I Want My Spark Back! Let's Talk About Motivation

Clear motivation is your compass. With motivation, every decision, every meal, every step has purpose. That’s what turns a short sprint into real change.

Most of us struggle with motivation, even when we think we’ve got it. All my obese life, I kept telling myself — lose the weight, get healthy. That’s the line everyone knows. Those mantras sound technically correct, but they’re utterly disconnected from my deepest, most authentic self.

It’s fascinating to learn how motivation functions within our brains.

Let me offer you an example. Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages globally — and it’s prevalent throughout the US as well. Now, let’s assume you don’t speak Spanish. How would you feel when your colleague learns the language and speaks it fluently? Good for them, you think. But you’ve got your own path. No fire there.

Now, imagine another scenario. You’ve just secured your dream job at a prestigious company, and they’re relocating you to Spain, where Spanish is the only language spoken. The pay is good. The perks are better. You’re excited. It feels like a new life.

But then, it dawns on you: “Wait, how am I going to communicate with my coworkers or order food?” Suddenly, Spanish becomes oxygen. You need it. You feel the lack in your bones. You’re googling courses before you unpack your bags. You don’t need discipline. You just start.

Can you feel the difference?

In the second scenario, real challenges arise — communication, integration, maybe even competition for opportunities. That’s when motivation truly kicks in. Your brain isn’t fooled, it knows when things are easy. But the moment you sense you’re missing something vital — boom! Motivation ignites like a neon sign flashing. You act.

Here’s the catch: this lack has to be real. The brain knows when the stakes are fake.

Let’s say a Spanish-speaking neighbor moves onto your block, and you see them at the dog park every morning. Your dogs get along, and you strike up friendly conversation now and then. Would this motivate you to learn Spanish? Probably not. But what if they’re attractive and you’re single? Now we might be talking.

The point is, your sense of "lack" has to touch on something real, something that hits a core need — whether that’s social connection, safety, or survival. That’s when it stops being a thought and starts being a push.

So, if you’re looking for true motivation to lose weight, ask yourself these 3 questions:

1. What’s missing in your life that you really, really want?

2. Can losing weight help you get that?

3. Does it tie into something big like health, relationships or confidence?

Pause and reflect on these questions. Think it through.

No judgment.

Be selfish.

Feel what pulls you.

There’s no one motivation that fits all. You won’t find it in a list. You’ll find it in your life.

Here are a few sparks from others. True things. Might light something in you too.

Your motivation is waiting, quietly, inside you — ready to be awakened.

Are you ready to listen?

Stay healthy (and hungry for knowledge),
Lucas Veritas