Motivation is Overrated: Why I'd Rather Be Lazy and Disciplined

Motivation is a word we hear constantly, especially in the self-help and personal development industries. It's often portrayed as the magical force that can propel us towards success, happiness, and achievement. But the truth is, motivation is a fake concept that has been overhyped and misunderstood.

Don't get me wrong; motivation can be useful to get us started on a task or project. It can provide a burst of energy and enthusiasm that makes us feel good and inspired. However, motivation is temporary, unpredictable, and fickle. It's easy to get motivated when everything is going well, but what happens when you hit a roadblock, encounter difficulties or face setbacks? Motivation tends to vanish, leaving you feeling discouraged and demotivated.

That's why discipline is the real key to success, not motivation. Discipline is the consistent, deliberate, and intentional effort we put into achieving our goals, regardless of how we feel. It's the ability to stay focused, committed, and persistent, even when the going gets tough. Discipline is what separates the winners from the losers, the achievers from the dreamers, and the successful from the mediocre.

The problem with motivation is that it's based on external factors such as mood, environment, and circumstances. It's reactive, rather than proactive, and it depends on things that are beyond our control. Discipline, on the other hand, is based on internal factors such as mindset, habits, and values. It's proactive, rather than reactive, and it depends on things that are within our control.

Discipline is not something you can switch on and off like a light bulb. It's a habit that needs to be developed, nurtured, and strengthened over time. It requires consistent practice, patience, and perseverance. It's not always easy, but it's always worth it.

Discipline is what helps you to show up, even when you don't feel like it. It's what enables you to push through the pain, the boredom, and the distractions. It's what allows you to stay focused on your long-term goals, even when the short-term gains are not apparent.

In a world that values instant gratification, discipline is the antidote to procrastination, distraction, and laziness. It's what helps you to delay gratification, make sacrifices, and prioritize your time and energy towards what truly matters.

Discipline is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It's a personal and unique journey that requires self-awareness, experimentation, and reflection. It's about finding what works for you and what doesn’t, and adapting your approach accordingly. It's about setting realistic goals, breaking them down into actionable steps, and creating a system of accountability and feedback.

In conclusion, motivation is a fake concept that can be useful at times, but it's not the real key to success. Discipline is what truly matters, and it's what separates the average from the extraordinary. It's not always easy, but it's always worth it. So, the next time you feel demotivated or uninspired, remember that discipline is the real key, and keep pushing forward.

For more info on this topic I highly recommend a book called Grit by Angela Duckworth. A fantastic book on why discipline is key with real life examples and scientific evidence to back it up.

Shout out to Mr. Shin (math teacher) for this great lesson. Took me a few years to understand.