Discipline VS Motivation: Which is more important?

This is an excellent question and there is only one answer to it – discipline! To be more specific, you need the self-discipline to achieve anything worthy in fitness and in life.

So, what’s the difference between the two?

When the New Year is around the corner, being excited and motivated to make massive changes to one’s life is a very common occurrence. This is motivation from extrinsic sources.

Every single year, millions of people make resolutions to lose weight, get fit, save money, etc. That’s motivation. They are inspired and motivated by the date. The New Year feels like a new beginning. Everything seems possible.

Yet, by February, millions of people have given up on their resolutions and the year looks like it’s going to be just like any other year… at least until the next New Year when the cycle repeats itself.

So why do they quit?

The bitter truth is that if one does what they always do, they’ll be where they’ve always been. To see new results and achieve lofty goals, you’ll need to make massive changes to your life.

Unfortunately, almost all change is met with opposition. Trying to clean up your diet and lose weight? Want to reverse diabetes or high blood pressure? How about fix up your digestive issues? You will have to get used to the new nutritious foods that you’re supposed to eat.

Straightening out your diet may seem unpleasant. You’ll have cravings for junk food, sugary or processed foods, or foods that are just not healthy for your particular condition. You’ll have to battle various types of temptations constantly… and that’s no fun.

You need the self-discipline to stay on track… a lot of self-discipline. If you lack it, you’ll give in to temptation.

The same applies to your training. The exertion and muscular aches may make you feel weary at first. A LOT of people hate cardio (I’m one of them) but it’s important to keep your cardiovascular system strong to prevent or improve high blood pressure, heart disease, and boost your metabolism.

The most difficult part of a workout will be convincing yourself to go workout. Overcoming your usual state of inertia is an onerous task. Guess what you’ll need?

Yes… you’ll need self-discipline!!

Once the promise of a new beginning and the festive spirit of the New Year is over, that’s when the grind begins… and motivation can die out real fast.

At times like these, self-discipline will carry you through. Like Steven Covey said, “The undisciplined are slaves to moods, appetites, and passions.”

It’s imperative that you develop self-discipline. This is the key to achieving all the goals you’ve always wanted. It’s a skill that makes you almost unstoppable.

You can watch all the self-help videos and motivational speeches on the planet. You can whip yourself into a frenzy of motivation and ooh-rah the whole night. But when dawn breaks and you need to wake up early to go for a walk/run, and you can’t do it – all that motivation will be for nothing.

If you had self-discipline, you’d grimace and get up. You’d get ready and your shoes would be strapped up. You’ll take the first step and the next and run until you’re dripping with sweat.

You may not like it, but you’ll do it… and when you’re done, you’ll take satisfaction in knowing that you kept your promises to yourself.

Self-discipline will make you respect yourself and you’ll grow as a person. You’ll start becoming the person that others look to for motivation. Your health & fitness levels will skyrocket from consistent effort and your body will transform before your very eyes.

Not through motivation… but through self-discipline.  However, cultivating self-discipline can be an arduous task.  New habits must be formed, mindsets and paradigms must be changed.  Correction of negative thoughts, perceptions, and self-limiting core beliefs must be identified and corrected if you want to see lasting change!  Are you ready to live your best life now?  Take back your health—mind body and spirit? 

• Mindset Training

• Habit Transformation

• Nutrition Plans

• Exercise Programs & last but NOT least

• GOD!

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” - Romans 12:2

See you on the inside!

Dr. Paulette Higgins

“Motivation gets you going, but discipline keeps you growing.” - John C. Maxwell