Swap motivation for discipline

21 February 2022

Winter is a tough time for many around the world, but it’s also the time of greatest potential energy.

Nature rests and recovers, preparing for an explosion of growth come the spring, and much the same can be said for us. That’s why our philosophy is to continue training during these cold, dark month, building strength, resilience and skill which can then be explored to the full during the longer, balmier days of spring and summer.

But this requires discipline, and discipline trumps motivation every time.

Motivation gets you off the couch; discipline sees you through the workout.

Motivation inspires temporarily; discipline achieves permanently.

Motivation is often external; discipline always arises from within.

Finding motivation is easy; maintaining discipline is hard.

There’s nothing wrong with seeking sources of motivation and inspiration. But the impact of these will fade, often almost immediately. Build a practice around discipline and you have something that remains with you for life.

And it is good to remember that the root of the word ‘discipline’ itself is in the Latin discere, meaning ‘to learn’. So discipline is the foundation of learning, or study, and therefore of growth.

So discipline leads to freedom.

Keep that in mind as this year unfolds and you may find it easier to stay on your chosen path.

Written by Dan Edwardes – PKGen Founder & Master Coach