10 ways discipline is more important than motivation

Do you value discipline more than motivation, or the other way round?  Drive is key to success.  However, how could control be more important?  Read my blog post to find out more.

I’m a self-improvement blogger and would love to share the topic with my readers.  I left the corporate world for solopreneurship.  It’s been over 9 years already, at the time of updating this blog post.   

I’ve seen the importance of self-restraint.  I sometimes lost the desire, but my self-control ensured I never gave up.  There are many times when persistence is key.   

I found a great quote.  It illustrates the idea.  Read it, as it simply shows a lot.  

‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.’ – this originated from a Chinese proverb

This brilliant quote shows how taking action is key, no matter how small.  Start with the first step and gradually work your way to the top.  No matter how hard and long the journey is, take your first step.  The rest will flow.

Here are 10 ways discipline takes you places motivation can’t:

1. Daily habits

No matter what you choose to accomplish and how you define success, build crucial habits.  Having or developing daily habits and routines that are conducive, will provide support.  Knowing what you want to acquire and taking action boosts progress.

2. Motivation versus discipline

Self-restraint is often more helpful than desire.  This can be seen differently by different people.  We all have our experiences.  However, why would anyone say that strictness is more advantageous than impulse?  Read on to see.

3. More reliable 

Being able to control yourself is a wonderful advantage.  You can decide that you will go to the gym every day and do so.  You know that you will complete all important tasks on time because you’re in control of your actions and have planned and organized your day around them.

4. More stable

Being able to restrain yourself and stay on track, you know that your mood and the weather won’t cause you to neglect what’s important.  Taking rest and self-care is vital to feeling energized.  At the same time, self-restraint is your ally in completing work.

5. Decrease in desire

Motivation is great and even essential for success.  However, relying on it solely for progress could sometimes, if not often, be disappointing.  Impulse is something that you feel, and when things aren’t going as well as planned, the fuel starts going down.  With self-control, you know you’ll keep going on.

6. Self-motivation

There’s a popular saying, ‘be your own motivation’, which brings much value to my life.  When I want to realize a project, I can only trust and rely on myself to see desired results.  There’s no one to coerce or punish me.  I may suffer a loss if I become lazy (which I don’t, thanks to self-restraint).

7. Self-discipline

Self-control may seem unpleasant, yet, it’s a golden habit that boosts progress and even success.  Linked to incitement, self-restraint is intrinsic in the sense that you want to do something.  You’re more likely to persevere wholeheartedly and not give up.

8. Importance

Having self-control over your actions is a blessing.  Desire is great to achieve goals, however, it tends to fade, fluctuate, and can even die.  Self-control has longer-term benefits, as you keep putting in the effort and doing what’s necessary.

9. Leads to success

Working on the right goals with perseverance is key to progress.  If you’re interested and feel that you want to achieve something, the wish can increase or decrease over time.  Self-control will steadily support you and is, therefore, more favourable.

10. Consistency

Doing the right things with willpower and determination have long-term benefits.  Being consistent will move you closer to achieving bigger set goals.  Life has its ups and downs, and while desire can fluctuate, trust your self-restraint and consistency.

My list is intended to be a starting point for inspiration.  Do take a minute or two to ponder about your life experiences.  Do you agree that discipline is more important than motivation?

Conclusion

You may have seen the benefit of one over the other.  Choose what you can control better.  Prefer discipline, not motivation.

Editor’s Note: This blog article has been updated for better accuracy and comprehensiveness.