What’s more important when pursuing a goal, is it what’s motivating you or is it your self-discipline to make it happen? It’s difficult to separate the need for one versus the other as they both play an important role in the effective execution of the actions necessary.
If you are strongly motivated to accomplish something, you are more likely to put the effort required, to achieve success. For example, when I was initially trying to lose weight, I knew I had to exercise and eat healthier, however without having clarity around why I desired to do so, I’d falter to the original activity level and habits I was used to. When I connected the need to get in shape with my longevity, wanting to ensure I’m around to watch my kids grow-up, do activities with them rather than be stuck on the sidelines, that’s when my commitment level strengthened and I was able to attain my desired results. What motivates you can change over time. Where these motivators stem from can also play a factor in how effective they are in achieving short term vs long term success.
There are two types of motivators to consider:
- Extrinsic motivators – come from outside of you. There is an external reward available that leads you to want to succeed. Examples include financial incentives associated with your performance, or the medal you’ll receive at the finish line of a race. Extrinsic rewards are helpful to persuade you into action. In order for extrinsic rewards to be effective, you need to value the reward being offered. With that said, Once the reward is achieved, the drive to continue the effort may subside and the perceived value of the reward can also diminish. This aligns extrinsic motivation with a short-term effectiveness framework.
- Intrinsic motivators – comes from within. Your effort to succeed is driven by the personal satisfaction your accomplishments bring. Examples include the experience of joy when you complete a task, and the pride you feel when you achieve your goal. Outcomes that are deeply connected with your values, beliefs and sense of purpose are motivating. The internal value placed on the results desired can provide the willpower necessary to take action. Because motivation is coming from within, they tend to be more ‘sticky’ and can better support your perseverance towards accomplishing long term goals.
Self-Discipline is the consistent execution of the actions necessary to achieve a goal despite how you are feeling, physically or mentally on any given day. Setting intentions is easier than execution but there are several things you can do to improve self-discipline including:
- Clarifying your “why” – Tapping into what’s motivating you can help with initiating your effort. What is it that’s driving you to pursue your goal? This is where there is a supportive relationship between motivation and self-discipline. The stronger the why, the stronger the will to take action and instill habits that translate into results.
- Create a plan – Commit to what you’re trying to achieve, identify the steps or activities that are helpful and prioritize your time to include the effort required.
- Maintain awareness – Visibility of your intentions, setting reminders to keep you on track and tracking your progress are all helpful tools to translate new habits into daily rituals.
- Don’t delay – when a reminder goes off, take action. As soon as you hit ‘snooze’ on your alarm, the likelihood you’ll hit snooze again increase or skip the activity you planned altogether.
- Take it one step at a time – Trying to change many things all at once can be overwhelming, leading to failure and disappointment. Strengthening your self-discipline one habit at a time is a great way to accumulate small wins that can add up to a steadfast capability to stick to your intentions.
- Share your goals with others – By voicing your intentions to a close friend, co-worker or family member infuses a higher level of commitment to do what you say you will do.
Motivation and discipline are both key elements to instill a sustaining drive towards desired results. Tap into what motivates you, and establish your plan of action to achieve your goals. Work on improving your self-discipline one small change at a time. Commit to sustaining the effort required and you’ll be surprised at what you can accomplish!
Think it, believe it, and make it happen! 😉