Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 53 minutes ago
Motivation doesn’t disappear because you’re lazy, broken, or doing it wrong.
It disappears because you’re human.
In this episode, Jess and Steve explore what actually happens when motivation fades — especially after we’ve clarified what matters — and how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offers a more compassionate, sustainable way forward.
Rather than trying to force motivation back, this conversation focuses on how to keep moving toward what matters with low energy, discomfort, and doubt.
In this episode, we explore:
✅ What motivation actually is (and what it isn’t)
✅ Why waiting to “feel ready” keeps us stuck
✅ Acceptance vs forcing yourself to change
✅ How to untangle from unhelpful motivation stories
✅ What values-based action looks like on low-energy days
✅ Why self-compassion is essential for long-term change
This is a long-form, reflective conversation meant to slow things down — not push you harder.
You don’t need more motivation.
You need direction, flexibility, and kindness.
⸻
📱 Explore the ACT Essentials App
Looking for simple, practical ACT tools you can use anytime?
The ACT Essentials App includes:
• Values clarification tools
• Short mindfulness and grounding practices
• ACT metaphors and exercises for real-life moments
• Support for showing up with discomfort, not after it’s gone
👉 Learn more about the ACT Essentials App:
app.thezensocialworker.ca
⸻
🎧 Prefer to Listen?
This episode is also available as a podcast on Spotify.
👉 Listen on Spotify:
open.spotify.com/episode/4fIrFKcf4skOGymeLB0mrq?si=GT9VDI60SlG42D8YiLNVlw
⸻
📲 Connect with Us
Tim on Instagram:
instagram.com/zensocialworker
Jess on Instagram:
instagram.com/jessgordon_counselling
Steve on Instagram:
instagram.com/movewellfeelgood
⸻
🎥 Watch Next
✅ How to Handle Intrusive Thoughts | Name the Story | ACT Tool - youtu.be/r9tr9octT9c
✅ The 6 Core Processes of ACT — youtu.be/TPvLEZFa14o
✅ The Struggle Switch: Why Fighting Thoughts Backfires — youtu.be/Mc-n1Sa4PEI
⸻
🌐 More Resources
ACT courses & tools:
thezensocialworker.thinkific.com
Join our mailing list for free resources & updates:
eepurl.com/c9X9jn
Visit the website:
thezensocialworker.ca
⸻
Business Inquiries & Collaborations
📧 tim@thezensocialworker.ca
⸻
Disclaimer
This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for psychotherapy or social work services. If you’re struggling, please seek support from a licensed mental health professional.
This work is inspired by clinicians and researchers affiliated with the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science.
Motivation doesn’t disappear because you’re lazy, broken, or doing it wrong.
It disappears because you’re human.
In this episode, Jess and Steve explore what actually happens when motivation fades — especially after we’ve clarified what matters — and how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offers a more compassionate, sustainable way forward.
Rather than trying to force motivation back, this conversation focuses on how to keep moving toward what matters with low energy, discomfort, and doubt.
In this episode, we explore:
✅ What motivation actually is (and what it isn’t)
✅ Why waiting to “feel ready” keeps us stuck
✅ Acceptance vs forcing yourself to change
✅ How to untangle from unhelpful motivation stories
✅ What values-based action looks like on low-energy days
✅ Why self-compassion is essential for long-term change
This is a long-form, reflective conversation meant to slow things down — not push you harder.
You don’t need more motivation.
You need direction, flexibility, and kindness.
⸻
📱 Explore the ACT Essentials App
Looking for simple, practical ACT tools you can use anytime?
The ACT Essentials App includes:
• Values clarification tools
• Short mindfulness and grounding practices
• ACT metaphors and exercises for real-life moments
• Support for showing up with discomfort, not after it’s gone
👉 Learn more about the ACT Essentials App:
app.thezensocialworker.ca
⸻
🎧 Prefer to Listen?
This episode is also available as a podcast on Spotify.
👉 Listen on Spotify:
open.spotify.com/episode/4fIrFKcf4skOGymeLB0mrq?si=GT9VDI60SlG42D8YiLNVlw
⸻
📲 Connect with Us
Tim on Instagram:
instagram.com/zensocialworker
Jess on Instagram:
instagram.com/jessgordon_counselling
Steve on Instagram:
instagram.com/movewellfeelgood
⸻
🎥 Watch Next
✅ How to Handle Intrusive Thoughts | Name the Story | ACT Tool - youtu.be/r9tr9octT9c
✅ The 6 Core Processes of ACT — youtu.be/TPvLEZFa14o
✅ The Struggle Switch: Why Fighting Thoughts Backfires — youtu.be/Mc-n1Sa4PEI
⸻
🌐 More Resources
ACT courses & tools:
thezensocialworker.thinkific.com
Join our mailing list for free resources & updates:
eepurl.com/c9X9jn
Visit the website:
thezensocialworker.ca
⸻
Business Inquiries & Collaborations
📧 tim@thezensocialworker.ca
⸻
Disclaimer
This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for psychotherapy or social work services. If you’re struggling, please seek support from a licensed mental health professional.
This work is inspired by clinicians and researchers affiliated with the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science.
