The Truth About Motivation vs Discipline
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve started something new - whether it’s a workout program, a diet, or even a business project. Its feeling on fire. Motivation is exciting, it’s shiny, it’s fun. You’ve got your new workout clothes, maybe some fresh tennis shoes, a cute gym bag, and you’re unstoppable… for about a week or two. If I’m lucky, I make it through a few weeks before my hormones change the train goes off the tracks (hello luteal phase).
That’s the thing about motivation: it’s a spark, not a steady flame. And that’s where discipline comes in.
Motivation vs. Discipline: What’s the Difference?
Motivation is that first-day-of-school feeling. It’s new, exciting, and you’re convinced this time is going to be different. You’re buying new leggings, posting the selfies, making the vision board. But then? Life happens. You get sore, work gets busy, you’ve worn your new outfit a few times, or your gym buddy cancels. Suddenly, the excuses creep in.
Discipline, on the other hand, is boring. It’s the, “I don’t want to, but I need to” feeling. It’s getting up at 5am when it’s dark and cold because you know your day will spiral if you don’t. It’s tracking your food when you’d rather eat whatever sounds good. It’s showing up even when your motivation tank is empty.
Where People Quit (and Where Progress Really Starts)
Here’s what I’ve seen in both fitness and business: most people quit when the honeymoon phase is over.
Fitness: The new gym membership feels great… until it doesn’t. The soreness, the inconveniences, the lack of quick results creep in. That’s when people stop showing up. But truthfully, that’s where real progress begins.
Business: Same story. Starting a business is exciting when you’re choosing branding colors, designing packaging, posting for the first time. But when sales slow down, when you’re just grinding and it’s not glamorous anymore - that’s when people lose steam. The ones who keep pushing are the ones who win.
How Discipline Shows Up for Me
I’ve been in and out of gyms since middle school. At this point, lifting weights and sweating isn’t about motivation.. it’s about routine. It’s like brushing my teeth. I don’t always want to, but I do it because it’s just what I do.
For me, discipline starts the second my alarm goes off. I’m not a morning person, but my workouts happen at 6am. If I don’t go then, I know the chances of me showing up later are slim. Food is another daily battle. Tracking, planning, staying in my macros, you name it. It’s not glamorous, but it’s necessary for the goals that I have.
And I’ll be honest - the hardest part for me is when I don’t feel good. Living with chronic illness means I’m often uncomfortable in some way. But if I used that as my reason to skip, I’d never get anywhere. It’s honestly why its taken me so long to reach a lot of my goals. But now, discipline is what keeps me moving forward even when everything in me wants to stall.
Tips for Building Discipline (When Motivation Isn’t Enough)
Create a routine that fits your life. Don’t try to squeeze workouts into times that make no sense for your schedule. Find the window you do have and commit.
Find something you actually like. Lifting, Pilates, boxing, Barre, etc. - something will click. Movement doesn’t have to feel like punishment.
Plan ahead. Meal prep, set class times, block your calendar. Remove as many decisions as possible so it’s harder to back out.
Get accountability. At least in the beginning, having a coach or a friend who checks in makes a huge difference. Long-term, you’ll need to build that accountability within yourself.
Focus on today. Not next week, not Monday - just one choice right now. One action. 1% better.
The Truth No One Wants to Hear
If you’re sitting around waiting for motivation to show up, it’s not going to. If it was, it already would have. The truth is, discipline (not motivation) is what gets you to your goals.
Start today with one thing.
Go on a walk.
Sign up for that free trial.
Meal prep one dinner.
Don’t chase the high of motivation. Build the muscle of discipline.
-Nicole 🖤
PS: What’s a routine you’ve build to help you achieve your goals? Comment below!