Discipline or motivation? What actually drives people to achieve what they deeply desire and keep that spark going, without being easily distracted from the goals that truly matter?
To me, this has always been a significant topic that I've paid attention to. I often consider that motivation can come and go; it can be inconsistent. However, what could truly keep someone going, achieving daily, monthly, yearly goals, and staying true to their desires is discipline. Of course, this is my personal opinion, and everyone may think differently on this topic, but I was brought up in a way that discipline was THE THING that got me to be consistent with my studies, workouts, activities, etc. Until now, I carry this belief in my life and can't imagine my life without it.
But just to give a bit of an overview, below I listed the differences between motivation and discipline:
Source of Action:
- Motivation often comes from external factors such as inspiration, encouragement, or rewards. It's driven by the desire to achieve a particular outcome or reward.
- Discipline, on the other hand, comes from within. It's the ability to consistently adhere to a set of rules, routines, or habits, regardless of external factors or immediate rewards.
Consistency:
- Motivation can fluctuate over time. It's often high when goals are set or when inspired, but it can diminish when faced with challenges or setbacks.
- Discipline is consistent. It's the ability to maintain focus and effort towards a goal, even when motivation wanes or obstacles arise.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term:
- Motivation tends to be short-term focused. It can provide bursts of energy or enthusiasm, but it may not sustain over the long term.
- Discipline is more long-term oriented. It involves committing to daily habits or routines that gradually lead to the achievement of long-term goals.
Emotion vs. Action:
- Motivation is often driven by emotion. It's the feeling of excitement, passion, or determination that propels action.
- Discipline is about taking action regardless of emotion. It involves doing what needs to be done, whether you feel like it or not.
Outcome:
- Motivation focuses on the desired outcome or end goal. It's about envisioning the rewards or benefits that come from achieving a particular objective.
- Discipline focuses on the process rather than the outcome. It's about putting in the work consistently, trusting that the desired outcome will follow as a result of disciplined action.
In conclusion, everyone chooses their battles, but from my perspective, it's crucial to find your source of motivation and work on transforming it into something so dear to you that the action or activity becomes a part of your life: a powerful sense of discipline.