By: Nick Niedzwiecki
Picture this — Tomorrow is the day, you’re waking up early and you’re going to work out. The alarm clock rings; it’s 4:30 a.m., you get up, make your coffee, and head out to the door to work out. You did it, you found the motivation to accomplish the task you set out to do the day before; now do it again tomorrow. The next day comes, the alarm rings again, 4:30 a.m., this time you hit the snooze for just 10 more minutes because you’re sore from the workout the day before and the pillow is comfy. You still manage to get up and get in your workout. Now, day 3 rolls around. Once again the alarm clock’s ringing; this time you hit the off button. Next thing you know, there are birds singing, you missed your workout today, your motivation is gone.
That’s the issue with motivation, it isn’t tangible. It’s virtually impossible to measure because motivation is a feeling, and it is ever fleeting. The days you’re feeling excited it’s easy to find motivation and wake up but it most likely won’t be there tomorrow. What should you find to help when your motivation runs out? Discipline
Discipline is what keeps you going when the day’s motivation isn’t there as the alarm clock starts blaring. Discipline gets you out of the bed, regardless of your feelings, for your morning workout – rain, shine, cold, hot, happy, sad, strong, or weak. Discipline does not care.
Discipline is a skill, one you have to constantly work on. Self-discipline can help you make a change. It can keep you on track when times get tough. It is used as a guide to help you accomplish your goals in life. Self-discipline is not exact, it can be flexible and ever changing; there is room for growth and development. This can be applied to any aspect of your life that you want to make better.
This does require effort and daily habits are one of the best ways to practice and create self-discipline. Here are a few ways to practice and develop more discipline:
A constant routine. Setting your day up for success can be as simple as establishing a routine. 4:30 a.m. wake up, 4:45 leave house, 5:00-6:00 work out, 6:15 back home. This is now the routine you follow every day. Some days are great, some are mediocre and some are downright bad. But this is your routine, no matter what. You’re now developing discipline.
Start with reasonable levels of discipline. Change happens in small actions done every day for a long time. This is not something that is ever done; you are now developing lifelong positive habits that will alter your life. If working out more is your goal, start with 2 days a week, then 3 days, then 4 days, and next thing you know you’re consistently hitting 5 workout days a week.
Discipline is the difference maker in getting you to your healthier life.
Need help finding discipline? Reach out to CrossFit Athens at info@crossfitathens.com and we can help you develop the discipline you need!
By: Nick Niedzwiecki – Owner, CrossFit Athens
May 3, 2024
