You want to get in shape. Most people will tell you that the key is motivation. And once you have that you are guaranteed to be successful. I quickly came to realise that motivation is important and that it comes in many different forms:
Motivation gets you mentally prepared and ready to get into fitness
Motivation gets you pumped up about getting in shape
Motivation is the first step of doing anything
Being motivated is a great feeling and made me want to change my life for the better.
Motivation is not enough
But, over the course of my journey I’ve come to realise that motivation alone is not enough: Fitness is about discipline. Only discipline will actually change your behaviour and lead to real results.
Motivation might get you to the gym for week, or two. But, it’s discipline – consistent discipline – that will get you to the gym or working out day after day.
I’m proud to share that for the last year I’ve gotten up at or before 6 a.m. to workout at least three to four times a week. This discipline is what has lead to great fitness results for me.
Defining discipline and motivation
The definition of the two words gives insight into the relationship between motivation and discipline.
Motivation (noun): the general desire or willingness of someone to do something
The words to focus on here are “desire” and "willingness”. Having those makes you want to do something, but does not mean that you are actually going to do it.
Discipline (verb): train oneself to do something in a controlled and habitual way.
On the other hand, the phrase to focus in on for discipline is “to do something”.
While motivation gives you desire to do something, discipline actually gets you to do it.
I’ll even take it a step further. While discipline is good, consistent discipline is great. You need to realise that the journey to fitness is a long and winding road that never ends.
Conclusion
Want to get into fitness or just stick to your programme? Then, find your own personal reason to get motivated. Why do you want to lose weight or get stronger? Find a good reason. Then once you find that inkling of motivation, ensure success by developing consistent discipline.