By Baylee Rayl Christophel

My name is Baylee Rayl Christophel. I’m a 5x CrossFit Games athlete – and just started my own business, too. When you set your sights on big goals, you’ll likely experience times of intense motivation. But you’re probably bound for some incredibly low valleys as well. They might even make you wonder why you started the journey in the first place.

There are days when showing up feels almost impossible.

You know the days I’m talking about. When you feel lost. Burnt out. Like you’re going through the motions, wondering if all the effort is even worth it.

Whether it’s in your fitness journey, relationships, or personal goals, it’s easy to lose motivation. And when you’re in that space, all the positive talk and Pinterest quotes in the world just feel a little empty.

So how do we keep going when we don’t feel like going?

For me, it starts with remembering “why.” Your “why” is an anchor. It’s the thing that tugs on your heart and reminds you of the bigger picture – even when your current reality feels overwhelming. I’ve had moments – especially in training – when I’ve felt like giving up. My body is tired. My schedule is packed. And life feels heavy.

But then I remember the girl who first walked into the gym unsure of what saying “yes” that day would lead to. I remember the reasons I started: To be better than I was the day before. To glorify God with the gifts I was given. To inspire others to live a life of purpose and passion.

You never know what your journey can do for others.

That “why” is what propels me forward.

As we all have found out, motivation is fleeting. It’s not reliable. It comes and goes, especially when things get hard. That’s where discipline has to take the lead. Discipline says, “I’ll show up even when I don’t feel like it.” Discipline doesn’t wait for the mood to strike. It moves first. Action often precedes motivation. Not the other way around.

There have been so many moments in my journey when motivation felt completely out of reach. I’ll never forget one of them – at the CrossFit Games. I was finishing almost dead last in my heat. The stadium had quieted down, most of the athletes had already completed the workout, and there I was. Still grinding, still pushing. I felt embarrassed. I wanted to disappear. I thought, “What’s the point in finishing this out?” But then I remembered why I started in the first place.

It was never about a placement for me. It has always been about growing my character. And seeing what happens when you don’t give up – even when it gets tough. That moment taught me more about my own heart than a win ever could. In that small moment on the field, it reflected life. What will we do when the going gets tough? Our true character is revealed when it’s put under pressure. We always have a choice. Will we give up or keep pressing forward? You never know what impact you may have on someone by demonstrating that even when times get tough, we aren’t afraid to keep showing up.

Staying motivated is rarely a solo act.

Being surrounded by people who push me to grow has been everything. When my own motivation runs out and the discipline feels mundane, I lean on my people. Whether it’s my family cheering me on at the finish line, a hard conversation with a friend who reminds me of my goals, or just being around others who share the same values and mission. It all matters. We weren’t meant to do this alone.

Being part of a community will keep your fire lit, even on the days when it feels like it’s burning out. Because in the end, this journey isn’t just about what we accomplish. It’s about who we’re becoming and who we’re walking it out with. If you’re looking for a community to grow with, start with being open to learning from those better than you at their craft. For me, it all started by walking into a CrossFit affiliate and taking a class. Partnering up with people who were better than me and then eventually navigating towards the competitive side. If you want to find community and hone your craft – seek out those who are more experienced, wiser, and better than you. Humble yourself enough to learn from them. Then keep doing it.

And in those moments when you’re tempted to compare your journey to someone else’s? Remind yourself to run your race. You were never designed to live a story other than your own. Your journey is unique. Your purpose is specific. And your timeline doesn’t need to match anyone else’s. Comparison only steals joy – and the momentum you’re working so hard to build.

When motivation dips, refocus on the things that matter. Keep your eyes locked on your purpose and your “why” – even on the days when it feels like no one sees your effort. Remember that your consistency, your resilience, your quiet discipline – it’s impacting more people than you realize. You might be the spark that helps someone else keep going.

You’re not alone on the hard days. You’re not the only one who’s struggled to get up and show up. But every time you do, you prove to yourself that you’re stronger than the excuses. You become the kind of person who shows up even without a spotlight – and that’s where real transformation begins. Where growth and results are earned, not given.

So if you’re feeling lost, stuck, or unmotivated – remember your “why.” Embrace the journey. Know that real victory is not just at the finish line – but in the person you’re becoming along the way.