Some of my friends and family have described my habits as the following: boring, crazy, weird, eccentric, and monotonous. To that I say, thank you!
"Motivation gets you started; discipline keeps you going.” This famous quote by Jim Rohn captures a truth many of us struggle to accept: motivation is fleeting, but discipline creates lasting success. How many times have you felt fired up after a motivational video, book, or movie, only to lose steam within days—or even hours? This is because motivation, while inspiring, is inconsistent. Discipline, on the other hand, is a reliable force that keeps you moving forward, even when the excitement fades. Let's explore why discipline outweighs motivation and how embracing it can lead to a more consistent and fulfilling journey toward your goals.
Motivation is the spark that ignites our desire to act. It’s what drives us to start a new project, hit the gym, or tackle a long-overdue task. For example, watching a fitness influencer smash a workout might inspire you to lace up your sneakers. However, motivation has a major flaw: it’s temporary.
There's a problem with relying on motivation, it's like the weather—unpredictable and out of our control. Some days it’s sunny and bright, and you feel unstoppable. Other days, it’s gray and dreary, and the thought of getting out of bed feels impossible. When you rely solely on motivation, you’re at the mercy of these fluctuations. This inconsistency makes it difficult to stick with long-term goals, especially when challenges arise.
Discipline is the ability to stay committed to your goals, no matter how you feel in the moment. Unlike motivation, discipline doesn’t require you to feel inspired—it only requires action. Discipline creates habits. By showing up repeatedly, even when you don’t feel like it, you develop routines that make action almost automatic. For instance, a disciplined writer might sit down to write at the same time every day, eventually making it as natural as brushing their teeth.
Think of a marathon runner who trains in the rain, cold, or heat because their goal matters more than their temporary discomfort or an entrepreneur who builds their business one small step at a time, despite times of doubt or frustration.
Discipline is simply more reliable than motivation. Success is built on consistent effort. Motivation may get you to the gym once, but discipline ensures you go every week, regardless of your mood. Small, repeated actions compound over time, lead to significant progress. Discipline strengthens your ability to push through adversity. When you rely on discipline, you learn to act even when things get tough. This resilience creates a mental toughness that motivation alone can’t offer.
Motivation is often driven by emotion, which can lead to inconsistency. Discipline, however, aligns your actions with your long-term objectives. By focusing on the bigger picture, you can avoid the trap of letting short-term discomfort derail your progress.
But how do I cultivate discipline? First, start small. Discipline isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about starting small and building momentum. For example, commit to exercising for just five minutes a day. Once this habit is established, you can gradually increase the time and intensity. Design systems and routines that support your goals. Set reminders, plan your tasks in advance, and remove obstacles. If you want to work out in the morning, lay out your clothes the night before. Create wins and celebrate Progress, not perfection. Perfectionism can derail even the most disciplined individuals. Instead, focus on consistency and reward yourself for sticking to your routine. Celebrate the days you show up, even if the effort isn’t perfect.
Discipline isn’t harsh or unpleasant. Many people associate discipline with rigidity or sacrifice, but it’s actually the opposite. Discipline provides freedom by creating structure and clarity in your life. Motivation has its place, it isn’t useless—it’s a great starting point. It can spark interest and help you identify your goals. However, once the initial excitement wears off, discipline is what sustains your efforts.
Here's a personal example. When I first began my adult fitness journey at age 24, I was motivated because I was having GI issues and I didn't like the way I looked. I started doing sit ups every day. I could only do 4 sets of 10. While motivation got me started, discipline kept me going every day until I was doing up to 1000 reps. Motivation can light the fire, but discipline keeps it burning.
Motivation may feel exciting, but it’s unreliable and fleeting. Discipline, on the other hand, is the steady force that drives progress, builds resilience, and keeps you aligned with your goals.
So, what can you do today to start building discipline? Choose one small task—whether it’s making your bed, writing for five minutes, or going for a short walk—and commit to doing it daily. Remember, you don’t need to feel motivated to take the first step. All you need is the willingness to begin.
Discipline doesn’t require inspiration; it only requires action.
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