Discipline > Motivation

As we enter the new year, many of us do so with fresh resolutions and renewed aspirations. This period of reflection often sets off a debate between the roles of motivation and discipline in achieving success. While motivation may kickstart our mission with a burst of energy and intent, it is discipline that sustains our journey toward success. Understanding why discipline is the more reliable route towards the path of achievement rather than motivation, can profoundly impact how we approach our goals and resolutions.

Motivation is an emotional state, a feeling of enthusiasm that makes you willing to do something. It's what gets you to the gym on January 1st or inspires you to start a new project. However, motivation is inherently unreliable. It's susceptible to changes in mood, environment, and energy levels. One study from the University of Scranton suggests that only 8% of people achieve their New Year's resolutions, often because the motivation fades as quickly as it begins.

Discipline, on the other hand, is the practice of training oneself to do something in a controlled and habitual way. It's what gets you to the gym even when it's cold and raining, or what keeps you working on a project even when the initial excitement has worn off. Discipline is not dependent on your mood or circumstances, unlike motivation. It's a commitment to a process regardless of how you feel. As Mike Tyson famously said, "Discipline is doing what you hate to do, but do it like you love it."

A 2013 study published in the "Journal of Personality" examined the effects of self-control, a form of discipline, and found that higher levels of self-control predict better life outcomes in a variety of areas, including personal relationships, physical health, and financial security. This suggests that discipline, rather than fleeting motivation, is a key component of success.

So, if discipline is the key, how do we develop it? First, it's about creating routines and habits. According to a study in the "European Journal of Social Psychology," it takes an average of 66 days for a new behavior to become automatic. By setting small, manageable goals and sticking to them consistently, you're building the muscle of discipline.

Secondly, it's crucial to cultivate the right mindset. Carol S. Dweck's influential book, "Mindset," illustrates the importance of embracing the belief that your abilities can evolve. This frame of mind is vital for success as it nurtures resilience, an essential component of discipline. By adopting this perspective, you're not just prepared to tackle challenges but are also laying a strong foundation for sustained discipline.

Finally, it's about understanding and managing your environment. The book "Willpower" by Roy F. Baumeister and John Tierney highlights how environmental cues can either aid or hinder your self-control. By structuring your environment to minimize distractions and temptations, you're setting yourself up for disciplined action.

David Goggins, often referred to as the "toughest man alive," whose extraordinary feats are a testament to the power of discipline over motivation. Goggins, a retired Navy SEAL and ultra-endurance athlete notably said, "Motivation is crap. Motivation comes and goes. When you're driven, whatever is in front of you will get destroyed." Goggins' grueling daily routine, which includes running hundreds of miles a week and intense strength training, is fueled by a disciplined mindset that doesn't waver with the ups and downs of motivation. His achievements, such as completing over 60 ultra-marathons and breaking the pull-up world record, are not the results of momentary inspiration but of relentless, disciplined effort. Goggins embodies the principle that when motivation fades, discipline carries you through to success.

While motivation can be a great starter, discipline is the vehicle that drives you to the finish line of success. It's the quiet power that pushes you through the ups and downs, the exciting beginnings, and the mundane middles. By understanding and developing discipline, you're not just preparing for success in one area but laying the foundation for a more successful, fulfilling life. So, the next time you're waiting to feel motivated, remember that discipline is the more reliable path to achieving your goals. Slow and steady wins the race.

New Year, New You!

Happy New Year, MOTIVSPRINTers! As we step into 2024, it's the perfect time to focus on setting tangible goals and boosting our productivity. Over the next few minutes, let's explore how you can make the upcoming year your most accomplished one yet.

Understanding Goal Setting

Before we dive into the strategies, it's crucial to understand the psychology behind goal setting and productivity. According to Locke and Latham's Goal Setting Theory, specific and challenging goals lead to higher performance. Their research found that setting detailed goals provides a significant motivation boost, increasing performance by 20 to 25 percent.

Step 1: Setting SMART Goals

Let's kick things off by making your goals SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This method isn't just a buzzword. A study by the American Psychological Association showed that setting specific goals led to higher performance 90% of the time. So instead of saying, "I want to get fit," try "I am going to do weight training three times per week for the next three months."

Step 2: Break It Down

Large goals can be overwhelming. Break them into smaller tasks. The Zeigarnik Effect, a psychological phenomenon, suggests that people remember uncompleted or interrupted tasks better than completed tasks. Use this to your advantage by leaving tasks slightly unfinished during breaks to maintain a continuous flow of productivity.

Step 3: The Power of Routine

Establishing a routine can significantly enhance your productivity. A study from Duke University estimated that habits form about 45% of our total behavior. Craft a daily routine that nudges you towards your goals. Morning routines are particularly powerful, setting the tone for a productive day.

Step 4: Prioritize with the Eisenhower Box

Dwight D. Eisenhower's decision principle, now known as the Eisenhower Box, helps you decide on and prioritize tasks by urgency and importance, sorting out less urgent and important tasks that you should either delegate or not do at all.

Step 5: Embrace the Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique, developed by Francesco Cirillo, is a time management method that breaks work into intervals, traditionally 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks. This technique not only boosts productivity but also helps maintain sustained concentration and staves off mental fatigue.

Step 6: Tracking Progress and Maintaining Motivation

Keep a journal or use an app to track your progress. Studies show that writing down your goals, progress, and reflections increases the likelihood of success. Regularly review your goals and progress to adjust your strategies as needed.

Overcoming Obstacles

Remember, setbacks are part of the journey. A study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that planning for failures makes you more likely to stick to your goals. So, anticipate potential obstacles and plan how you'll navigate them.

To sum up, remember that productivity isn't about being busy, it's about being effective. This year, focus on what matters most to you. With these strategies and a bit of persistence, you're well on your way to a year filled with achievement and personal growth.

We're excited to see where these strategies will take you. Share your journey with us, and let's make 2024 our most productive yet!

NFL Week 17

Here's a breakdown of the odds for Week 17 according to CBS Sports:

Thursday, Dec. 28

Jets at Browns (-7.5, 35)

Saturday, Dec. 30

Lions at Cowboys (-6, 53.5)

Sunday, Dec. 31

Dolphins at Ravens (-3.5, 47)

Patriots at Bills (-12, 41)

Falcons at Bears (-3, 38)

Titans at Texans (-3.5, 42.5)

Raiders at Colts (-3, 44.5)NSORED CONTENT

Panthers at Jaguars (-7, 38)

Rams at Giants (+6, 42)

Cardinals at Eagles (-10.5, 48)

Saints at Buccaneers (-3, 42)

49ers at Commanders (+13.5, 48.5)

Steelers at Seahawks (-3.5, 41.5)

Bengals at Chiefs (-7, 44.5)

Chargers at Broncos (-5.5, 38.5)

Packers at Vikings (-2, 46)

Quote of the Week

“I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring.” - David Bowie

Top 5 of the Week

According to a Forbes Health/OnePoll survey of 1,000 U.S. adults conducted in October 2023, below are the top 5 New Year’s resolutions for 2024:

1. Improved fitness (48%)

2. Improved finances (38%)

3. Improved mental health (36%)

4. Lose weight (34%)

5. Improved diet (32%)

For a complete list, read this article. What are your resolutions?

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Answer to last week’s Trivia

In the movie "Home Alone," where are the McCallister family going on vacation when they accidentally leave Kevin behind? Paris

In the iconic holiday movie "Home Alone," the McCallister family sets off for a Christmas vacation to Paris.

Trivia Time

Which country is the first to ring in the New Year?

Stay tuned next week for the answer.

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