4 Steps to Feel Better With Behavioral Activation (BA) Infographic (Based on ideas from Feeling Good by David Burns, M.D.) You don’t have to feel motivated before you act. Sometimes action comes first — and motivation follows. When I feel overwhelmed, tired, or discouraged, my mind often says: “I can’t do anything.” “I should be doing more.” “What’s wrong with me?” Those thoughts can stop me from moving forward. Behavioral Activation offers something different. Not pressure.