Inspiration, Motivation & Discipline
Inspiration and Motivation are often entangled, and people think they mean the same thing. Understanding the difference can help us on our wellness journey.
Merriam-Webster defines “Inspiration” as something that makes you want to do or create something. “Motivation,” on the other hand, means giving someone a reason to take action, and “Discipline” is defined as self-control.
Which one is most important: inspiration, motivation, or discipline? You need all three. Inspiration helps you decide to make a change. Motivation drives you to act on those new habits or projects. Discipline, however, leads to real results. It keeps you going even on days when you feel unmotivated. Discipline helps you through tough times.
Discipline is crucial because it pushes you to keep going. Everyone has days when nothing interests them, and discipline helps during those hard times.
What is Inspiration? Inspiration comes from knowing yourself and pushing yourself to reach goals that may seem impossible. This internal drive can last a long time.
What is Motivation? Motivation is the force that drives us to start and stick with the actions we need to reach our goals. Patrick King, author of *Motivation Triggers: Psychological Tactics for Energy, Willpower, Self-Discipline, and Fast Action*, explains that this force is essential for achieving what we want.
When you feel motivated, you tackle your daily tasks with enthusiasm. You begin your day positively and look forward to working on your goals.
The two types of motivation are: extrinsic and intrinsic.
Extrinsic Motivation
Extrinsic motivation happens when people do something to earn a reward or to avoid punishment.
For example, a person might start playing a sport to become a professional athlete, hoping to earn money, gain fame, and have influence.
Examples of Extrinsic Motivation in the Workplace
— Make more money
— Gain industry influence
Intrinsic Motivation
This involves engaging in a behavior or activity because we find it personally rewarding.
Intrinsic motivation is based on our internal interests and values. It means we perform these tasks for our own sake and are invested in the process rather than the reward. We see the behavior itself as its reward.
Examples of Intrinsic Motivation in the Workplace:
— You look for personal development opportunities to improve your skills.
— You work hard because you believe you can make a difference.
— You take on projects that you find challenging and interesting.
What is Discipline? It means having self-control and the ability to follow through with actions, even when it's difficult or not immediately rewarding, to achieve long-term goals. It's the bridge between dreams and reality, allowing you to stay focused and consistent in your efforts towards a desired outcome.
Napoleon Hill believed that self-discipline is crucial for success and achieving one's goals. He emphasized mastering one's mind and thoughts, as self-discipline begins with controlling what you think. Hill also noted the need for persistence, decisiveness, and a positive attitude.
Discipline is crucial for achieving goals, as relying solely on extrinsic motivation often fades over time. Successful individuals combine discipline with intrinsic motivation, training themselves to work consistently and build healthy habits. Research shows that those with strong self-discipline tend to establish routines that minimize reliance on willpower, which can be low when motivation vanishes.
6 Key Points to take:
Motivation helps us make changes.
It comes from 2 places: intrinsic (from within ourselves) and extrinsic (from outside, like rewards).
Extrinsic motivation, such as a cash bonus, typically gives a quick boost but may only last for a short time.
Discipline means training yourself to stick to good habits and work consistently, no matter how motivated or inspired you feel.
Habits are essential to stay “motivated,” It can take 18 to 264 days to form a new habit.
Combining intrinsic motivation with discipline is the best way to reach your goals.
