You have probably seen the “discipline over motivation” post on social media, but I wanted to talk about why this is such and important concept to dig into.

Motivation relies on externalities to create action. Like buying a new pair of No Bull shoes, seeing a really “fun” workout, or even a future vision of yourself in better shape. But motivation comes and goes since it relies on external stimulus.

Discipline is internal, it’s you, it’s just what you do. Even if it’s slipping on shoes that are 5 years old, doing a workout that doesn’t get you excited, and being fully present in the moment without visions of how sexy you’ll be in 10 months with 8 pack abs.

“Work your weakness” is an example of discipline over motivation, showing up even when you know it’s going to be a bad workout for you. As stoic as that sounds, there is ultimately more happiness and purpose in the mindset shift to discipline over motivation.

One of the reasons this is particularly important in gyms like ours, is feeling like we constantly have to make every workout the most fun workout ever. Of course we’ll need to sacrifice some results for fun occasionally, but it’s a slippery slope.

Discipline with your fitness is the ultimate form of self respect and self care. You have to show up for yourself and do the work, you can’t pay anyone else to do it for you, and that’s why it is ultimately so rewarding.