Increasing your effectiveness with EFT, part 174.
Sometimes people worry that using EFT to release difficult emotions might take away the motivation those emotions once gave them. For example, someone might share that breakups used to inspire big life changes—quitting smoking, getting in shape, or pursuing education—but now, after using EFT to ease the emotional pain, they feel more stable yet less driven to take action.
This is a valid concern. Pain can sometimes be a powerful motivator. But it’s worth remembering that it is possible to achieve meaningful change without having to rely on pain as the fuel. In fact, EFT can be used to work with what’s getting in the way of taking action, so that motivation can arise from clarity, curiosity, or a sense of possibility rather than from emotional distress.
One way to explore this is to ask yourself: If I weren’t feeling “meh” right now, and I had more drive, what would I be doing differently? Your answer might be something like, “I’d start looking for a better job” or “I’d consider dating again.”
Once you identify the action you would take, you can then tap on any resistance, hesitation, or lack of motivation around it. For example:
“When I think about starting to look for a better job, I just feel like, ‘What’s the point?’ and this is where I’m at right now.”
Or:
“When I think about dating again, I feel nothing, because part of me believes it will probably end in another breakup, and this is where I’m at right now.”
By tapping in this way, you are giving voice to the resistance or any other feelings that might be holding you back. You are meeting yourself exactly where you are, which is often the most effective starting point for EFT. As you do this, your thoughts and feelings can shift naturally toward a state where taking action feels more possible.
While it’s true that strong emotions can sometimes push us forward, there is also value in learning to move ahead from a place of steadiness. EFT can help you navigate whatever fears, doubts, or barriers stand between you and the life you want to create—without needing to rely on pain as your primary source of energy.
I’m Bruno Sade, a clinical psychologist and Certified Advanced EFT Practitioner. Helping you manage emotional reactions and release triggers in a way that feels safe and tailored to your preferences and needs.
If you’ve never worked with me and you’d like to experience how this works in a session, I currently offer a free EFT tapping session in exchange for a brief market research interview. It’s a gentle, no-pressure way to experience how this works and see if it’s a good fit for you. Feel free to reach out if that interests you, or click here.