How to Stay Inspired When Motivation Fails
The start of a new year brings a wave of motivation—fresh goals, ambitious resolutions, and a determination to make this year different. But statistics tell a different story.
Studies show that most people give up on their New Year’s resolutions by February (MSU Denver). In fact, fewer than 9% of people actually achieve their resolutions in a given year.
So, why do so many people fail? In many cases, it’s because they rely on motivation alone. The key to long-term success in achieving your goals isn’t just simply being motivated—it’s staying inspired to keep going when that motivation fades.
What’s the Difference Between Motivation and Inspiration?
Don’t get us wrong, motivation is important in achieving success. But intrinsic motivation can be fleeting—even for the most disciplined and self-motivated people, emotions and external factors in our daily lives can cause ebbs and flows in motivation.
- Motivation is temporary—it gets you started.
- Inspiration lasts—it keeps you moving forward.
The #1 reason resolutions fail is boredom.
Many people start the year hitting the gym hard, only to find themselves repeating the same workouts over and over. Without variety, progress slows, interest fades, and the excitement that once fueled the pursuit of that goal is gone.
Unlike repetitive gym workouts, Krav Maga classes at America’s Best Defense are constantly evolving. Each class introduces new drills, self-defense techniques, and real-world scenarios, so students are always engaged, challenged, and inspired to continue training.
It’s About Purpose, Not Achievement
Motivational speaker and author Robin S. Sharma once said, “Never sacrifice happiness for the sake of achievement. The real key to life is to happily achieve.”
Achievement for the sake of achievement doesn’t feel remotely as satisfying as achievement for the sake of fulfilling a greater purpose. In fact, researchers at Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business found that setting resolutions that are fueled by a deep sense of purpose have a much higher success rate (OSU).
This distinction is what makes Krav Maga and other martial arts training unique when it comes to achieving fitness goals. While every class provides a challenging, engaging workout, it’s not just about getting fit. Our students learn real-world self-defense skills so they can protect themselves and their loved ones, giving their training purpose beyond just exercise.
Success Starts with Your Community
There’s an old saying: If you want to be successful, surround yourself with successful people. This principle applies to every goal in life, and martial arts training is no exception.
When you train in an environment filled with driven, like-minded individuals, their energy and commitment become contagious. Seeing others push through challenges, hit milestones, and grow stronger isn’t just inspiring—it creates a sense of accountability that keeps you motivated to show up, train hard, and stay committed.
“A rising tide lifts all boats.”
Our founder Master Paul Garcia is fond of the expression, “A rising tide lifts all boats.” At America’s Best Defense, students train alongside people who are striving for the same goals: building strength, developing confidence, and learning self-defense.
When encouragement replaces doubt, progress becomes a shared experience. Whether it’s an instructor pushing you to give your best effort or a training partner celebrating a small win with you, the people around you play a massive role in keeping you inspired.
In this kind of positive, uplifting environment, quitting doesn’t feel like an option. Instead, each class builds momentum, reinforcing the drive to keep improving. The more you surround yourself with people who are committed to growth, the more you’ll find yourself pushing beyond your limits—not because you have to, but because you want to.
Motivation fades. But when you’re part of a community that lifts you up, inspiration lasts.
Ready to Stay Inspired? Try Krav Maga Today!
New Year’s resolutions don’t have to end in February. The key to success is choosing a path that keeps you inspired—and martial arts training does exactly that.
At America’s Best Defense, we provide engaging, practical, and community-driven training that keeps you coming back. Don’t let another year pass without taking action. Schedule your free introductory class today!