Motivation vs. Discipline
Discipline eats motivation for lunch.
Discipline eats motivation for lunch.
One of my favorite discussions on the topic of motivation versus discipline is from former Navy SEAL turned leadership guru Jocko Willink on the Chris Williamson podcast: (FULL VERSION)
Here’s my favorite snippet from their discussion.
“Motivation is a feeling that comes and goes and it doesn't matter whether it's there or not. Discipline is infinitely more important… no matter how you feel, get up and do what you're supposed to do — that's it and that's discipline. It's not motivation. If you only did what you were supposed to do when you were motivated to do it, that's leaving it to chance. But if you're disciplined, you go do what you're supposed to do. That's the way it works”
-Jocko Willink.
Motivation refers to the drive or desire to do something, while discipline refers to the ability to stick to a plan or routine and actually do the thing you need to do to get the results you want, even when motivation wanes.
“Motivation is a Feeling”
Motivation is a psychological state that’s often linked to the anticipation of rewards or positive outcomes. It can be intrinsic, meaning it comes from within, or extrinsic, meaning it’s driven by external factors such as recognition or compensation. Motivation can be fleeting, and individuals may need to actively seek out ways to maintain their motivation levels over time.
“Discipline is doing what you’re supposed to do”
Discipline is a behavioral trait that involves self-control and consistency in following through on plans and commitments. Discipline requires individuals to set clear goals, establish routines, and hold themselves accountable for their actions. Unlike motivation, discipline is a learned skill that can be developed through practice and repetition.
Discipline eats Motivation for lunch… every time.
As Jocko would say: Go get some.
Send this out to your team and ask them to decide what they need: motivation or discipline.