Motivation vs Self-discipline: Don’t Ask, “Which is Better?” Here’s Why You Need Both!

The life you’ll enjoy most is the life you create for yourself. Yes, there’s a trend of people wanting life to be handed to them or thinking the world owes them, but you and I know that attitude doesn’t bring satisfaction or self-fulfillment. We not only need the desire (Motivation) but we need the baby steps forward (Self-discipline) to make life changes happen. Let me say this again… get rid of the motivation vs self-discipline mentality and adopt the motivation AND self-discipline mindset. This puts us in control of our lives. Amazing things happen when we recognize that we’re in the driver’s seat, as Robert Greene noted, 

“It is time to reverse this prejudice against conscious effort and to see the powers we gain through practice and discipline as eminently inspiring and even miraculous.” 

Understand the difference between Motivation vs Self-discipline

Motivation is the inspiration that comes from within or from external sources. It’s your Why. In other words, it’s the fuel in your gas tank.

Self-discipline refers to training yourself to behave and work in a controlled and regular way. It’s you putting your foot down on the gas pedal, propelling yourself forward.

Motivation — Your Why

It is worth reflecting on what motivates you to want to do things that enrich your life.

What are the main things that motivate you to consider making changes? 

• Increasing your energy?
• Feeling more confident?
• Being there for your family?
• Improving your health?
• Making money?
• Gaining peace of mind?

Just keep this point in mind as you identify what motivates you: If your motivation is only to achieve a reward or avoid pain, your motivation will not likely last. However, when you find the activity in and of itself personally rewarding, you’ll be more likely to stick with it. What is guaranteed is that if you don’t act upon your motivation, it will fizzle. That’s where self-discipline comes in…

Self-discipline — Your Way

People who demonstrate good self-discipline practice a new behavior consistently until it becomes an easy-to-keep routine. Of course, in the beginning, it’s necessary to focus a lot of brain power on learning the new behavior because it’s unfamiliar. But as you continue to practice the new activity, you’ll devote less and less conscious brain activity to it, and it eventually becomes automatic, if you enjoy doing it or gain great advantages from it you’ll stick with it.

For example, what do you do now by second nature that took time to master? How about walking, brushing your teeth, tying your shoes, telling time on an analog clock, driving a car, riding a bicycle, or speaking your mother tongue fluently? None of these behaviors were mastered easily or quickly, but you don’t even think twice about them, because you either enjoy them or get huge benefits from them. The same can be true of the new behavior you’re trying to adopt. If your energy for the new behavior starts to lessen, renew your commitment. And don’t forget that future pacing will help you visualize how good it will feel when you accomplish it.

To make your changes last long-term, base them on discipline, not solely on motivation. Believe that you can accomplish it. Work out a plan of baby steps to make accomplishing it comes naturally as part of the process. Visualize daily how it will feel to accomplish it.

Your “Dream Big, Start Small” here’s the one thing you can do today.

When starting a new behavior it’s best to set a small goal first to help your brain learn and focus on this new process.

For example, fill in this sentence and say it out loud to yourself every morning until you feel the shift to believing it: “I am in the driver’s seat of my life. I will achieve (my Baby Step) by exercising self-discipline because (my Why.)” Some mornings saying it once will be enough to get your head, heart, and body into the game. Some days you may have to say it 20 times. You will keep this up daily until that baby step becomes your norm. Then you can move on to the next logical step in the progression toward your ultimate goal.

Why does this work? Because it creates a strong bond between your motivation and self-discipline. You’re not relying solely on willpower. You’re no longer thinking about motivation vs self-discipline. You’re embodying the new behavior through a united mind-body-spirit connection.

A good plan taking this holistic perspective includes mindfulness around everything you do. I invite you to learn how Somatic Coaching can help you tune into what your body is telling you and how you can give it exactly what it needs when it needs it.  Please contact me and schedule a 30-minute complimentary consultation, to see if we’re a good fit for each other.