Discipline Changes Everything

Discipline changes everything. 

It really does.

If there’s one thing that I absolutely love, it is working out alone.

I don’t need to “schedule” my workouts on my calendar… 

I don’t need an accountability group to push me if/when I don’t feel like working out…

I just do it.

Not because I’m motivated (because I am) but because I have self discipline.

There’s no doubt about it, going to run in the heat of the day, with temps of 113-115 degrees F, is no easy feat. The pain is excruciating. The rocks are hard to navigate. The hill is hard.

I repeat: that hill is HARD.

But… I do it.

I do it because I love it. I look forward to it, and at no point in time does running ever feel like a chore – because I absolutely LOVE to go.

I find that working out is better for me because throwing on my shoes and actually getting out the door is entirely on me. I know, then, that my workouts – successes, failures, are entirely on me and nobody else. 

And that, is surefire motivation.

Working out alone is my favorite time of the day. It truly is bliss – I’m focusing on myself, and my efficiency. No distractions – just me, my thoughts, and my ambition.

I feel alive every time.

Lifting and personal fitness is one thing I look forward to every single day. It’s great – because it’s one of the few things you can pretty much always control – and it’s one thing that always (typically) leads to an improvement – whether it’s looks, energy, health, etc.

Very rarely can anything get in your way and you can almost, always, find a way to workout.

Is it raining? Go workout.

Is your day packed? Get up earlier and go workout.

Too many bills?  Go workout.

Mentally stuck? Go workout.

Kids fighting at home? Go workout.

Really tired? Feeling overwhelmed? Go workout.

One of the greatest side effects is how much clearer you think after working out. You’re not “running from your problems” (as some may say or think) – you’re forcing a better state of mind to deal with them.

Even better?

You don’t need a gym membership to workout.

You don’t need expensive exercise equipment to get you in amazing shape.

You don’t need subscription-based at home workout programs to motivate you to get in shape.

And you certainly don’t need accountability partners – be accountable without being co-dependent on others.

In fact, all you need is a good pair of running shoes, and the drive/desire to workout on a consistent basis. Even more, if you can’t motivate yourself to workout with the bare minimum, then you certainly won’t be able to motivate yourself after spending hundreds of dollars.

Find something that you truly LOVE to do.

And have the self discipline to do it every day.

I love to run. I wake up in the morning excited to throw on my runners. Even in the heat of the day, I’m excited to run – it’s as if you can’t get me out of the house fast enough.

You will never always be motivated; but you have to learn how to be disciplined.

 Because discipline will take you places that motivation can’t.