivation as a trap comes from the belief that we need to feel a certain way before we can accomplish something. We think we need to feel motivated, inspired, or excited before we can start a project or pursue a goal. However, this belief can become a trap because it makes us dependent on our feelings, which are often unpredictable and out of our control. If we don’t feel motivated, we don’t act. However, action itself can generate motivation. Once we start doing something, we often find the motivation to continue.

Applying this concept in today’s world or in personal development, it suggests that instead of waiting to feel motivated to start a new project, learn a new skill, or make a lifestyle change, we should just start. For instance, if someone wants to start a fitness routine, they might wait until they feel motivated to begin. But according to this quote, they should just start the routine, regardless of their feelings. Once they’ve started, the act of exercising might generate the motivation they need to continue.

Similarly, in a professional setting, if an employee is waiting to feel motivated before starting a challenging task, they might never start. Instead, they should just begin the task. As they make progress, they are likely to feel more motivated to continue.

This quote essentially encourages action over inaction, doing over not doing, and progress over stagnation. It’s a reminder that motivation is not always the starting point, but often the result of taking action.