Motivation gets you started, Discipline keeps you going

Ever feel totally motivated one day only to find its faded a few days later? You're not alone. That is where mindset and discipline step in to carry the torch.

The discipline vs motivation mindset is all the rage at the moment and for good reason. 

Motivation is fleeting

Having the motivation to make a change in your fitness can feel empowering, exciting and for a short period of time you'll feel unstoppable. Then life happens. Motivation is emotion based and emotions or temporary. Work, responsibilities and fatigue create a whole range of both positive and negative emotions that soon extinguish that flame you feel when you're motivated.

Motivation — The Spark

  • What it is: The sudden burst of excitement or energy that gets you moving.

  • How it feels: Like a rush of adrenaline. You’re hyped up, ready to take on the world.

  • When it works: Great for starting things or pushing through a tough spot. It’s that spark you need to get the fire going.

  • Downside: Motivation can be inconsistent — it’s based on mood, energy, or inspiration, which can fade when life gets tough.

  • Example in Fitness: You watch an inspiring fitness video or see someone’s transformation and think, “I’m gonna crush this!” You hit the gym hard the next day... but by the end of the week, motivation has faded.

“Motivation says: 'I feel ready to do this!'"

  • As a Movie Character: Austin Powers - Larger than life and full of feel good energy but not going to stick around for long 



Where motivation is the huge explosion that disappears as soon as it comes; discipline is the steady, warm flame of a furnace that burns even when no one is watching. 

Building discipline takes time to build but once built it becomes low maintenance with high reward. 

Motivation vs Discipline is the classic story of the hare and the tortoise.

🧱 Discipline — The Consistent Force

  • What it is: The ability to push through and take action, regardless of how you feel.

  • How it feels: Not as exciting as motivation — more like a quiet determination.

  • When it works: Perfect for when motivation isn’t around. It’s the internal muscle that keeps you going even when it’s cold, early, or you’re exhausted.

  • Downside: Discipline can feel draining, especially if you rely on it too much. It can burn you out if you’re constantly fighting your feelings.

  • Example in Fitness: You’re tired and it’s a busy day, but you force yourself to do your workout anyway because you made a commitment. You might not feel like it, but you do it anyway.

“Discipline says: 'You might not feel like it, but you’re doing it anyway.'"

  • As a movie character: The Terminator - cold, emotionless but always moving towards the target. 


Final thoughts

Both motivation and discipline play a part in a successful fitness journey. 

Motivation feels good when it arrives but isn't going to carry you all the way. 

Discipline keeps things moving when things when things get tough regardless of whether it feels good or not.

Sure be disciplined throughout your journey but using that motivational energy when it arrives will make the journey that much more enjoyable.

Use both to your advantage without letting one completely outshine the other.