Discipline and Motivation

I saw a photo very similar to the one above and I got me considering the true differences between motivation and discipline, and how they interact..

It true in that, motivation has a wide variable of presence. I know personally, I have not felt too motivated the past few days as I am starting to feel burn out of working all day everyday for 2 months and not having substantial growth. However, I am still here working due to my discipline.

Motivation is inspiration with energy. It is that magical fuel that will convince you to beat records and do something you ever even imagined. It is powerful in short stints and in the moment, feels awesome. The downside is that it is not sustainable in an imperfect world. Some days will drain you and your motivation will take a hit. Even the most empowered and successful individuals have down days. 

Discipline is dedication to the inspiring vision. It is the consistent fuel that will force you to do the work everyday towards that thing you want because it knows it's necessary. It is powerful over the long term but sometimes, in the moment, it sucks. It makes you feel guilty when you miss a day and the days that you are lacking motivation, discipline is that forced fail-safe to ensure you stay on track. Because, motivation cannot be depended on alone.

Motivation is the birth of discipline. And discipline is the protector of motivation. You have to have a real moment of inspired motivation to ever cultivate discipline and you need discipline to ensure enough progress that will reignite motivation. 

The two play on each other energetically. Sure, you can have one without the other. Motivation without discipline will look like someone that gets things done in the short term, small picture scope but struggles with the longer, bigger picture. And discipline without motivation is someone who grinds away with work over long periods of time, but there is no purpose-fuelled magic to it. 

By really cultivating both, you will create a synergetic pairing that will keep you working towards your goals even on the hardest days while still feeling those sudden bursts of magic and inspiration that remind you why you are going in the first place.

Discipline can be encouraged with routine, reminders, accountability. Motivation can be encouraged with visions, inspiration, and reflection. 

How do you cultivate the two?

-  Dani 💚💙