"Don't expect to be motivated every day to get out there and make things happen. You won’t be. Don't count on motivation. Count on Discipline." - Jocko Willink
Discipline is an incredibly powerful force that can drive us to achieve great things, but it is also unreliable and fleeting. We all feel energized and excited to engage with the world, but what about those inevitable moments when motivation wanes? I feel this way every few days.
This is where discipline comes into play. Discipline is the practice of showing up and doing the work consistently, regardless of how motivated you feel. It’s about developing habits that align with your goals and sticking to those habits no matter what.
To cultivate discipline, try these three strategies:
Start Small: Begin with a small habit that is easy to follow, such as writing 100 words a day or doing a 5-minute workout. As you gain confidence, gradually increase the difficulty of the habit.
Be Consistent: Choose a specific time or cue for your habits and make them a non-negotiable part of your daily routine. Consistency is key to turning actions into discipline.
Embrace Failure: Understand that setbacks are a natural part of the process. When you stumble, learn from it and keep moving forward. Treat each failure as an opportunity to become stronger and more disciplined.
Discipline lays the foundation for habits, which in turn form routines that ultimately define who we are in our daily lives.
Finally, it’s important to remember that discipline is a muscle that needs to be exercised regularly. As you cultivate self-discipline in your life, you will find yourself better equipped to face challenges and achieve your goals, regardless of how motivated you feel at any given moment.