Imagine waking up each morning, armed with the knowledge that your daily actions can play a pivotal role in the battle against climate change — an ever-looming threat to our planet. Despite our collective good intentions, the translation of these noble aspirations into tangible actions often proves elusive. It's a paradox rooted in motivation, that hidden link between intention and action, which, in turn, hampers our ability to imagine a sustainable future.

This motivation dilemma is a two-fold concern. Firstly, individuals often voice a yearning to be more sustainably minded but lack a personal connection to the issue which makes climate initiatives an unimportant priority. Secondly, this very motivation crisis constrains our ability to think creatively, trapping us in a cycle of stagnant problem-solving. As psychologists, coaches, and educators, it's our responsibility to unravel these complexities.

Governments set ambitious climate goals, but change often blossoms from the collective actions of individuals. Motivation often stands as the bridge between intention and action, and its absence dims our vision of a sustainable future. Many, despite genuine desires to make a difference, stumble in maintaining commitment amid life's daily demands.

To confront this motivation challenge, we must begin with self-reflection. In a recent discussion at a hedge fund, two engineers — Paul and Louise — showcased differing views. Paul deemed all climate actions a futile endeavor, while Louise placed faith in transformative technologies. Yet, both were stuck in the same stage of behavioral change — ambivalence, a common barrier that........

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