Motivation is not self-discipline. Motivation drives entrepreneurs to take action to achieve our goals, but self-discipline is the verb. They cannot be used interchangeably, but they make excellent partners. Discipline is the behavior of you in pursuit. It’s you taking that step – the action you make a habit to move your business forward. Motivation is what’s driving you to be disciplined and take that action. Motivation is your “why.” Self-discipline is getting up when you don’t want to and continuing to walk that walk, as your motivation reminds of your ultimate goal.
Successful entrepreneurs are motivated, and they are self-disciplined.
They are also resilient, tenacious, and take responsibility. As a result, they might also be impatient, and so energetic that bad habits and high emotions can get in the way. Think of money as a reward and know it will come from executing your plan and fiscal responsibility, so put short-term thinking aside and do what you need to do every day to build your business. Think long-term.
Build your business plan. Have SMART goals. Know where you are going and why. Then execute.
Motivational quotes will not get you there, and working without knowing your “why” has its own emotional challenges, so use motivation and self-discipline together. Use your motivation to remind you why you are doing this, and focus and put in the work.
6 ways to think about motivation vs. discipline.
1.) Motivation helps you build your vision and mission, while self-discipline brings them alive.
On days you are less motivated you still have a “why” and still need to take that step. The finish line is no partner. It doesn’t make any effort to come closer or bridge a gap.
2.) Motivation and self-discipline are complimentary. Like yin and yang in Chinese philosophy, they balance each other and your whole is greater than having a lot of one without the other.
3.) Sometimes excitement comes first because you believe in your “why,” and sometimes your disciplined steps are hard, and the results you achieve blossom into that excitement and pride we associate with motivation.
4.) “Discipline will take you places motivation can’t because your goals don’t care how you feel.” ~ Robert Griffin III
Working together, they lead to self-improvement and productivity.
5.) Discipline and motivation are partners.
We read that discipline begins where motivation ends. Then we read motivation is the result of action not the precedent. It’s confusing, I agree. Figuring that out is an exercise in mental fitness!
Our recommendation – stick with the yin and yang analogy. The excitement might lack – but excitement is more of extrinsic motivation. The intrinsic motivation is your “why.”
6.) When your motivation and discipline are not balanced and you want to give up or question your “why,” just remember that impossible is simply the opinion of someone who quit.
Pursue your dream. Use your self-discipline to help you feel motivated and use your motivation to help you stay inspired and disciplined. One keeps you going – and guess what – so does the other. When motivation works in partnership with discipline you feel more complete. With this comes quality and greater satisfaction. It’s a partnership that works. Use it to your benefit.
Keep moving. You got this. (and you know why)
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