The European Commission has revised Germany’s economic forecast downward for the third time. From a modest 0.7% growth, it has now dropped to 0.0%—which is effectively stagnation.

Everywhere you read: this can’t go on—we need a sense of renewal, more motivation, and a stronger willingness to work in this country! But who actually knows what motivation really is?
It’s a fleeting resource.

It comes and goes like a timid deer:

Yes, we finally want to get fitter—but right now we’re too tired. Yes, we want to launch the new product—but first we’re held back by bureaucracy. Yes, we really want that promotion—but first we need to go on vacation.

Many leaders think motivation works like a battery: charge it once, and things will run smoothly.

But people are not machines. Motivation doesn’t work in a linear way—it works in cycles. There are phases of tension and relaxation; performance and recovery; clarity and doubt.

Research shows that high performance does not come from constant pushing, but from deliberate recovery, genuine autonomy, and a sense of meaningful purpose.

A key to consistent development is to place ambition above mood and motivation.

Whether you want to learn to play the piano, become a CrossFit champion, or write a book—the key question is not whether you feel like it today, but who you want to become in the long run. Only those who can clearly imagine their dream and their future self will have the discipline to work on it consistently.

“Enthusiasm fluctuates, consistent action accumulates” (Adam Grant)

Instead of constantly broadcasting new motivational messages, we should define a vision that truly resonates with people—and then create an environment in which we can work toward it consistently and with discipline.

This post was published by Wolfgang Jenewein on LinkedIn on June 2, 2025. Zum Original-Beitrag