Don't expect to be motivated everyday

“Don’t expect to be motivated everyday to get out there and make things happen. You won’t be. Don’t count on motivation. Count on Discipline.” - Jocko Willink

Motivation is an incredibly powerful force that can drive us to achieve great things, but it is also unreliable and fleeting. We all have days when we feel energized and excited to take on the world, but what about those inevitable moments when motivation wanes? I feel this way every few days.

This is where discipline comes in. Discipline is the practice of consistently showing up and putting in the work, regardless of how motivated you feel. It’s about building habits that align with your goals, and then sticking to those habits no matter what.

To develop discipline, try these three strategies:

Start Small: Begin by creating a small habit that’s easy to follow, such as writing 100 words every day or completing a 5-minute workout. As you gain confidence, gradually increase the difficulty of your habits.

Be Consistent: Choose a specific time or cue for your habit, and make it a non-negotiable part of your daily routine. Consistency is key to turning a behavior into a discipline.

Embrace Failure: Understand that setbacks are a natural part of the process. When you falter, learn from it and keep moving forward. Use each failure as an opportunity to grow stronger and more disciplined.

Discipline lays the groundwork for creating habits, which in turn form routines, ultimately defining who we are on a daily basis.

In the end, it’s important to remember that discipline is a muscle that needs to be exercised regularly. As you cultivate discipline in your life, you’ll find yourself better equipped to handle challenges and achieve your goals, regardless of how motivated you feel in any given moment.

So, next time you find yourself lacking motivation, don’t despair. Instead, lean on your discipline to carry you through the tough times and help you stay on track towards your goals.

Illustration credit: Go Limitlesss