DISCIPLINE VS. MOTIVATION

This is an age-old question that often doesn’t get asked. Which is more effective in staying focused and consistent, discipline or motivation?

Let me start out by clarifying the difference between the two.

Discipline is relying on one’s own self to stay on a routine and track. Examples of this are the things done without thinking about them or self resistance. One that most (if not all) is brushing our teeth. We have this locked in without any challenges. A more applicable example is getting workouts in and done consistently without deviation.

Motivation is having outside forces apply pressure and incentive to drive one’s self to continue to perform. An example of this is singing happy birthday. We hear someone starting and then we join in because why not. For a fitness example, seeing someone’s perfectly curated cooler lunch on IG inspires one to meal prep.

Both sound great, but which one is better?

They each have positives and negatives. Let me unpack both.

Discipline positives: Never have to rely on outside sources. It’s like finding an ever flowing stream that keeps your tank overflowing. Another positive with discipline is it is often contagious, meaning when someone is disciplined in one area, it often carries into other areas.

Motivation positives: A quicker process to get started, often less complicated. Another positive is that it can bring in new ideas and perspectives.

Both of these sound good so far. So now let’s talk about the negatives.

Discipline negatives: It can take time to develop.

Motivation negatives: Always need to refill the tank from outside sources.

So which one wins?

If you have to pick one, then I would go with discipline as it’s more permanent, whereas motivation is fleeting.

However, I like a hybrid approach.

Here’s what this looks like.

First, develop and put an emphasis on discipline. Another way to state this is to focus on locking in habits. Doubling down on schedules and processes.

Second, find constructive and positive motivation channels (there are some who are driven by negative sources too).

With this system (and frankly all) tracking progress is a big factor.

Accountability is different than motivation and should be a tool that is applied with both.

In closing, if we’re honest, we all have some of both that we rely on. The key is to set us up for a sustainable level of success.