Reigniting motivation: how to reconnect with what drives you

Motivation is a powerful force — but it’s not a constant one.

Even the most driven, focused people hit moments where the spark fades, energy dips, enthusiasm wanes, and purpose feels distant.

I noticed this with myself and my fellow athletes in the aftermath of major milestones (like the Olympics or World Championships), which have required long periods of sustained focus and intense effort. The decision that has to be made about starting the next training cycle can feel like a heavy one, with lots of factors playing in.

So when motivation feels like it needs a boost – whatever your goal or environment, here is how you can kick start it.

What drives us doesn’t stay the same

Recognising that motivation changes over time in both purpose and intensity is the first step in being able to harness and build it.

One simple, powerful question has always helped me with this:

What’s still meaningful about this?

It is a prompt to look inward. To rediscover what matters most to me — beyond medals and external validation.

When I was still competing, I found that my motivation came not just from the desire to win, but also from

Testing my limits
Mastering my craft
Feeling alive in pursuit of something I cared deeply about

That shift makes my motivation about the process and not just the outcome (which carried me through many a cold winter morning on the Thames!)

A common thread in the workplace

Today, I see similar patterns in the teams and leaders I coach.

Yes, they are operating at a high level. Yes, there can be signs of exhaustion, but when I dig a little, or share my story, they realise they are not just tired, they are disconnected – from excitement, from purpose, and from meaning.

Motivation has a half-life. What energised you five years ago might not move you today. That’s not a failure. That’s growth.

Yet we rarely stop to ask:

What do I want now?
What drives me today?
Where am I going — and why does it matter?

Instead, we keep operating on autopilot and can end up chasing goals that no longer feel relevant.

Reconnecting with what matters.

So how do you reignite motivation when it’s gone quiet?

It starts by pressing pause. Creating space to reflect. And asking the deeper questions:

What kind of challenge feels meaningful now?
Where do I feel most alive and engaged?
What version of success am I striving for today?

These aren’t just personal questions. They’re essential for leaders and teams who want to sustain performance over the long term.

Because when motivation is rooted in meaning — not pressure — it becomes far more sustainable.

A Thought to Take With You

If your motivation has dipped lately, consider this:

You don’t need to work harder. You need to reconnect more deeply. With your purpose. With your values. With the version of you that’s ready for this next chapter.

And if that feels difficult to do alone — you don’t have to. It’s something I support leaders with every day, and I’d be glad to support you too.

If you would like to have a chat further, please contact me.

Published: Thursday 3 July 2025
Written by: Anna Hemmings, MBE, OLY.

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