Motivation vs. discipline

People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing — that's why we recommend it daily. ~Zig Ziglar

Motivation - noun

the reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way.

That thing that gets you moving. That spark. That flash of inspiration. Your why. It’s a fleeting thing. Sure it will come back and visit from time to time but it won’t get you through the day to day. That takes discipline. That takes knowing what you want and going and getting it. There will be plenty of days that suck. Days you don’t feel like it. Hell, you may have weeks or months of it but in order to get what you really want out of life, you must find discipline.

Discipline - verb

train oneself to do something in a controlled and habitual way.

Discipline is doing things on purpose even if you don’t want to. A big difference in motivation and discipline is that motivation is a noun. It’s a reason, not an action. Discipline is a verb. It is the action. You are taking action and we all know that action leads to results. A noun just sits there all pretty waiting on the action. So if we want results from that reason, we must take action and that takes discipline.

With discipline, we create a habit. Such as making your bed every morning. It’s an easy habit to create. It can be unthinking. Feet hit the floor. Pull the covers up, straighten your pillows and bam! Done. The first task of the day is done and you didn’t even think about it. The bed looks nice all day and inviting to get into when you are sleepy at night.

Next habit while you are brushing your teeth. Look at yourself and tell yourself how wonderful you are. You are a unique individual with unique ideas and talents. You are worthy and you are wonderful. Say it out loud, well, once you stop brushing, and say it as if you mean it. Smile at yourself. There is only one you and there will only be one you and YOU are important. Believe it. Say it until you do.

Use that motivation while it’s there then establish discipline to pull you through. On the other side of all the hard stuff is what you want. You can get it, just decide you’re going to.