Implementing Motivation and Discipline in Ourselves

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By Gaines Hamilton

What is the difference between motivation and discipline? Can you have one without the other? Which one comes first?

By one definition, discipline is an activity, exercise or regimen that develops or improves a skill. Motivation is defined as an inducement or incentive. These are two completely different meanings yet they seem to be very closely associated.

Too often, we become involved with everyone else but ourselves. Our children, our spouses, or our careers seem to pull us in many directions and at the end of the day, there is no time left for us. We fail to realize how important our own self grown and preservation is to the very aspects of our lives that are taking too much of our attention.

If we desire to make changes within ourselves whether it be new employment opportunities, a fitness regimen or seeking spiritual guidance, motivation must come first. The "inducement or incentive" must be present before we can create an associated discipline. Motivation derives from who we are, what we seek and how we feel.

Sometimes we don't know how we feel. We haven't stopped to examine exactly who we are and more importantly, who we want to be for ourselves. We know who the boss, the kids and the family want us to be but too often we overlook making ourselves a priority.

After determining our motivation, we can then begin implementing discipline or a strategy to incorporate our motivation into reality. Remember, discipline is what will improve a skill or begin a new one. Discipline involves focus on your motivation and a plan to carry out your goal.

The routine of discipline can be challenging for anyone. Sometimes you must make a few sacrifices in order to stay within your parameters of what you are trying to achieve. This is where the motivation provides the reasons to stay disciplined.

As you begin achieving your desired results, reward yourself. Make sure you know you're heading in the right direction. As you begin to see and feel the transformation happening within yourself, this will motivate you to the next level.

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