Motivation vs. Discipline

Do you struggle to find motivation for your long-term goals or even in your daily life? And when you thought you found motivation, isn’t it very difficult to stay motivated?

Are you looking for some strategies or practical techniques to find and maintain your motivation along the way?

Then you came to the right place, as I have the answer for you! The answer may not be what you expected and you may not like it, but here is the truth:

To succeed you don’t need motivation, you need discipline.

Yes, it is as simple as that!

Set realistic goals
Create a plan
Make it happen

Reaching a goal requires hard work and you may need to postpone or quit on something that you like, to focus on your plans. Sometimes even the daily activities seem to be difficult and meaningless. You need to make an effort and that is why staying motivated can be a challenge for everyone.

Even the professional athletes have trouble waking up at 6 a.m. and hitting the gym daily, because it isn’t an easy thing to do, regardless of how much you love it.

So when you struggle to stick to your goals, your plans or even your current job, where can you find the motivation? Simply enough, the motivation is there, where it has always been, from the beginning. Nothing has changed, so your reasons for what you decided to do that are the same and still there.

This is what you want to do (your goal), this is how you want to do it (your plan), get up and make it happen!

What you lack is not motivation, is discipline. And what exactly is discipline?

Discipline is keeping the promises you made to yourself.

Discipline, often defined as the ability to control one’s behavior or actions, is a quality that plays a pivotal role in our lives. It’s the cornerstone of personal growth, success, and self-improvement. But discipline goes beyond mere self-control; it’s about honoring the commitments and promises you make to yourself. In essence, discipline is keeping the promises you made to yourself.

At the heart of this concept is the recognition that the commitments we make to ourselves are just as important, if not more so, than the commitments we make to others.

These promises may involve:

goals
personal development
habits
any aspect of life where we’ve set intentions.

How does discipline work?

The significance of discipline in keeping these self-made promises becomes evident in several ways.

Discipline is reflecting your self-respect and self-worth. First and foremost, when you make a promise to yourself and then follow through with it, you are demonstrating respect for your own goals and aspirations. This self-respect is a foundational element of self-esteem, helping to reinforce a positive self-image. On the other hand, repeatedly failing to uphold these commitments can erode your self-esteem and lead to feelings of inadequacy.
Discipline is conveying your reliability and trustworthiness. When you keep the promises you’ve made to yourself, you’re building trust in your own capabilities and character. This self-trust can be a powerful motivating force, as it allows you to believe in your ability to achieve your goals and overcome obstacles.
Discipline is driving your personal growth and achievement. It enables you to stay on track with your aspirations, whether they involve career advancement, fitness, education, or any other area of life. Discipline allows you to maintain consistency in your efforts and overcome the challenges and setbacks that inevitably arise on your journey.
Discipline is enabling positive habits. It helps you adhere to your new routines even when motivation wanes. Without discipline, it’s easy to revert to old, less desirable habits. By keeping the promises you made to yourself in the form of cultivating new habits, you’re taking concrete steps toward self-improvement.
Discipline is tied to better time management. By respecting the commitments you’ve made to yourself, you’re more likely to allocate time and energy to your personal and professional growth. This efficient use of time leads to greater productivity and effectiveness in achieving your objectives.

On the contrary, failing to uphold the promises you made to yourself can lead to procrastination, missed opportunities, and a perpetual cycle of unfulfilled potential. Over time, this can breed frustration, regret, and a sense of stagnation in your life.

A message to the 15 years old me and her friends!

Hey, kids!

Life can be an exciting, adventurous journey filled with dreams and aspirations. As you navigate your teenage years, one vital lesson I’d like to share with you is the importance of discipline – and more specifically, how discipline is all about keeping the promises you made to yourself.

You see, discipline isn’t just about obeying rules or doing what others tell you. It’s about respecting yourself and your own goals. It’s about making commitments to yourself and actually following through on them. Here’s why this is so crucial for your personal growth and happiness.

When you keep the promises you make to yourself, you’re showing self-respect and self-worth. You’re saying “My dreams and goals matter, and I’m going to work hard to achieve them.” This self-respect boosts your self-esteem and helps you believe in yourself.

Discipline also builds trust – not just with others but with yourself. When you consistently keep your promises, you trust that you can rely on your abilities to achieve your goals. This self-trust can be a powerful motivator because it helps you believe in your potential. Keeping your commitments is what keeps you on track as you chase your dreams, whether they’re about excelling in school, sports, arts, or anything else.

If you don’t want to end up feeling frustrated, regretful, and stagnant (and trust me, you don’t want that!) don’t fail to honor the commitments you make to yourself!

So, my young friends, remember that discipline isn’t about restriction or control – it’s about self-respect, trust, growth, and a brighter future. Embrace discipline as your ally on your journey, and you’ll see just how incredible it can be.

Keep those promises, and you’ll go far.

Wishing you all the best in your adventures and dreams!

Ready for conclusion?

Discipline is a game-changer.

Discipline is not just about controlling your impulses. It’s about sticking to the promises you make to yourself. It means following through on your personal commitments, whether they involve your goals, habits, or self-improvement. It’s all about respecting your own word and making sure you get the things you want done. So, remember, discipline is all about keeping your self-promises, which can be a game-changer in your life.