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Motivation

Jason Wetzler

Updated: Oct 18, 2024

I've always struggled with the title "motivational speaker." In fact, when people ask what I do, I almost always tell them I'm a "professional speaker." Not that there is much of a difference. Most of my resentment comes from the word motivation. It's a fickle, empty-handed, feel-good word that seems to only show up when it wants to. It isn't dependable and when we lack it, it is nearly impossible to be called upon.


Motivation can be an incredible force. Acting in swift, sweeping steps that can garner huge amounts of progress in short amounts of time. When I feel motivated, I can clear out my entire inbox, read my devotional, talk to my dad, and clean my house all in a few hours.


But it wanes quickly. It's not a reliable source of fuel for our lives nor should our businesses, careers, hobbies, or relationships depend on how "motivated" we feel.


Instead of waiting for motivation, we should be building discipline. Motivation comes and goes. Discipline will fill the gap left when motivation wanes. Motivation can only be summoned when it wants to be, discipline waits until called upon. Motivation requires a stroke of luck, discipline is determined by your work ethic.


Action

Say yes to something difficult this week, even if you don't feel motivated.


Question

What is one project you've been waiting for motivation to start? What discipline can you start building instead?

Quote

"Talent without discipline is like an octopus on roller skates. There's plenty of movement, but you never know if it's going to be forward, backwards, or sideways."

- H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

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