Most of us don’t put compassion and motivation in the same sentence. We think of compassion as soft, gentle, or even passive, and motivation as discipline, hustle, or force. But compassion is one of the most powerful motivators you can build.

In this listener Q+A, I break down why motivation isn’t a mood, how it’s really tied to emotion regulation, and why compassion is the brain state that helps you keep going without burning out.

You’ll learn:

• Why 'I’ve lost my motivation' usually means you’re stuck in threat mode.
• The difference between feelings, emotions, and motivation (and why it matters).
• How the threat, drive, and soothe systems shape your ability to follow through.
• What compassion actually does in the brain and why it motivates growth, not avoidance.
• How compassionate motivation shows up not just in food and fitness, but in your work, relationships, and daily choices.

I’ll also walk you through a reflection exercise I give my clients:

👉 For me, compassion is…

👉 For me, compassion is not…

By the end, you’ll see why compassion isn’t about lowering your standards, it’s about pursuing them with adaptability, resilience, and self-respect.

🎧 Listen now to learn how compassion can become your strongest source of motivation.

More Resources:

• Grab the free mini-course: Emotion Systems Audit – Download here
• Connect with Shannon on Instagram: @coachshannonbeer
• Learn more about compassion coaching: get the details here
• Join Body Image Fundamentals: learn more here