The Difference Between “Feeling Driven” and “Choosing Action”

By David Hennessy, Clinical Psychologist

Some people spend much of their life operating with a strong sense of energy, urgency, drive, or pressure to act. When that feeling drops back to a more typical level, it can feel strange, flat, or even worrying.

Tasks that once felt automatic may suddenly feel difficult to start.

This does not always mean something is wrong. Sometimes it means the nervous system is no longer running at full speed. [1,2]

Acting From Pressure or Urgency

• “I have to do this right now.”
• Rest feels uncomfortable.
• Slowing down feels wrong.
• Motivation comes from tension, pressure, or racing thoughts.
• The body and mind feel constantly “switched on.”

People can achieve a lot this way, but it can also become exhausting over time. [1]

Acting With Intention

• “I do not feel a huge push, but I can still choose what matters.”
• “I can take one step at a time.”
• “I can act based on what is important to me.”
• “I do not have to wait until I feel highly motivated.”

Intentional action often begins before motivation appears. [1,2]

Many people wait to feel motivated before starting. In reality, motivation often grows after we begin. Small actions can help the brain and body slowly build momentum. [2,3]

A Helpful Way to Think About It

A racing engine feels powerful.

An engine running at a lower speed feels steady.

Sometimes people mistake calmness for laziness because they are used to functioning with high intensity.

So How Do We Function Without the Familiar Push?

• Rely less on feelings of urgency.
• Build routines instead of waiting for motivation.
• Take small actions even when enthusiasm is low.
• Focus on values and priorities rather than pressure.
• Accept that action can come first, and motivation may follow later.
• Practice acting with intention instead of reacting to internal pressure. [1,2]

A Simple Example

Instead of:

“I suddenly feel motivated, so I will clean the whole house.”

It may become:

“I will spend 10 minutes cleaning because I value having a comfortable space.”

The second approach may feel less exciting, but it is often healthier and easier to maintain long term.

Small intentional actions repeated consistently often create more lasting change than bursts of intense motivation. [1,3]

Final Thought

Motivation does not always have to feel intense.

Intentional action often looks steadier and quieter:

• calmer,
• steadier,
• more deliberate,
• and more intentional.

Motivation tends to grow as we begin moving, rather than before. [1,2]

Related Topics

You may also find these resources helpful:

• Mood Disorders
• Understanding Bipolar Disorder
• Elevated Mood and Everyday Functioning
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Mindfulness-Based Therapy
• Emotion Regulation and Behaviour Change

References

[1] Hayes, S. C., Strosahl, K. D., & Wilson, K. G. (2012). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: The Process and Practice of Mindful Change (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
https://www.guilford.com/books/Acceptance-and-Commitment-Therapy/Hayes-Strosahl-Wilson/9781462528943

[2] Linehan, M. M. (2015). DBT Skills Training Manual (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
https://www.guilford.com/books/DBT-Skills-Training-Manual/Marsha-Linehan/9781462516995

[3] Gardner, B., Lally, P., & Wardle, J. (2012). Making health habitual: The psychology of habit-formation and general practice. British Journal of General Practice, 62(605), 664–666.
https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp12X659466