Motivation vs. Discipline: The Power of Consistency

9 Oct

Motivation acts as the spark that ignites our inner fire, an essential driver in our journey to achieve our goals. But let's be honest, it's not always there; it can be fickle and fleeting.

On the flip side, there's discipline - unwavering, relentless, the true force behind achieving our goals. It doesn't care if it's Monday or Friday, sunny or rainy. Discipline keeps you on track, even when motivation takes a break or when you're battling anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges.

Discipline: to train oneself to do something in a controlled and habitual way.

Discipline isn't innate for everyone, but the beauty of it is that it can be cultivated consistently. Here are some of the behaviours that have helped me in my journey:

Set Clear Goals: Precision is key. Define your goals as SMART objectives – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This roadmap guides your efforts.

Establish a Routine: Craft a daily or weekly routine aligned with your goals. Consistency is discipline's best friend. Use tools like calendars, planners, or apps (like Google Calendar, Notion, or a trusty pen and paper) for scheduling and tracking. I find weekly goals most effective, allowing flexibility for when the challenges become hectic and I need to reprioritise on the fly.

Prioritise Tasks: Identify daily priorities and tackle them first, these are your MITs (Most Important Tasks). Tools like the Eisenhower Matrix help categorise tasks by urgency and importance.

Time Management: Time is a valuable resource, arguably your most valuable one. Try different methodologies to manage it, I use time-blocking (albeit loosely), to maximise productivity. Your mileage may vary so explore alternatives and find what suits you best.

Self-monitoring: Keep tabs on your progress. Journaling or task-tracking apps (e.g., Trello or Notion) provide insights into your routines and goal achievements.

Accountability Partners: Share your goals with a friend, mentor, or colleague to stay accountable. Regular check-ins keep discipline on track and are amazing at uncovering blind spots not to mention that they push you to socialise at the same time which can be a massive benefit when fighting depression, it's a win-win!

Mindfulness and Meditation: Practicing mindfulness and meditation can improve focus and self-control. Apps like Headspace or Calm offer guided sessions to get you started. As part of my Apple One subscription, I have access to Apple Fitness which includes meditation and mindfulness for all levels including beginners, you might have free access to similar apps as part of your employee package so make sure to check with your People team if unsure.

Online Courses: Utilise employer-provided resources for professional growth. Platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Skillshare offer time management, goal setting, and productivity courses.

Seek Professional Help: If discipline remains challenging, consider working with a coach or therapist specialising in goal setting and personal development.

Conclusion

Remember, discipline is a muscle that strengthens over time. Start small, build habits, and progressively raise the bar.