Having discipline is one of the foundations for success. Motivation is great in the moment, but it can only carry you so far.
Have you ever heard an inspirational story or read an article that made you want to become the best version of yourself? Yes, we all have.
What happens after that? Do you go on and finish the rest of your day without thinking about it again, or do you make a plan and start taking action?
Motivation Gives A Good Push
Who doesn’t like a good motivational movie or speech? We all need that good push every now and then, to get us going in the right direction, with the right mindset.
It seems to always come at the right time – when we start a new project or when you need something to give you that energy to get going. There’s nothing wrong with motivation, but it’s only temporary.
How many times have you told yourself you were going to start Monday and Monday comes and goes? At the time, motivation gave you the mental strength to think enough to follow through, but the actual work never happened.
Being motivated gives you a winning feeling, but it doesn’t force a winning action – that’s where discipline comes in.
Discipline Forces Action
Where motivation ends, discipline begins. Discipline is when you do the actual work, whether you feel like it or not. If it has to get done, having discipline will make you do it.
There are many times when you are tired, had a long day, your child gets sick, your car broke down, you don’t understand, it’s too much right now – the list of excuses are infinite.
Motivation gives you a choice, but discipline doesn’t. If it needs to get done, it needs to get done. Instant gratification is not an option. You do the work because it will move the needle and get things done in a timely manner. It doesn’t matter what’s going on, discipline teaches you to be responsible with your actions and words.
Intentions don’t give results, but discipline will. No matter how you feel at the moment, there’s something in you that will give you enough willpower to follow through and perform according to plan. Imagine how far along you would be with your goal if you were more disciplined with your actions.
Make Discipline Work
Develop a habit. Break your goal down into something you can do daily. If you want to write a book, get in the habit of writing 500 words a day. Don’t let external factors drive your decision of if you’re going to do it or not – just do it!
Don’t break the chain. Jerry Seinfeld developed a habit where he would create a joke once a day. He would then mark a red ‘x’ on the calendar everyday he performed this habit. The point is to keep up with the daily habit, or you’ll break the chain on the calendar. You’ve worked so hard to create the chain, you wouldn’t want to break it. In the meantime, your habit gets sharper and your discipline builds up.
Once you create the habit of discipline successfully, it will also increase in other areas of your life. It gives you responsibility and control over your life. You are disciplined because you did the work and the outcome is a feeling of self-confidence and satisfaction.
Never allow the negative voices in your head to guide your decisions. This is where discipline steps in – it tells you to keep moving forward so you can make progress.
Giving in to your emotions will definitely make you comfortable, but the art of discipline will make you an achiever. Practice your discipline today!
#BeGoalden