Motivation or Discipline – Which is Key for Goal Success?

Introduction

In a recent podcast, I was asked a rapid-fire question: “Which is more important for achieving goals, discipline or motivation?” After contemplating the question, I concluded that discipline is crucial. Although both are essential, I believe discipline drives an individual to achieve the other critical component of my goal framework: habit. While this holds true to an extent, the comprehensive answer is that both motivation and discipline are indispensable. You need motivation—a critical ‘why’—to start the journey, and discipline to persist when motivation wanes. A critical ‘why’ ensures you are embarking on a meaningful goal. This blog explores the intertwined roles of motivation and discipline in achieving goals, supported by research and practical examples for individuals, projects, and organisations.

The Role of Motivation

Motivation is the initial spark that sets you on the path to achieving your goals. It stems from a deep-seated ‘why’—a personal reason or purpose that drives you. According to Edwin A. Locke and Gary P. Latham, pioneers in goal-setting theory, motivation significantly influences goal attainment. They highlight that specific, challenging goals accompanied by clear motivation lead to higher performance levels than vague or easy goals. Understanding the ‘why’ of a goal engages your intrinsic motivation and gives clarity to a project team or organisation on why sacrifices are necessary to achieve the goal.

For instance, consider an individual aiming to lose weight. Their motivation might be to improve their health or boost self-confidence. This initial motivation helps them set specific goals, like losing a certain amount of weight within six months.

Practical Example: Individuals

A student preparing for exams might be motivated by the desire to excel academically and secure a scholarship. This motivation drives them to create a study schedule, gather necessary resources, and focus on their studies.

The Power of Discipline

Discipline is the sustaining force that keeps you going when the initial excitement of motivation fades. It involves self-control and the ability to stick to your plans and routines, even when it’s challenging. Research indicates that discipline is crucial for long-term success because it helps convert short-term actions into habits.

For instance, the same individual aiming to lose weight will need discipline to maintain their exercise routine and adhere to a healthy diet, even on days when they lack motivation.

Practical Example: Projects

In project management, discipline ensures that team members adhere to deadlines and maintain productivity. A project might start with high motivation, but as challenges arise, disciplined adherence to the project plan and regular progress reviews keep the team on track.

I have conducted several project workshops where seemingly undeliverable milestones become deliverable. In these workshops, teams are energised and committed to the ‘why’ of the goal and are provided with a plan to deliver. Typically, project managers who are disciplined in executing the plan succeed, while those lacking discipline face issues and often need additional support to recover.

Balancing Motivation and Discipline

A balanced approach that combines both motivation and discipline is essential for achieving goals. Motivation, driven by your ‘why,’ gets you started, but discipline ensures you follow through. It’s like planting a seed (motivation) and then consistently watering and nurturing it (discipline) to see it grow. The intention of discipline in goal success is to repeat process goals (activities) until they become habits.

Practical Example: Organisations

Organisations often set ambitious goals, such as increasing market share or launching new products. Motivation might come from the desire to outperform competitors or achieve significant growth. However, disciplined execution—regular performance reviews, adherence to strategic plans, and continuous improvement—is what turns these goals into reality.

Conclusion

Both motivation and discipline are key components in the journey of goal achievement. Motivation provides the reason and energy to start, while discipline ensures consistent progress and ultimate success. By understanding and leveraging both, individuals, projects, and organisations can achieve their goals effectively.

References

1. Enhancing the Benefits and Overcoming the Pitfalls of Goal Setting – Gary P. Latham and Edwin A. Locke.
2. Goal Achievement and Self Confidence – Caroline J. Wesson & Nicola M. Derrer-Rendall.
3. Building a Practically Useful Theory of Goal Setting and Task Motivation: A 35-Year Odyssey – Edwin A. Locke and Gary P. Latham.

For more insights on achieving your goals, consider reading “Unchained: Success Unlocked – Proven Framework for Achieving Your Goals,” available on Amazon, and visit [Unchained for Success] (https://www.unchainedforsuccess.com).

By integrating the power of motivation with the discipline of consistent action, success is not just a possibility but an eventuality.