Discipline vs. Motivation!

Have you ever considered what it is you genuinely want out of life?

It’s easy to get caught up in distractions and daily routines, and maybe you’ve never taken the time to really think about it.

If someone asked “what do you want“, would you know the answer?

Understanding your desires is an important step toward building a life that aligns with your values and goals.

Have you noticed that it’s easy to say what you don’t want, and focus on that, and harder to identify what it is you do want.

When you know what you want and why it matters, it becomes easier to stay disciplined.

If you’re not sure what you want, here are nine prompts to get you started.

⭐ What are your health goals?
💠 How long would you like to live?
⭐ What skills would you like to acquire?
💠 What hobbies would you like to learn or continue?
⭐ Does giving back or volunteering interest you? If so, what would that look like?
💠 What kind of relationships do you want to build or improve?
⭐ Where would you like to live?
💠 What kind of new experiences would you like to pursue?
⭐ What spiritual practice (like meditation, prayer, journaling, or forest bathing) would you like to start or enhance?

After answering these questions, take some time to reflect on why each one is important to you. Think about an outcome you’re looking for.

Don’t Wait for Motivation!

Once you have a clear idea of what you want, research the steps needed to achieve your goals. It may require starting a few daily habits.

Determining goals is just the beginning and It’s crucial to recognize that taking action requires more than just knowing what you want.

It demands discipline, consistency, and the ability to keep going even when motivation is low.

How many times have you stalled or given up because of distractions, a lack of enthusiasm, or not feeling motivated?

We think it’s important to feel motivated in order to achieve goals, but that’s not true and to quote Mel Robbins “motivation is garbage“!

Motivation can ebb and flow based on our mood and energy levels.

If we all waited for motivation to kick in, nothing would ever get done.

If we’re not feeling motivated, how do we actually achieve our goals or work toward the desired outcome?

Baby Steps!

To get the outcome you desire, discipline must come in to play.

Discipline is consistent effort to work toward a desired outcome, even when motivation fades.

It’s the determination to keep going, regardless of how you feel in the moment, and not letting anything stand in your way.

Achieving your goals often means starting with small habits, taking baby steps, and making steady progress over time.

It’s important to be realistic about how long it will take to reach your desired outcome, and plan accordingly.

Many times, we find ourselves unmotivated to pursue what we say we want, because doing something else, or just doing nothing, seems more appealing in the moment, right?

Here are a few examples of discipline in action.
1. You may want to wake up early because you’d like to squeeze more time in your day, but you’re not motivated to get out of your cozy bed. I feel like this daily, cause let’s face it, it’s comfy in the nice warm bed, but discipline is what gets us out of bed, when we’d rather sleep in.
2. Maybe you want to start exercising after work in order to get healthier, but coworkers keep inviting you for happy hour. Sure, this sounds a lot more fun than exercising, but saying no, and applying discipline allows you to stick to your exercise routine.
3. You decide that it’s important to eat healthier after watching a compelling nutrition documentary, but when cravings hit, you really want those chips, however it’s discipline that helps you make healthier choices.
4. Perhaps you’d like to learn a new language, but progress slows down and frustration sets in and you may feel like throwing in the towel. Discipline is what keeps you practicing daily.

In each of the examples, you see that at times motivation fades, so discipline is what’s needed to get to the finish line. As Jim Rohn famously said “Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment”.

Focus on the Outcome!

Again, if we all relied on motivation alone, we’d only make progress when we felt like it, which isn’t enough to achieve meaningful results.

One of the most effective ways to use discipline is to focus on the outcome.

Sometimes practicing discipline is uncomfortable and yes, sometimes you miss out on doing some fun things. It’s crucial to stay the course!

When you’re going after what you want, there will be discomfort.

People may not like what you’re trying to accomplish and attempt to stand in your way and change your mind.

There will be plenty of temptations too!

When working toward to your goal, you may experience fear, tiredness, distractions, boredom, or burnout.

You may lack resources, have competing priorities, or feel the need to address other people’s wants and needs before your own.

You might even become impatient.

That’s OK, keep moving forward!

Obstacles!

There are all kinds of obstacles that may stand in your way, if you let them.

You have the option of choosing the path that works for you.

What would your life look like if you took charge of your own decisions, and accomplished goals that meant something to you?

Whether it’s a healthy body, a better relationship, or a new skill, discipline is about making a commitment, and pushing through the tough times when motivation lacks.

Discipline is about being committed and taking consistent action, and not letting anything stand in your way, regardless of how you feel, or how unmotivated you are.

Remember, achieving goals takes time, so start slowly. One thing at a time.

Be open to delayed gratification and enjoy the process.

Again, it might be difficult at times, that’s expected, but we can do hard things…right?