Why Motivation is Overrated

Are you feeling motivated today? No? Well, guess what? That's perfectly okay!

Now, it's not that motivation isn't important. It certainly can be a powerful force that gets us going and keeps us moving forward. But the truth is, motivation is fickle. It ebbs and flows, comes and goes, and can be gone in a flash. Motivation itself is based on emotion. It's a feeling that is inconsistent, unpredictable, unreliable, and not wholly in our control.

Well, the problem isn't a lack of motivation. It's being too dependent on motivation to get you started. Expecting to be motivated is setting yourself up for failure.

So what's the alternative, you ask? Discipline. You know, that thing that involves doing what needs to be done, even when you don't feel like it. Discipline is the workhorse that gets us through the discomfort until we experience motivation. It’s the consistent engagement in effective behavior towards your goals regardless of the discomfort.  "But wait," you protest. "I thought discipline was boring and hard and only for the superhuman among us."

Surprisingly, discipline can be fun and rewarding, and it's something that everyone can cultivate. Here are some tips:

1. Set clear goals: Knowing what you want to achieve is key to developing discipline. Write down your goals, break them into smaller steps, and create a plan of action. This helps to improve certainty of what the process entails.

2. Build habits: Habits are powerful tools for discipline. They help to make uncomfortable and difficult actions easier and more automatic. Identify the habits that will help you reach your goals, and start small. Consistency is key.

3. Make it enjoyable: Discipline doesn't have to be a drag. Find ways to make your tasks more enjoyable, whether it's listening to music, working in a coffee shop, or rewarding yourself with a treat.

4. Focus on the process: Instead of fixating on the end result, focus on the process. Celebrate small wins and learn from setbacks. Remember, progress (any at all) is more important than perfection. You’ll also get satisfaction out of building mastery.

5. Find accountability: Surround yourself with people who support and encourage you. Join a group or find a partner who shares your goals and can help keep you on track.

So, there you have it. Motivation may be a flashy superstar, but discipline is the reliable MVP. With discipline, you can accomplish anything (most things) you set your mind to, even on your bad days. To learn more about how to boost your discipline and productivity, check out our new program, Kinetik. Kinetik is an all-in-one productivity program offering classes, accountability groups, personal coaching, and a supportive community. Kinetik can be a great option even if you're just looking for resources.