I’ve always been a driven person. Now, in my 50s, I know about setting goals, staying motivated, and trying to push myself beyond limits. But despite a lifetime of ambition, I’ve also learned that motivation alone isn’t enough. No matter how fired up you are to achieve something, if you lack the right tools, skills, or opportunities, progress stalls—and it’s frustrating.
There have been countless times in my life when my motivation was sky-high, but I hit a wall because I simply didn’t have the capability to move forward. The result? Frustration, burnout, and self-doubt. I began to realize that motivation is only one piece of the puzzle. To truly succeed, you need the right balance of motivation, capability, and opportunity.
Let’s dive into the tug of war between motivation and capability, and how to assess whether it’s a lack of willpower, resources, or skills that might be holding you back. It’s about recognizing that sometimes, it’s not that you’re not trying hard enough—it’s that you may not have the right tools to succeed.
Motivation: The Fire that Fuels You
Motivation is often seen as the secret sauce of success. It’s that burning desire to achieve your goals, whether it’s crushing a new business venture, hitting the gym to stay fit, or improving your personal relationships. For me, motivation has always been the easy part. I wake up with big ambitions, excited about what I want to accomplish.
As an athlete, motivation drives me to get up early for runs, train for events, and push myself physically. It’s the same with entrepreneurship—motivation keeps me energized through long hours, risks, and uncertainty. But motivation on its own doesn’t always get you across the finish line. I’ve experienced this firsthand in both my athletic and professional life.
For example, a few years ago, I trained for a marathon. I was motivated beyond belief, driven by the idea of crossing that finish line. But about halfway through my training, I realized that my body wasn’t prepared for the distance. My motivation was high, but my capability wasn’t there—I hadn’t built the strength, endurance, or knowledge I needed to run 26.2 miles. I needed more than willpower to succeed; I needed the right training plan and a gradual build-up of skills and physical ability.
Capability: The Tools and Skills You Need
Capability is where motivation meets reality. You might be driven to accomplish something, but if you lack the skills or resources, you’re setting yourself up for frustration. For years, I’ve been an entrepreneur, and while I’ve always been passionate about growing my business, I’ve faced countless setbacks because I didn’t always have the right knowledge or tools.
Take the time I decided to expand into a new market. I was motivated, optimistic, and excited about the opportunity. But as I dived deeper into the process, I realized I didn’t fully understand the market’s complexities. I was lacking the expertise and insight needed to make the right decisions. No amount of motivation could make up for my lack of capability in that moment. I had to step back, invest time in learning, and build the skills necessary to navigate that space.
This was a tough pill to swallow, but it’s a lesson I’ve come to appreciate: You can’t rely solely on motivation if you don’t have the tools to back it up. Capability matters, whether it’s in business, sports, or personal growth.
Opportunity: The Missing Link
Motivation and capability are crucial, but opportunity is the final piece of the puzzle. Sometimes, you have the drive and the skills, but the right opportunity just hasn’t come along yet. As an entrepreneur, I’ve seen this play out over and over. You can have a brilliant idea and the ability to execute it, but without the right timing, funding, or market conditions, success can still be elusive.
In my 50s, I’ve come to recognize that opportunity isn’t always in our control. However, what we can control is how we prepare ourselves for when opportunities do arise. I’ve learned to focus on honing my skills and staying motivated, even when the timing doesn’t seem right. By doing so, I ensure that when the right opportunity does come, I’m fully capable of taking advantage of it.
Assessing What’s Holding You Back
So how do you know whether it’s motivation, capability, or opportunity that’s holding you back? Here’s how I assess where I’m stuck when I hit a roadblock:
1. Check Your Motivation
Ask yourself: Am I truly motivated, or am I going through the motions? Motivation can fade over time, and if you’re feeling less driven, it might be time to reconnect with your goals. I’ve found that revisiting why I set a goal in the first place can reignite that fire when my motivation is low.
2. Evaluate Your Skills
Are you equipped with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed? If not, take the time to build up your capability. Whether it’s learning a new business strategy, improving your fitness technique, or developing a personal skill, this investment in yourself pays off. There’s no shame in admitting you need to improve your skills—this is how growth happens.
3. Seek Opportunities
Finally, if you’re motivated and capable but still not making progress, it might be an issue of timing or opportunity. Keep an eye out for the right moments to seize, and don’t be discouraged if they don’t come immediately. I’ve learned that patience and perseverance are key, especially in entrepreneurship. Sometimes, it’s about staying prepared until the right door opens.
The Importance of Balance
The real magic happens when motivation, capability, and opportunity align. When all three are in place, progress feels effortless—like you’re moving in the right direction without resistance. But that balance doesn’t always come naturally, and it often takes effort to develop all three elements in tandem.
In my life, I’ve learned to view each of these elements as parts of a whole. Motivation gets me started, capability ensures I have the skills to follow through, and opportunity provides the platform to succeed. When I’m feeling stuck, it’s usually because one of these areas is out of balance.
Conclusion: Progress Comes from the Right Balance
The tug of war between motivation and capability is one we all face. But it’s not about choosing one over the other—it’s about recognizing that both are necessary. Motivation gets you in the game, but capability keeps you there. And when opportunity finally meets your readiness, that’s when progress happens.
For anyone facing frustration, wondering why they’re not reaching their goals despite their best efforts, remember this: It’s not always about trying harder. Sometimes, it’s about gaining the skills you need to succeed or waiting for the right moment to act. Recognize what’s holding you back, and address it directly. With motivation, capability, and opportunity in balance, there’s nothing stopping you from reaching your full potential.