Do you know the problem with motivation? Motivation is a feeling, and feelings are subject to change. Strong feelings of “I got this” at the beginning of the year might dissolve in the reality of the day-to-day grind. Motivation feels. Discipline does. Motivation inspires the start, but discipline is the fuel that keeps you moving toward your goals. Discipline sorts through our emotional ups and downs with unwavering focus. One of my favorite verses, 2 Timothy 1:7, says that self-discipline is a gift from God.
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
What Discipline Does
Discipline embraces the power of routine. Routines create the structure needed to keep you on track. Pray, Sweat, Eat, Repeat. No matter where I am in the world, I find comfort in the rhythm of my daily life. Connecting with our Creator transforms our lives for the better. Movement prevents atrophy in our muscles and keeps us fit to serve. Eating healthy provides our bodies with the fuel needed to thrive. And we find success, peace, and abundance in the repetition of these habits.
Discipline transforms our abilities into skills. Practice makes progress. The power of discipline turns fitness enthusiasts into athletes. Discipline is not dependent on the intensity of our efforts. Instead, it is built on our consistency, even on a small scale, like consistently reading one passage of scripture daily, walking for 20 minutes, and eating one serving of vegetables.
Discipline reminds us life is a journey, not a destination. It’s okay if something disrupts your routine in the short term. Discipline involves the grace needed to get back on track. After all, it’s the practice of discipline that makes progress.
The Problem with MotivationÂ
The days leading up to a new year, week, or month may motivate us to set new goals. But, the problem with motivation is that it’s feelings-based, and feelings change. Instead, let’s utilize all the gifts God has given us in 2024. May power, love, and self-discipline lead us to do whatever He has placed on our hearts. And as we look forward to what life has in store for us this year, dear friend, I pray that all will be well with you and that you will be as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit. (3 John 2)