You Don't Need Motivation; You Need Discipline
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Behaviour: Waiting for Motivation
Ever caught yourself saying, “I just have zero motivation to do this”? That’s a common trap. Motivation is like a fair-weather friend—it’s great when it’s around, but you can’t rely on it to stick by your side when things get tough. This is where most people get stuck, waiting for that elusive spark to get moving. But here’s the harsh reality: waiting for motivation is a form of procrastination. You’re telling yourself that action can only happen when you’re feeling it, which is just a convenient excuse to avoid the hard work.
Let me give you an example. James, a client of mine, was stuck in this exact mindset. He had big goals but kept putting off the work, convinced that motivation would eventually come. But days turned into weeks, and nothing changed. He was frustrated, stuck, and more importantly, unfulfilled.
If this sounds familiar, you might want to explore more on how to unlearn limiting beliefs about self-worth, which often fuel the reliance on motivation instead of discipline.
Strategy: Cultivate Discipline
So, what’s the alternative? Discipline.
Discipline is your reliable, no-nonsense friend who shows up every day, rain or shine. It’s about doing what needs to be done, regardless of how you feel. And unlike motivation, discipline isn’t dependent on mood—it's a skill you can develop and strengthen over time.
Here’s how you can start building that discipline muscle, just like James did:
Start small
Begin with something so easy you can’t say no. This could be a daily routine, a small task, or a commitment to yourself. The key is consistency. If you need ideas, check out my blog on changing your morning routine to win the day.
Long-term vision
Keep your eye on the bigger picture. Discipline thrives when you have a clear understanding of your long-term goals. Remind yourself daily of why you’re doing what you’re doing. For a deeper dive, you might find the strategies in planning your legacy useful.
Embrace discomfort
Discipline often means doing things that aren’t comfortable. But that’s where growth happens. Push through the discomfort, knowing that every bit of progress adds up. If you’re struggling with consistency, you might benefit from reading how to go from overwhelmed with life to in control of your life.
Stay Accountable
Find someone to hold you accountable—whether it’s a coach, a friend, or even a daily journal entry. James started checking in with me weekly, and that accountability was key to his progress. For more on this, read about the power of unstoppable self-confidence.
The BS we tell ourselves
The biggest BS we tell ourselves is that we need to wait for motivation to strike before we can take action. But motivation is fleeting and unreliable. Discipline, on the other hand, is the backbone of success. It’s what keeps you moving forward, even when the initial excitement fades.
So, here’s the challenge: Stop waiting for motivation. Start building discipline.
Choose one area of your life where you’ve been stalling and take action today. And if you need help staying disciplined, book a free 30-minute exploratory call with me.
Let’s cut through the BS and get you on track. If you’re ready to commit to long-term growth, consider exploring my programs and products designed to help you achieve your full potential.
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