Think Motivation Will Help You Achieve Your Goals? Think Again.
What’s Stronger Than Motivation?
We often rely on motivation to kickstart areas of our life we want to see change in. We set ambitious New Year’s or Quarterly goals with enthusiasm but as the initial excitement wanes, we struggle to maintain the momentum. Time and again, we fall short of our aspirations, not because we lack the desire but because we lack the discipline.
“We don’t have to be smarter than the rest, we have to be more disciplined than the rest”
Warren Buffet once said, “We don’t have to be smarter than the rest, we have to be more disciplined than the rest.”
This rings true in all aspects of life, especially in our Wheel of Life, the allocation of your time and the consistency of your efforts will determine your success or failure in these areas.
Discipline is the cornerstone of success. It requires ongoing, consistent, delayed gratification topped off with a large sprinkle of persistence. People who possess high levels of self-discipline are more likely to achieve their goals across various domains.
Research supports this, showing that disciplined individuals are healthier, perform better academically, earn more money, engage in fewer problem behaviours, and enjoy better psychological adjustment and relationships.
Reflecting on my own journey, I realise that some of my goals and aspirations often fall short due to a lack of discipline. Impatience, impulsivity, and a love for spontaneity have sometimes derailed my long-term goals. This has made it challenging to master my emotions, gain control, and achieve the level of success I desire.
As I grow older, I find myself battling the fear that it’s too late to accomplish what I want to (I know this is bullshit by the way but the volume seems to be turning itself up not down on this limiting belief!!!), which tempts me to seek quick fixes and short-term solutions.
But here’s the truth:
Motivation won’t make you exercise each day; discipline will.
Motivation won’t get you out of bed in the morning; discipline will.
Motivation won’t finish that project for you; discipline will.
Discipline Over Motivation
Discipline is something you dictate. It’s the key to long-term gain. And the good news is, you can cultivate it.
Here’s an example of how I have…
Over the past six months, I’ve committed to running, this is the one thing that I have been consistent with for most of my life but after a back operation in 2016, I spent 7 years in a cycle of rehabilitation, building strength, denial, MRI scans and Physio.
I have finally arrived at a place called ‘stronger than ever’ where I have gradually increased my distance from 3 to 10 kilometers and to prove to myself I can get back to pre op running (I ran 10k every few days pre op!), I’ve entered a 10k race at the end of November and plan to continue improving my time.
So Where Does Discipline Come Into It?
I’ve achieved this through self-discipline by;
Showing up even when I didn’t want to. I tap into the emotions of knowing how amazing I’ll feel afterwards.
Breaking my kilometers into manageable runs throughout the week, doing shorter runs in the week and longer runs on the weekend.
Scheduling time in my work calendar for my runs, and turning my phone onto ‘Do not Disturb’.
Pushing my physical limits has always taught me the power of self-discipline. The harder I push myself, the more I believe I can overcome fatigue and self-doubt. I’m a big believer that our physiology impacts our movement, mind, and emotions. A strong body leads to a strong mind and better emotional regulation, our Power of Three.
If I can achieve this with running, imagine what I could accomplish by applying the same methodology to other areas of my Wheel of Life: my career, relationships, and wealth.
What Areas Are You Struggling to Self-Discipline?
Steven Bartlett has a great way of looking at discipline through his discipline equation:
Discipline = The Value of the Goal + The Reward of the Pursuit - The Cost of the Pursuit
The perceived value of achieving the goal
Example: I want to get back to running 10k like I did with ease before my back surgery.
The psychological reward and engagement in pursuing the goal
Example: The euphoria, validation, mental clarity, ideas I think of during a run. Listening to podcasts, great music, motivational videos, and my post-run sauna and cold shower.
The psychological cost and disengagement in pursuing the goal
Example: the motivation needed to show up when I don’t feel like it, the anxiety about not achieving the same time as my last run, and the initial discomfort.
For me, the first two outweigh the third, so regardless of how motivated (or not) I feel, I show up because I have disciplined myself to do so.
What areas on your Wheel of Life need more discipline? If you overlaid the above equation would that help you achieve success? Those small, consistent, persistent actions that compound over time...? I think so.
Assess where you are on your Wheel of Life and what areas need discipline in order for you to succeed!
There are some really practical tips here on Five Ways to be More Disciplined by Molly O’Neill for when the motivation runs out!