Discipline vs Motivation: Why Discipline is the Real Self-Love
- Ruthy Baker
- Sep 26
- 10 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Most of us wait for motivation to strike before we act. We tell ourselves: “Tomorrow I’ll start. Tomorrow I’ll change.” But tomorrow comes… and nothing happens.
Here’s the truth: motivation is fleeting. It disappears the moment life gets hard. Discipline, on the other hand, is steady. It’s the bridge between who you say you want to be and who you actually become.
Discipline vs Motivation: Why Motivation Fails
Motivation feels exciting - the rush of energy after watching an inspiring video, the promise that this time will be different. But motivation is a mood, not a muscle. It shows up when conditions are perfect.
Discipline is what carries you when conditions aren’t.
Discipline Builds Self-Trust
Every time you follow through on a promise to yourself, you strengthen your confidence. Every time you skip out, you chip away at it.
That’s why discipline is so powerful: it rebuilds trust. It says, “I’ll show up for you. I won’t abandon you.”
Discipline as Re-Parenting Your Inner Child
Think of discipline as a form of re-parenting. Many of us didn’t grow up with steady guidance or boundaries. With discipline, you give your inner child the structure it always needed. Not harshness, but loving consistency.
It’s a way of saying: “I’ve got you. You’re safe with me.”
Discipline vs Motivation in Action
Motivation gets you to buy the gym membership. Discipline gets you to show up, again and again.
Motivation sparks an idea. Discipline brings it to life.
Motivation is the weather. Discipline is the sky.
Discipline vs Motivation - Journaling Prompts
Where in my life do I rely on motivation but resist discipline?
What small daily action could rebuild my self-trust?
How does it feel when I break promises to myself?
How does it feel when I keep them?
If discipline is self-love, how can I practise it today?
What would it look like to re-parent my inner child with loving discipline?
💫 Ready to Reframe Discipline as Devotion?
If you’ve ever waited for motivation to strike before making a move - this podcast episode is your wake-up call. In Discipline: The Key to Self-Love, I guide you through a powerful meditation that flips the script on discipline. It’s not punishment - it’s a love letter to your future self!
You’ll get:
Soulful affirmations to anchor your focus
Visualization techniques to boost consistency
A mindset shift that turns “I should” into “I’m showing up for me”
Whether you’re building a biz, healing old patterns, or just trying to get out of bed with purpose, this episode is your gentle nudge toward self-trust and soulful action.
Q & A - Discipline vs Motivation
Q: Isn’t discipline just being strict with yourself?
A: No - discipline isn’t punishment. True discipline is about consistency and self-care. It’s showing up for yourself, not shaming yourself.
Q: How do I start building discipline?
A: Start small. One consistent action (like journaling for 5 minutes or walking daily) is enough. Over time, these small acts build trust and confidence.
Q: Do I need motivation to get started?
A: Not at all. Motivation might spark the idea, but discipline is what gets results. Start with one small act today, whether you feel like it or not.
📚 Further Resources
If you’re fired up about discipline vs motivation and want to dive deeper, these books are game-changers:
This one’s a classic for a reason. James Clear makes the science of habits feel doable, even if you’ve “failed” a million times before. Think tiny shifts, big results. Discipline becomes less about forcing yourself and more about stacking wins.👉 Grab your copy on Amazon
Brianna has this uncanny way of holding up a mirror and saying, “Hey love, your self-sabotage is showing.” But she does it with such compassion you’ll thank her for it. Perfect if you’re ready to swap self-defeating patterns for disciplined self-respect.👉 Order it on Amazon
Warning: this one’s intense. Goggins doesn’t sugarcoat discipline — he lives it. His story will make you want to stop making excuses and start proving yourself to… yourself. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’ll light a fire under you.👉 Find it on Amazon
✨ Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Clicking these links won’t cost you a penny more, but it does help me keep creating soulful content for you — so thank you!
And now for something completely different:
📖 Clever Cleaning: The Natural Way to Clean Everything by Charlotte Figg & Purdy Rubin
If you’ve ever thought cleaning was just about shifting dirt, Clever Cleaning will make you think again. This beautiful book from the founders of Purdy & Figg is a love letter to natural cleaning. The kind that leaves your home sparkling, your senses uplifted, and your spirit soothed...
Now, I’ll admit it. I’m completely bonkers about Purdy & Figg products. Their blends aren’t just cleaning sprays, they’re mood-shifting little miracles. The new Calabrian Lemon smells like you’ve just wandered into a sun-warmed Italian lemon grove. Their Summer Lawn edition is like fresh-cut grass on a July morning.
And Lemon & Marjoram? Oh, that one's personal... It takes me right back to my nana Lillian’s kitchen where she’d make herb and lemon teacakes that melted in the mouth. Simply divine!
I still have a seasonal trio subscription so I can try their latest scent creations. Each one feels like a little present to my home.
What makes this book such a joy is how it blends practical, natural cleaning know-how with the sensory pleasure of essential oils. Cleaning, for me, isn’t just a chore. It’s a spiritual practice. When I spray those Purdy & Figg delights into the air, I’m not only clearing away smudges on a countertop, I’m clearing away stagnant energy.
In my own book, Tap Yourself Happy, I wrote about how essential oils can banish fusty odours and sweep out negative vibes.
Clever Cleaning carries that same ethos, making cleaning a mindful, uplifting ritual rather than a wearisome duty.
If you want to learn how to clean everything in your home without harsh chemicals while surrounding yourself with natural scents that make you smile, this book is a gem. And who knows, you might find yourself looking forward to cleaning days. I certainly do. ;-)
📖 Get Clever Cleaning here and discover the joy of natural cleaning. Honestly, it's a must-have for your home!
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And the most important thing you can do? It's breathe... Discover why here: The Calming Power of the Physiological Sigh: A Simple Way to Prevent Stress Spirals
If inner work is calling you, you might also love this blog on My No-Fail Goal Setting Ritual (That Gets Results Fast!)
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If you’re ready to boost your mood and reclaim your happiness, my book Tap Yourself Happy: How to Use Aromatherapy and Energy Psychology to Become Happier is here to guide you. I’ve blended the soothing power of aromatherapy with simple, effective tapping techniques from energy psychology, making it easy for anyone to use - no prior experience needed.
The book has been written to help you to take charge of your emotional wellbeing anytime, anywhere. Whether you’re navigating stress, breaking free from negative patterns, or just craving a brighter vibe, Tap Yourself Happy offers a gentle, natural way to help you feel lighter, more balanced, and connected to your joy. It also has a section showing you how to clear negative energy from your home and glow up every room. It's woo-woo to uplift your cosy cocoon!
If you’re ready to tap your way to a happier, calmer you, I warmly invite you to grab your copy today: Tap Yourself Happy: How to Use Aromatherapy and Energy Psychology to Become Happier
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