People want success but not everyone is willing to do what it takes to get it. While motivation plays a big part in reaching our goals, it is actually the discipline factor that builds real success. When we can make ourselves move forward, especially when we don’t feel like it, we are far more likely to achieve the things we want.
Common motivation myths
There are many motivation myths and I want to bust three that I hear most commonly.
#1 We have to feel motivated to take action.
This is actually backwards. We have to take action to feel the motivation. Very often, the reason we don’t move forward on our goals is because we are doing something new, which can make us feel a bit overwhelmed or fearful, stopping us from taking the first step.
Doing something for the first time can be difficult, even cumbersome. But it’s when we take action, and continue to do so, that we build our confidence and create momentum, which stimulates motivation.
Yes, it can be difficult at first. But as we embrace the discipline factor and consistently show up, we learn. As we practice, it becomes easier. And before long, it becomes second nature, making us far more motivated to do it again. And that is what it takes to become successful.
This is why I often challenge my clients and community: When was the last time you did something for the first time?
#2 Motivation will solve procrastination.
There are many reasons we procrastinate:
- A values misalignment
- We aren’t clear on the end goal
- Lacking a plan
- We need help with some parts or all of it
- We have a personal preference for collaboration
There are, of course, many more reasons. The thing to notice here is that there is often something missing that is causing you to procrastinate and the lack of motivation is a result of it. This is why you need to lean in when you are procrastinating and pinpoint what is really holding you back.
Once you do, you will find that you have greater clarity, and with it, more motivation to reach your goal.
#3 Big goals will keep me motivated.
While this might be true for some people, big goals can actually cause overwhelm for others because there is so much to do to reach them. That can have the reverse effect and stop them before they even get started. This is why acknowledging little wins is so important.
Regardless of the size of the goal, the reality is that to reach them we need to be disciplined. We need to show up every day and take steps toward the bigger vision we have for our lives. No one else is going to do it for us. Only you can take control of your life and future. That is why we all must hold ourselves accountable if we want to reach our goals—big or small.
The power of accountability
You have the power to make your dreams come true.
Think back to a time when you reached a goal you set for yourself. Very likely, you had to hold yourself accountable to reach that goal. You had to do the work. Learn. Practice. Make mistakes. Try again. And as you did, step by step you moved toward your goal.
Maybe you did that on your own. Perhaps you had someone else by your side to keep you moving forward. Some of us even have a group of people as accountability partners. We all have different needs when it comes to accountability. Understand yours, and do what you need to do to hold yourself accountable, and you will be unstoppable. That is the true power of accountability.
Discipline as a skill, not a personality trait
Every person who has achieved truly great things in their lives has used the discipline factor to reach their goals. Athletes practice relentlessly. Scientists consistently study, test theories and collect data. Business owners do the mundane things that move their companies forward.
It is daily discipline that brings greatness.
When you practice self-discipline, you will also see an increase in your:
- Motivation
- Confidence
- Self-respect
- Pride
- Resilience
This is because your ability to follow through, especially when you don’t feel like it, makes it easier to look at yourself in the mirror. When you do, you see a person who gets things done. Who bounces back from adversity. Who has personal integrity because you do what you say you are going to do.
That increases your motivation to do more.
Building the discipline factor
There are steps you can take to build your discipline skill.
- Set clear goals. You have to know what you are working toward to determine if you are making progress or have successfully reached your destination. The clearer you are about your objective, the easier it becomes to outline the necessary steps and accurately measure the distance remaining until you achieve it. (CLICK HERE FOR A FREE GUIDE ON SETTING SMART GOALS.)
- Break bigger goals into smaller steps. It is much easier to make progress (and avoid procrastination and excuses) when you have simple steps to take. Even the task of leaving your house in the morning has smaller steps associated with it, like putting on your shoes, taking your keys, locking your door and so on. Smaller tasks are easier to accomplish, so break it down as much as you can when you are working toward something you really want and it will be much easier to do.
- Set your non-negotiable standards. In the morning, you brush your teeth. You don’t question. You don’t think about it. You simply do. That is because it is a non-negotiable standard you have set for yourself. When you apply this to your goals, and build the daily habits that consistently move you toward them, you will make much faster progress.
- Track your progress. It is important to know that you are moving in the direction you want and you can only do that if you track your progress. Whether it’s big or little wins, celebrate them. Every step you take moves you toward the goals you have set and the bigger vision for your life. The more you celebrate, the more likely you are to do it again, adding to both the discipline factor and your motivation.
As you take these steps consistently, doing at least one thing each day to help you reach your goals, you will be putting the discipline factor to work for you. When you do, you will become more motivated to keep showing up…and before you know it, the life you have been dreaming about will become your reality.
Your mindset affects the discipline factor. By staying positively focused and consciously reaching for new perspectives to help you on your journey, you grow into the person you want to become.
If you would like to make that even easier to accomplish, I invite you to access my ATM. When you do, you will get a daily audio file, delivered via email and text, with Abundance Tips and Mentoring. They will help you develop an abundance mindset you can bank on.
With a positive outlook, it is much easier to engage the discipline factor and increase your motivation to reach your goals.
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