Discipline Vs Motivation 🤔

Hey hey everyone coming across, I hope you're doing well! 💛

I have been considering to write something on this for a while now, something that resonates with all of us I feel, whether we’re pursuing personal goals, professional ambitions, or simply maintaining a healthy lifestyle. 

Talking about the ultimate "battlefield" question lol! (And no it is *not* "beaches OR mountains?"😛) 

Discipline VS. Motivation

The two superrr essential components for achieving success in any aspect of life! 

We’ve all experienced the electrifying excitement that comes with starting a new project or goal; could be as big as starting a new online course to staring to do skincare regularly, fueled by many many bursts of motivation. It feels invigorating, to say the least, trying something, implementing/ incorporating something in your life! 

However, as time goes on, that initial spark often fizzles out, starts to slow down and eventually, in some cases, goes out completely. (Till another random burst of motivation arrives hehe universe knows when?!!)

Have you ever thought to yourself "I don't have the motivation today." about doing a task Or found yourself looking up internet articles about "How to stay motivated?", even in general, in life, mhm? 😮 

I certainly have these moments. The former, to be more specific. xD 

Motivation can be fleeting, influenced by factors such as our emotions and circumstances. Often times, these factors aren't within our control. It can come and go like the wind. 

In contrast, what remains steadfast is discipline, I think. 

Summarising a random ish definition of the word from the internet lol- Discipline is the ability to consistently follow a set of rules or routines, even when faced with distractions or obstacles.

It requires self-control, commitment, and a strong work ethic.

While motivation may provide the initial drive to pursue a goal, discipline is what ultimately leads to success or attaining some goal.

As the saying goes, “Motivation wears off, but discipline and consistency stay.”

This statement holds profound truth. Discipline is the consistent effort and dedication to continue working towards a goal, even in the absence of motivation. In all honesty, I feel, *specially* in the absence of motivation! 

A disciplined person who wakes up at a set time will do so consistently, even if they stayed up late or were busy.

In contrast, someone who is only motivated by a New Year’s resolution might wake up early for a few days of their January month but will likely stop once their motivation fades. (I actually think most of us have been there lol) 

For example, someone who walks to work every day has already adjusted their morning routine to fit this habit. On the other hand, a person who decides to start walking just because it sounds good may struggle to keep it up, especially if they have to wake up earlier or manage household chores first.

 A student who has a disciplined study schedule will stick to it, even when they don’t feel like studying. But someone who only studies when they feel motivated because of exams or another external factor may only do so for a short time before falling back into old habits, or losing sight of their studying!

My most favorite example to share for this is- A person who routinely exercises at the gym every week will keep going, regardless of their mood. In contrast, someone who decides to start working out because they feel inspired one day may quit after a week when the initial excitement wears off. (Lol because that has been me for sometime now smh xD)

Etc. Etc. These are only a couple of common examples, but, how the smallest habits shape one's entire lifestyle, and how staying consistent at it, no matter how motivated or not one feels, is truly impactful in almost every aspect of our life. 

Oh and yes, have to mention that, for everyone who is now habitual of something, or disciplined at something, was once one of the "latter" people too, who had one of these random motivation bursts too. 

The only difference is that, they stayed focused, stayed persistent, stayed disciplined and didn't rely on just some motivational boost to do something. 

They did it because they knew they do not allow themself the "choice" to say yes or no, for doing what they had to, anyway! 

Touching base with some other important aspects! 

Consistency is the backbone of success, of literally anything!

It’s about the daily commitment to show up, even when you don’t feel like it. Perseverance means pushing through challenges and setbacks, staying committed to our goals despite the challenges we face. Together, consistency and discipline create a powerful synergy that can lead to extraordinary results over time.

It always feels difficult when we start, specially at the start; the motivational boosts are important too but complete reliance on just that might not always be fruitful in attaining our timely goals. 

My key "hack" behind the same is to repeat my "whys" to self. Our "whys" should always be stronger and more powerful, so that the "how to do" feels only natural to inquire and experiment about. 

While motivation can be helpful in getting started, discipline is what keeps you going~ together, they can be even more powerful, I believe! 😮

Remember, it’s okay to stumble and struggle with things despite trying your best at it. Makes us hooman, yes? 💛

What matters most is getting back on track and not being too hard on yourself. Self-compassion remains the key, always! 

Honestly, I struggle with these too. With not feeling as motivated always, sometimes lacking consistency, sometimes fiddling with discipline too but, after learning more about the power of habits (major credit for this to this book "Atomic Habits" by James Clear, it contains practical insight and tips into habit building) and importance of building discipline instead of chasing motivation, I can feel a lot of growth and improvement, and it "motivated" (hehe) me to share my thoughts as well as hear yours about this! 💛

I’d really love to hear your thoughts and experiences, so please feel free to share any and all that you want- 

🌻 What has worked for you in building discipline and consistency in your own life?

🌻 Have you ever struggled with motivation? How did you overcome those moments? 

🌻 What strategies do you use to stay committed to your goals, especially during tough times?

Struggle with motivation, and building a disciplined routine can be tough, let’s support each other on this journey towards taking the steering wheel in our control hehe!

Please feel welcome to share your insights, tips, or personal stories and experiences too.

Together, we can inspire and uplift one another, yesss(?).

Rooting for each one of youu! 💛