Motivation part 1-Myths, Misunderstandings, and a Holistic View on Motivation

Myths, Misunderstandings, and a Holistic View on Motivation

What truly motivates us? In this post, I, Angelica, a holistic health coach, debunk four common myths about motivation and explain why quick rewards and external encouragement aren’t enough. Motivation is not something you either have or lack – it grows when your needs are met. Read about how we at Sculptera work with motivation as part of holistic health, and what you can do when the spark feels far away.

Understanding what genuinely motivates us is a key factor in any change process – whether it’s starting an exercise routine, creating sustainable habits, breaking destructive patterns, or reconnecting with meaning in everyday life.

I’m Angelica, a holistic health coach and certified neuroscience coach. At Sculptera Fitness Conscious Health, we always work with the whole person – body, brain, emotions, and context. By understanding how motivation works on a deeper level, it becomes easier to see why we sometimes get stuck, even when we want to change.

But to truly understand motivation, we first need to challenge some common myths.

Four Common Myths About Motivation

Myth 1: The reward system always works
In theory – yes. Our dopamine system reacts strongly to rewards, which can kickstart behaviors. But in practice, it’s more complex. Rewards often act as short-term triggers. They can get us started – but if we rely solely on external rewards like money, likes, scale numbers, or others’ approval, motivation tends to fade when the reward disappears.

For long-term motivation, we need more than quick hits – we need meaning and context.

Myth 2: Some people can’t be motivated
This myth is both common and misleading because it places blame on the individual instead of understanding what’s really happening. Everyone can be motivated – but not everyone is motivated in the same way.

Motivation is connected to safety, self-image, past experiences, and unmet needs. What may appear as “laziness” or “lack of motivation” often reflects burnout, shame, insecurity, or feeling a lack of control over one’s life.

Taking the time to understand the person in front of us makes it much easier to find the right paths to change.

Myth 3: Motivation makes people happy
Actually, it’s often an improved life that makes us more motivated – not the other way around. When we experience rest, safety, recognition, competence, and being heard, motivation naturally increases. Not because we “found motivation,” but because our needs were met.

That’s why it’s crucial not to blame yourself for “lacking motivation.” Instead, ask:

👉 What do I need right now to feel it’s possible to move forward?

Myth 4: Intrinsic motivation is the foundation of everything
It’s true that intrinsic motivation – doing something because it feels meaningful or stimulating – is stronger and more sustainable over time. But that doesn’t mean external motivation is “bad” or unnecessary.

In real life, both interact. We might start exercising to get in shape (external motivation) but continue because we enjoy the energy, strength, and routine it brings (intrinsic motivation).

At Sculptera Fitness Conscious Health, we see intrinsic and extrinsic motivation as two parts of a growing system – helping you find your inner direction while recognizing that external structure, support, and encouragement often help us take the first step.

What This Means in Practice

Our coaching is not about “pushing you” to do something you don’t want to. We work to understand why your spark has faded – and what you need to regain direction, desire, and energy.

We ask questions like:

• What is truly important to you?

• When did you last feel motivated, and what surrounded you then?

• Which of your needs are currently unmet?

• Which small steps feel possible to begin with, without pressure?

Motivation – Part of Holistic Health

Motivation doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It naturally follows how we feel – mentally, physically, and emotionally. When our bodies are out of balance, when we live under stress, when relationships are challenging, or when we lose a sense of meaning, motivation is affected too.

That’s why we at Sculptera work with holistic health. Exercise and nutrition are just part of the puzzle. Equally important are recovery, self-esteem, relationships, safety, and being seen for who you are.

Want to Understand Your Own Motivation?

You can book a free consultation with me, where we explore what drives you and what you need to move forward. Whether it’s training, lifestyle change, or simply reconnecting with yourself, you’re warmly welcome to reach out.

I work with coaching, nutrition, movement, and recovery – always focusing on you as a whole person.

Below you will find the other posts in the blog series: 

Motivation part 2

Motivation part 3