Take Positive Action Instead Of Giving Into Negative Feelings

Photo Credit: Bruno Nascimento

Photo Credit: Iwona Castiello d'Antonio

Action Over Emotion: The Science and Spirit of Doing What’s Right Even When You Don’t Feel Like It

By Coach Larry Weber

Growing scientific evidence confirms what people have believed since biblical times: taking positive action is effective, even when you don't feel like taking the first step out the door or on that task you've been putting off.

As both a coach and an executive, I’ve seen this play out repeatedly. Whether in the boardroom or on the starting line, those who act on principle rather than emotion ultimately achieve their goals. Science may be catching up, but ancient wisdom already pointed the way.                                                      

When Feelings Fade, Action Leads

Even the most motivated individuals face days when their energy and inspiration wane. It’s easy to say, “I’ll do it tomorrow,” when the spark isn’t there. But if we wait for the right feeling before taking the right action, progress stalls.

The keyword is action. Not overthinking, not waiting for the perfect moment—just doing the thing you know will move you closer to your goal. Faith means taking that step forward even when your feelings haven’t yet caught up.

Last year, for example, if I had only run when I felt like it, I might have laced up my shoes only once or twice a week. Instead, I ran nearly 300 times in 2024. The same is true for writing: I publish an article almost every day. If I only wrote when I “felt inspired,” it would happen maybe once a week. Those extra 15–20 writing days each month are where growth—and often grace—occurs.

Consistency, not mood, is what creates excellence.                    

Science Catches Up with Scripture

Modern behavioral psychology echoes this truth. Research on “behavioral activation”, a therapeutic approach used to combat depression and low motivation, shows that taking action—even when you don’t feel like it—can change your emotional state. Movement alters mood.

When you choose to act first, neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin begin to shift. That first jog, email, or prayer breaks inertia and rewires the brain for forward momentum.

Put simply: you don’t wait to feel better to act—you act to feel better.

Scripture affirms this same truth. In Matthew 5:45–48, Jesus teaches us to love and do good even when others don’t reciprocate. Love, like excellence, is not a feeling—it’s a decision expressed through action. Likewise, Philippians 4:13 reminds us, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” That strength often emerges only after we begin to move.                     

Self-Discipline with Compassion

Self-discipline is not about perfection or harsh self-criticism. It’s about practicing compassion toward yourself while refusing to settle for anything less than excellence. We all have days when we fall short, and that’s part of being human.

The key is to say, “I can still get better.” Instead of beating yourself up, take one small positive step—the first mile, the first paragraph, the first prayer. Often, the good feelings come afterward, not before.

Every runner knows this paradox: the most challenging part of the run is getting out the door. Once you do, your mood almost always improves. As countless athletes have said after a workout, “I’m glad I did that.”                                                                             

Action Outlasts Emotion

Positive thinking has its place, but positive action is far more powerful. Thinking alone won’t change your body, your faith, or your future. Acting on what you know is right—especially when you don’t feel like it—creates transformation.

That’s true whether you’re training for a marathon, pursuing a promotion, or trying to be a better parent or friend. Positive actions, repeated daily, compound over time to produce remarkable results.

So today, don’t wait for motivation. Don’t overanalyze or negotiate with yourself. As the Nike slogan says: Just do it. Take that first step—spiritually, mentally, or physically—and watch your mood follow your movement.                                                      

Faith in Motion

Doing what’s right when you don’t feel like it isn’t just a performance strategy—it’s a spiritual one. In a world that worships comfort, faith calls us to choose discipline over emotion, love over apathy, and perseverance over ease.

Whether you’re on the road, in the gym, or facing a difficult day, remember: doing good is the fuel of champions.

Take that first step out the door—and watch what happens next.

Blessings,
Coach Weber

Philippians 4:13
Matthew 5:45–48