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Motivation vs Discipline

Motivation gets you started, discipline keeps you going. In this Vision PT, we discuss why both are needed in order to succeed at any goal.
Weight Loss Articles
Weight Loss Articles

By Jordie Rowe at Mona Vale

These words seem to be very commonly used in the fitness industry but many people don't actually understand the difference between the two. You will hear people say "How are you so motivated?" "How can I be motivated every day?" but in reality that's just not possible.

There are two types of motivation, intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation is where you are internally motivated, it's the desire that comes from within the individual and is personally rewarding. Extrinsic motivation comes from outside the individual, such as friends, family and has benefits such as recognition and praise.

So this being said, motivation is a temporary emotion that comes and goes. It is a general desire to 'do something' and is based on different circumstances as well as psychological aspects. Yes, motivation can be there, but it is something that you just can't rely on alone.

It is easy to feel motivated after watching someone's fitness journey right? Or watching a YouTube video with new exercises? So after seeing those videos you now feel motivated to go to the gym that morning and you have an awesome workout because of it. The day after you plan to do the same thing but that same level of motivation and excitement is not there. You expect to wake up feeling exactly as you did the day before, but that didn't happen.

So this is where discipline comes into play. Discipline is the quality of being able to behave in a particular system or routine. It brings stability and structure.

Let's say your goal for the week is to wake up at 5am Monday to Friday to go and workout. Just because you set this goal doesn't mean you will bounce out of bed every day super keen for the gym. This means that when you wake up and feel tired, sore, and not bothered, your discipline will be your drive for your day. This is what is going to get you out of bed, your commitment to your routine and the structure you have set for yourself, even if in that moment it's not what you want to do.

Choosing to be disciplined over relying solely on motivation will build up your habits and routines and will allow you to achieve what you want most over what you want in that present moment.

*Disclaimer: Individual results vary based on agreed goals. Click here for details.

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