There Is A Big Difference Between Motivation And Discipline | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

There Is A Big Difference Between Motivation And Discipline

Why you can't just rely on motivation to move you forward in life.

255
There Is A Big Difference Between Motivation And Discipline
FamilyShare

This week I've been thinking a lot about self development, watching a lot of videos on self development, and implementing a lot of these lessons into my personal life. Let's get real. We all have dreams. We all have goals. We all want certain things in our lives that are going to push us forward into the life that we want to live. But how do we get there? The first thing that comes to mind is motivation.

What keeps you motivated? Maybe you made a dream board, or maybe you just have a list of all the things you want to accomplish stored in your mind. Maybe you want specific things like more money, your dream job, or to lose weight. And perhaps you have more general goals, like feeling happier with your life and the direction you are going. The question is, do you just want these things, or are they motivating you every single day to get to where you want to go? That's the thing with motivation. You might have certain ideas in your head about what you want to do, what you want to have, or who you want to be, but a lot of times that is not enough to actually get you there. It's not enough to just sit back and say those things are motivating you, because in reality, motivation is only temporary.

Some days, we wake up extremely motivated and ready to kick butt and take names. But sometimes we don't. Life gets hard. Challenges come up. We get discouraged. We get tired. We get lazy. When those things happen, motivation flies out the door. When you wake up and are having a bad day, you aren't feeling motivated, you aren't in the mindset to do what you have to do. So then what's the point? I'm not saying it's not good to have things that motivate you. But I am saying that there's something more that you need in your life in order to be successful on both the good days and the bad days.

That's discipline. When you wake up on the bad days and have absolutely no motivation to push you to do the things you need to get done, you need to have discipline. When motivation starts lagging behind, you need to allow discipline to take the reigns and drive you forward. Motivation won't always be there, but your life is still going, and if you want it to change, you need discipline. Discipline is putting in the work, doing what you have to every single day, not because you want to, but because its necessary to get you where you want to go in life.

I recently started a new network marketing job. Some days I wake up super on fire and ready to start my day and rock my business. Other days, I wake up and honestly just want to sleep the day away or binge watch TV shows in bed. On those lazy days, I have no motivation. But what I do have is discipline. Even when I don't want to work, I know I have to, and that keeps me going.

Don't rely so much on motivation, because when you wake up some days without it, you won't get anything accomplished. Discipline is absolutely necessary to get you where you're going. Still be motivated, but also be driven through discipline.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

23665
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

9878
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

7160
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments