The Power of Discipline Over Desire
1/23/20253 min read


We all have those days where the last thing we want to do is train. To be honest, I often feel like it. When I am cozy at home, working on my personal projects, I really don’t want to stop what I am doing to go workout. When I feel tired and completely exhausted, heading to the gym or hitting the field just feel a lot harder.
But I still do it. Why? Because of discipline.
Discipline is what pushes us to take action, even when motivation isn’t there. It’s what makes us do what we know needs to be done, even when we don’t feel like doing it. For me, my discipline comes from my desire to be the best soccer player I can be. It’s also about understanding that being healthy and active isn’t just good for the body, but for the mind as well.
Sure, it would be easy to skip a day. But if I let myself get away with it once, then it becomes easier to do it again the next time. And the next time. And the next time. Until, before I know it, skipping becomes a habit. This is where we need to be careful. It is when we start doing what we feel like doing, rather than what we know we need to do in order to reach our goals.
Motivation can be weird. It varies depending on how we feel. But when you have an objective, whether it’s to get healthier, write a book, be a better player, or earn a promotion, you have to focus on the bigger picture. You need to do what’s necessary to achieve it, not just what’s comfortable in the moment.
So, ask yourself.
What is your objective?
How badly do you want it?
If it’s truly important to you, if it resonates deeply within you, then the drive to act will come more easily. But if your goal isn’t that important. If you’re doing it for someone else or just because it seems like the right thing to do, it will be a struggle to stay consistent. Acting on your goals won’t come easily, especially on the days when you don’t feel like it.
For real change to happen, your goals need to matter to you, not anyone else. It has to be your vision. If it’s not, then you’re likely to lose momentum when things get tough.
The last question to ask yourself is:
What are you willing to sacrifice for it?
Are you willing to keep pushing on days when you’re tired? Are you willing to choose the necessary actions over the easy, comfortable choices? Because those who achieve their dreams are the ones who take consistent action, not just the ones who dream about them.
We all have days when we’d rather not do what we know we need to do. But it’s the people who keep moving forward, despite the resistance, who ultimately turn their dreams into reality. If you can’t say yes to making sacrifices and doing the hard work, maybe your current objective isn’t the right one. Maybe it’s time to find a motivator that truly lights you up. It needs to be something you can commit to, not just when it’s convenient, but every single day.
Need help with your motivation and discipline?
If you’re struggling to stay motivated or need guidance on how to push past resistance, I can help. As a mental performance consultant, I specialize in helping individuals develop the mindset and discipline needed to achieve their goals. Whether you’re looking to improve your athletic performance, build healthy habits, or take your personal development to the next level, I can help you. Follow this link to learn more: Mental Performance Coaching | Powermind
Looking to get started with physical activity?
If you’re ready to begin physical activity but don’t know where to start, I highly recommend contacting Kinevolution. They can help you build a personalized plan that suits your needs and gets you moving in the right direction. Follow this link if you are interested! https://centrekinevolution.ca/