Have you ever started something with so much enthusiasm that it felt like nothing could stop you? You were all in, full throttle, and nothing could stand in your way. But then, somewhere along the road, the fire started to die out. You lost that spark, and before you knew it, the thing that once excited you was nothing more than a distant memory. This is what I call "the fizzle."
The fizzle is that slow, creeping loss of motivation that sneaks up on you when you least expect it. One moment, you're burning with passion, and the next, you're struggling to remember why you even started in the first place. It's frustrating, disheartening, and all too common.
Why Does the Fizzle Happen?
The fizzle can happen for a variety of reasons. Maybe the initial excitement of starting something new gave you a surge of energy, but as the novelty wore off, so did your enthusiasm. Perhaps life got in the way—work, family, or other responsibilities took priority, and your goal slowly slipped down the list. Or maybe you encountered obstacles that felt too daunting, and instead of pushing through, you subconsciously decided it was easier to let it go.
Whatever the reason, the fizzle is a natural part of the process. It doesn’t mean you’re lazy or incapable; it simply means you're human. But while the fizzle is natural, it doesn’t have to be inevitable.
My Own Fizzle Moment
This summer, I found myself in the middle of a classic fizzle. I had embarked on a project that I was incredibly excited about. I spent hours planning, researching, and setting everything up. The first year and a half was fantastic—I was on top of everything, and it felt like I was finally on the path to something great.
But then, slowly but surely, the excitement began to wane. I started skipping tasks, convincing myself that I would "get back to it tomorrow." Tomorrow came and went, and soon, I wasn't even thinking about the project anymore. It was as if the fire had gone out, and I didn't even notice when it happened.
It wasn’t until a good friend called me out that I realized what had happened. She sent me a Marco Polo (a video app we use in Put It Down) and called me out on my shit. I know it took a lot of courage to tell me how she was feeling. Not because she isn’t brave, but because she didn’t want to hurt my feelings.Â
Her words were like a splash of cold water. I realized that I had let the fizzle take over, and in doing so, I had lost sight of something that genuinely mattered to me. That conversation was the wake-up call I needed to reignite my passion and get back on track.
How to Prevent the Fizzle
If you've experienced the fizzle, you know how discouraging it can be. But the good news is that you can prevent it—or at the very least, minimize its effects. Here are a few strategies that can help you stay motivated and keep your fire burning:
1. Set Clear, Tangible Goals: One of the main reasons the fizzle happens is because your goals are too vague or abstract. Instead of saying, "I want to get in shape," set a clear goal like, "I want to run a 5K in under 30 minutes by December." Tangible goals give you something specific to work towards, which can help maintain your motivation over time.
2. Break It Down: Large projects or goals can feel overwhelming, which makes it easier to fizzle out. Break your goal down into smaller, manageable tasks, and focus on completing one task at a time. This approach not only makes the goal more attainable but also gives you a sense of accomplishment along the way.
3. Find Your 'Why': Take the time to reflect on why you started this journey in the first place. What was it that excited you about this goal? What do you hope to achieve? When the fizzle starts to creep in, reconnecting with your ‘why’ can reignite that initial passion and keep you moving forward.
4. Stay Accountable: Having someone who holds you accountable can make a huge difference. Whether it's a friend, a coach, or a community, having someone to check in with can keep you motivated and on track. My friend’s gentle nudge was all I needed to remember why I started in the first place.
5. Celebrate Small Wins: Don’t wait until you've achieved the final goal to celebrate. Recognize and celebrate the small victories along the way. This not only boosts your morale but also helps maintain your momentum.
6. Be Flexible, But Stay Committed: Life happens, and sometimes you need to adjust your plans. That’s okay. Flexibility is important, but don’t let it turn into an excuse to abandon your goal altogether. If you need to adjust the timeline or approach, do it, but stay committed to the end result.
7. Reflect Regularly: Set aside time to regularly reflect on your progress. This could be weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, depending on your goal. Use this time to assess what's working, what's not, and what adjustments need to be made. Reflection helps you stay connected to your goal and prevents the fizzle from taking over.
The Power of Friends Who Hold You Accountable
Sometimes, all it takes to overcome the fizzle is a good friend who isn’t afraid to call you out. I’m grateful for my friend who reminded me of my passion when I had lost sight of it. Having someone in your corner who believes in you and your goals can be the difference between giving up and pushing through.
If you’re lucky enough to have someone like that in your life, cherish them. And if you don’t, consider being that person for someone else. Accountability can be a powerful tool in overcoming the fizzle, and sometimes, all it takes is a simple conversation to reignite the fire.
Keep the Fire Alive
The fizzle is a frustrating experience, but it's not the end of the road. By setting clear goals, breaking them down, staying connected to your ‘why,’ and leaning on your support system, you can keep your fire burning strong. And when you do experience the fizzle—as we all inevitably will—remember that it's just a part of the process. With a little reflection and some help from those around you, you can reignite your passion and continue moving forward.
So, the next time you feel your excitement starting to fizzle out, take a step back, reconnect with your goals, and keep pushing forward. The finish line is closer than you think.
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