Discipline > Motivation: Why You Need One and Not the Other
You've probably heard the saying, "motivation is key". And while that may be true to a certain extent, it's not the only thing you need if you want to achieve your goals.
In fact, discipline may be even more important than motivation. Without discipline, you'll find it hard to stay on track when things get tough. But with discipline, you can power through any challenge and reach your goals.
In this post, we'll explore the importance of discipline and how to develop it.
The Problem With Motivation
When it comes to getting things done, motivation is overrated. Sure, it's great to feel inspired and driven, but relying on those emotions to carry you through can be exhausting and unreliable.
Discipline, on the other hand, is a much more dependable way to achieve your goals. It may not be as exciting as motivation, but it's far more reliable. With discipline, you know what you need to do and you do it regardless of how you're feeling that day.
When Motivation Runs Out
We all know that feeling: you're super motivated to achieve a goal, but eventually, the excitement fades and you lose momentum. This is especially common when it comes to working out or eating healthy. So what do you do when your motivation runs out?
The truth is, you don't need motivation in order to achieve your goals. All you need is discipline. Discipline is what keeps you going when motivation fades away, and it's what helps you stay on track even when you don't feel like it.
So if you're struggling to stay motivated, don't worry—just focus on developing a strong sense of discipline. It's the key to success!
The Solution: Discipline
So how do you get over the hump and find the discipline to keep going?
The solution is simple, but not easy: discipline.
When it comes to your fitness or health goals, you need to be disciplined in your approach. That means setting realistic rules for yourself and following them religiously. It means not letting yourself off the hook just because you don't feel motivated one day. It means sacrificing short-term pleasure for long-term results.
In other words, it means doing the things that you don't want to do, but know you need to do. And that's where the challenge lies.
How to Develop Discipline
Now that you know the difference between discipline and motivation, it's time to learn how to develop discipline. The truth is, it's not easy but it is possible. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Start small: It's important to set small, achievable goals at first so you don't become overwhelmed. Trying to develop discipline overnight is practically impossible, so start with something small that you can easily accomplish each day.
Make a plan: Having a plan helps you stay on track and makes it easier to resist temptation. When you know what you're supposed to be doing and when, it's less likely that you'll skip a workout or eat junk food.
Find a support group: Surround yourself with people who will support your goals and help keep you accountable. Whether it's your family, friends or a online community, finding like-minded individuals will make the journey easier.
The Benefits of Discipline
Looking for motivation to get you through your day-to-day tasks? Well, you're in luck, because motivation is overrated. Sure, it feels great when you're driven by motivation to achieve your goals, but it's not a requirement for success. In fact, discipline is a much more powerful tool than motivation.
Here are just a few of the benefits of discipline:
Discipline allows you to achieve your goals in spite of obstacles or setbacks
Discipline provides a sense of consistency and reliability, which breeds trustworthiness and builds long-term relationships
Discipline enables you to do the things you don't want to do, in order to achieve your goals
Discipline leads to long-term happiness and satisfaction, as opposed to short-term bursts of pleasure that come with motivation
Building a Disciplined Lifestyle
Motivation can only take you so far. Sure, it might help you start out on the right foot, but it's not enough to keep you going when things get tough. Discipline, on the other hand, will see you through to the finish line. It's what keeps you going when all you want to do is give up.
So how do you build a disciplined lifestyle? It's not easy, but it's definitely worth it. Here are a few tips to get you started:
Set realistic goals and make a plan of action to achieve them.
Find a support network of friends and family who will encourage and motivate you.
Create a daily routine and stick to it as best you can.
Reward yourself for small accomplishments along the way.
Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
Conclusion
You might think that you need motivation to achieve your goals, but discipline can be just as effective – if not more so. With discipline, you're in complete control of your own actions, whereas motivation can come and go as it pleases.
Discipline is the foundation of any great change, because it's what allows you to stay on track even when you don't feel like it. Discipline is what gets you up in the morning and keeps you going when things get tough.
So if you're looking for real, lasting change, focus on developing discipline, rather than motivation. It might be harder in the short-term, but it's definitely worth it in the long run.
