Why Motivation Isn’t Enough (And What to Do About It): Insights From Our Sports Psychologist
- Megan Clements
- Jul 28
- 3 min read
At TAP we do things differently.
We know you don’t just need another cookie cutter training plan or a restrictive meal guide. You need support for the whole journey including your mindset.
That’s why this week, we brought in Becca Hickman, a Sport and Exercise Psychologist for a live mindset call inside our TAP Online Coaching programme.
Here’s what our clients learned and why this work is essential if you want long term results.
Why You’re Not “Lazy” Your Motivation Style Might Be the Issue
Ever started strong with a goal, then fizzled out?
It’s not your willpower. It’s your motivation type.
Becca broke down the 4 types of motivation that drive behaviour:
External (e.g. pressure from a coach or chasing a reward)
Introjected (guilt, ego, or “shoulds”)
Identified (you value the outcome)
Intrinsic (you genuinely enjoy it)
💡 Becca's expertise helped our clients reframe how they relate to their training, backed by psychological science. Inside TAP Coaching, we help clients shift from short term motivation to deep rooted purpose the kind that makes movement a non negotiable part of life.
The Motivation Myth: Why You Won’t Feel Fired Up Every Day
If you’re waiting to “feel motivated” before you act, you’ll always be stuck in a stop start cycle.
Our coaching clients learnt that instead of relying on motivation, they need:
Structure
Habit
Self-compassion
Meaning
We help clients build systems that keep them moving even on tired, stressful, or chaotic weeks.
🎯 This is the secret to sustainable exercise routines that last.
The Real Reason You’re Stuck in the All or Nothing Trap
Sound familiar?
“I missed one session… I’ll start again Monday.”
“I only have 20 minutes, so what’s the point?”
“I ate badly yesterday, so I’ve already blown it.”
This is classic all or nothing thinking. And it’s one of the biggest roadblocks to long term results.
But inside TAP, we teach flexible, human first routines:
Minimum vs ideal plans
Bounce-back strategies for off-days
Permission to adapt without guilt
💬 When clients commit to a realistic baseline and show up consistently (even if imperfectly), they see lasting change.
Values First, Results Second (Here’s Why That Works)
In Becca’s session, we helped clients uncover their exercise compass the values that keep them grounded when motivation fades.
Examples include:
Grit
Confidence
Joy
Health
Inside TAP Coaching, we anchor training around the person you want to become not just the number on the scale or race time on the clock.
This shift builds emotional buy in (and more consistent behaviour).
💌 We give our clients way more than just workouts they get mindset coaching, expert support, and tools that work off the gym floor too.
What to Do on Your “Off Days”
This is where most people give up. But our clients? They’ve got options.
From Becca’s mindset call, here’s what our coaching clients now use when they’re struggling:
The “Just 5 Minutes” rule
A change of modality (walk, dance, stretch, lift… it all counts)
Accountability from the group
Reconnecting with their “why”
💬 Every week, our TAP Coaching community shares wins, setbacks, and real life strategies in our check ins you're never doing this alone.
The Bottom Line?
You don’t need a better plan.You need a better relationship with movement.
And that’s exactly what we coach inside the TAP Online Coaching Programme.
If you’re tired of starting over every Monday…
If you’re sick of plans that fall apart the moment life gets busy…
If you want expert support from coaches who get it including access to sessions like Becca’s mindset calls apply now.
