Motivation vs discipline - know the difference

Turns out Oxford students aren’t as internally strong as we think they are.

Turns out Oxford students are humans - just like average people.

I was having a conversation with an Italian student at my college’s mixer today, and when I mentioned I want to join the rowing team and wake up at 6 am during the week to go to practices, he replied with a laugh, saying “I wish I had your motivation - I can’t get myself to get out of bed that early in the morning.”

To that, I said it wasn’t motivation that had me signing up to participate in rowing, table tennis, tennis, language, music, and other Oxonian thematic clubs and societies. It was pure discipline.

Motivation is short-term. Discipline is long-term. There’s a difference.

Motivation is you listening to a video where a guy shouts at you to do your work so you’ll become great in life.

Discipline is you beginning to cross the thin line between love and hate, and still doing your work despite all the negative feelings coming up about it.

Motivation is external. Discipline is internal. There’s a difference.

Motivation is you getting a kick from someone telling you you’re great.

Discipline is you kicking yourself to be great despite feeling the complete opposite.

Motivation is false. Discipline is truth. There’s a difference.

Motivation makes you feel like you’re on top of the world.

Discipline makes you acknowledge you’re at rock bottom but have the potential and skills to make it to the top through hard work.

Don’t get fooled by motivation. Strengthen the discipline inside you if you truly want to become the unbeatable version of yourself you know you can - and WILL - become.

Now go out there and practice that discipline. Do what you know needs to be done to be your best self.