“Motivation is great, but you can’t be motivated all the time. Discipline is greater than motivation. Discipline means doing the work even when you don’t feel motivated. Discipline means having good habits and processes and doing them consistently. Discipline is a muscle you can work and make stronger. Discipline, knowledge, and persistence lead to success. Motivation is great. Discipline is better.”
I will be the first to admit that, now more than ever, it’s difficult to get motivated, let alone be disciplined. I’m not talking about just in regards to working out and fitness, but with life in general. Finishing work assignments, calling a friend, doing the dishes, picking up laundry, getting showered … it all seems like a monumental task considering the daily mental stress we are all under given our current situation. So the question is, how do we get motivated to take the first step and then continue to have the discipline to continue even when we don’t feel like it? Here are a few good tips:
Gratitude. Taking ten minutes out of your day to write out what you are grateful for can have a huge impact. It puts you in a mindset of abundance to look at your list of all the beautiful things you have to be grateful for in this life. I would recommend doing this first thing in the morning so you can develop the habit of gratitude every single day. It can change your mood instantly and make you feel more well equipped to take on the day.- Stop comparing yourself to others. Social media can be a great outlet , but if you are going down the rabbit hole of comparing yourself to others who seem to have it all together, disconnect. Everyone has their struggles, and no one is perfect. If you are comfortable sharing, be vulnerable, and open up to someone. Sometimes a good cry or chat with a friend or spouse is what we need to vent and let it all out.
- This, too, shall pass. It seems like we may never emerge from what is happening in the world, but we will come out on the other side. Consider where you want to be when that does happen. Maybe you want to get fit and strong, complete a big project that you never had the time for before, or start a new business. Create small goals that will bring you closer to your goal when the time comes when we all emerge back into the world.
- Focus on your health. What we put in our body plays a huge role in how we feel every single day. Drink lots of water, eat your fruits/veggies, and make balanced meals. Find ways to move your body every day, whether its walking, yoga, running, lifting weights … something that gets the endorphins flowing. Exercise is proven to reduce your stress and strengthen your immune system, so find a way to work it into your daily routine!
- Persist WHEN. Persist when you don’t feel like it. Persist when you fail. Persist when it’s easier to give up. PERSISTENCE allows us to continue, even when we stumble and fail. We always have the choice to keep going, no matter how difficult the situation.
I know times are tough right now, but so are you, Momma! No matter what difficult decisions you are facing right now, know that you are going to do what is best for you and your family. Take care of yourself, focus on an attitude of gratitude, and, most importantly, be kind to yourself and to others.
