“Motivation gets you going and habit gets you there.”
— Zig Ziglar
Simplified Meaning:
To achieve a goal, starting off with enthusiasm and motivation is important, but it's the regular routines and habits that help you accomplish it in the long run. Think about studying for a big exam. You need that initial spark or motivation to open your books and start studying. However, if you don’t make it a daily habit to study a little each day, your motivation alone won't be enough to master the material. For example, an athlete starts training because they are excited about winning a race. That excitement is great for getting started, but only by training every day, even when they don't feel like it, will they actually improve and stand a chance of winning. So in life, if you want to achieve something big—like getting fit, learning a new language, or finishing a project—start with the excitement to dive in. But to really succeed, you need to make small, consistent efforts a part of your daily routine. When motivation fades, your habits keep you moving towards your goal.