Motivation is overrated
Motivation is often cited as a magic cure against our very human laziness and our inherit tendency to procrastinate. But is it really what we claim it is? Motivation is important but it definitely isn’t everything we need — it takes a lot more to achieve our goals, especially the grandest of them.
Of course, dedication and hard work are also important. They, too, are not enough. What we need is something that can help us keep our to-do lists checked, day after day after day. Even for those days where we don’t feel OK, not in the mood or not ready for it.
What we need the most is discipline. For it is only with discipline one can form good habits that have the potential to better their lives. I, for one, am so motivated to build a better future for myself, putting a lot work on planning … but much less energy on executing.
Execution is boring and takes a lot of time with (almost) no immediate gratification of any kind, even when it means doing stuff we love like writing or coding. To combat that boredom, only developing a sense of discipline can protect us from our easily tempted brains.
To succeed, get disciplined.
