Thank you for another great year at the Lab. We have seen our community grow and could not be more excited for what 2019 will bring. With the year ending, I am starting to hear all about “New Year Resolutions.” I’m not a huge fan of resolutions (read last year’s rant) but I realize that people do need them to get their shit straight. So this year let me say this:
Fuck Motivation, Get Disciplined
Motivation is fleeting, situational, and it comes and goes however it wants. It might not last to the end of the month, end of the week, or even the end of the day. Once we admit to ourselves that motivation is not inherit to our success, we are able to frame our perspective a little differently. Motivation whether intrinsic or extrinsic helps everyone take that first step. However, life has a way of dragging us every which way if we let it. This means if a crisis or unplanned event arises, we may be unmotivated to take action on our goal. That’s when you need discipline.
Discipline is consistent, habitual, and rare; it doesn’t sound fun but it works. It reminds you that with sacrifice comes great reward. Many people look for a magic pill or some sort of shortcut that eliminates the need to put forth effort. Let me set the record straight; you need to do the work. You have to make it happen yourself. It’s not going to happen on its own. I often hear people say that they don’t want to deprive themselves of certain things, as if deprivation is always a bad thing. To those I say, you’re not ready – try again when you are.
My challenge for you is to use motivation to get started then remove the word “motivation” from your daily language and insert “discipline.” Substituting “discipline” for “motivation” reframes the conversation. It enables you to stay dedicated, work hard and be patient. Shifting your choice of words changes your perception and can be the small change we need to get over the hump and get on with our big goals.
Discipline doesn’t just “happen.” It’s intentional and it’s repeated. Every. Single. Day.
Ruben Belliard
Founder/ CEO
The Training Lab NYC
