Motivation vs Discipline

Why Motivation Fails (And What to Rely on Instead)

Motivation is often seen as the driving force behind success, but the truth is, motivation is unreliable. It comes and goes, fluctuating based on emotions, energy levels, and external circumstances. If we wait for motivation to strike before taking action, we may never move forward.

The Problem with Motivation

Motivation is fleeting. One day, you feel inspired and ready to take on the world, and the next, you can barely get out of bed. Relying on motivation alone means you’re at the mercy of your mood, energy, and circumstances. This inconsistency leads to frustration, self-doubt, and a cycle of stop-and-start efforts.

When we tie our progress to motivation, we set ourselves up for failure. The moment we don’t “feel like it,” we stop showing up. And once we stop, it becomes even harder to restart. This is why so many people struggle with maintaining habits, pursuing goals, and creating long-term change.

What to Rely on Instead: Commitment and Discipline

Instead of depending on motivation, build commitment and discipline. Unlike motivation, commitment is a choice. It’s a decision to keep going, regardless of how we feel. Discipline is the system that makes following through possible. Together, they create consistency and long-term success.

Defining your values and priorities is the foundation of commitment and discipline. When you know what truly matters to you, it becomes easier to stay consistent. Commitment becomes an act of self-love because you are honoring what is important to you, and discipline follows as a way of supporting that commitment.

How to Cultivate Commitment and Discipline:

1. Define Your Values and Priorities– When you know what truly matters to you, it becomes easier to stay consistent. Commitment becomes an act of self-love because you are honoring what is important to you, and discipline follows as a way of supporting that commitment.

2. Identify Your Why – Deep, lasting commitment comes from knowing why you’re doing something. When your “why” is strong enough, it keeps you moving even when motivation fades.

3. Combine Your Values, Priorities, and Why – Understanding what truly matters to you and why it does provides the foundation for long-term commitment. When your values and priorities align with your goals, discipline follows naturally as a form of self-respect and self-love.

2. Create a Routine – Discipline thrives on routine. Set specific times for your goals and make them non-negotiable. Research suggests that committing to 30 days and then continuing for 60 days allow behaviors become habits.

3. Start Small and Build Momentum – Action creates motivation, not the other way around. Commit to small, consistent steps, and progress will fuel you forward. For example, I started swimming to add to my training routine for my 130-mile hike on the Colorado Trail this summer. I started with 35 minutes, then a week later 40, then a week later 45.

4. Remove the Choice– When something is optional, motivation wavers. Treat your commitment as a non-negotiable part of your life, like brushing your teeth. Herein lies the discipline.

5. Embrace Discomfort – Growth comes from doing things, especially when they’re hard. Trust that discipline will carry you through moments of resistance.

The Power of Self-Love in Discipline

When we honor our commitments, we are loving ourselves.

Many people associate discipline with harshness or rigidity, but true discipline is an act of self-love. When we love ourselves, we honor our commitments. We don’t rely on fleeting motivation—we show up because we know we deserve the results of our efforts.

My Experience with Motivation vs. Commitment

When I started hiking, I had already defined my values and priorities, and hiking fit into both. Then as I began training for a backpacking trip each year, I relied on my commitment to self. I kept that commitment, and the discipline of doing so has made me stronger—not just on the trail but in my life. I have seen that when we commit to ourselves and follow through, life is so fulfilling.

Motivation is great when it’s there, but it’s not a plan. Commitment and discipline are what create real change. When you change your mindset to 'I do it because I chose to,' you are making a powerful commitment to self.

Where in your life are you relying on motivation? And how can you shift toward commitment and discipline instead?