Building Discipline Instead of Relying on Motivation
Understanding the Difference Between Discipline and Motivation
Discipline is the backbone of success in any endeavour, including running. People often tell me that they wish they had my motivation to run. I tell them I don’t rely on motivation, but discipline is what keeps me running. I would never get out of bed in the early hours of a rainy, cold, winter morning if I relied on motivation to do so. It is a non-negotiable commitment to discipline, to turning off the alarm and getting up no matter what, regardless of how motivated you are.
While motivation can initially be a powerful driving force, it is often short-lived and unreliable. On the other hand, discipline is the consistent effort and commitment to your goals despite fluctuations in motivation levels.
You might not be motivated to get up in the dark to run in the rain, but discipline will get you up, and it can be FUN!
Setting Clear and Achievable Goals
To build discipline in running, start by setting clear and achievable goals. Whether completing a 5k race or improving your speed, having a specific target in mind will help you stay focused and motivated. Break down your goals into smaller milestones to track your progress and celebrate your achievements.
Establishing a Routine and Sticking to It
Consistency is key to building discipline in running. Create a running schedule that works for you and stick to it religiously. Treat your running sessions like important appointments that you cannot miss. Over time, sticking to your routine will become a habit, making it easier to stay disciplined.
Embracing the Process and Enjoying the Journey
Building discipline in running is not just about the end goal but also about enjoying the process. Embrace the challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth and improvement. Find joy in the daily grind and celebrate your progress, no matter how small it may seem.
Cultivating a Strong Mindset
A strong mindset is essential for building discipline in running. When faced with obstacles or setbacks, instead of giving up, see them as opportunities to test your resilience and determination. Stay focused on your goals and remind yourself why you started running in the first place.
Something as simple as saying “I get to run” instead of “I have to run” can help you re frame your attitude towards a training session. Instead of thinking of it as a chore that needs doing, you can think of it as a gift you can be grateful for. Gratitude is an excellent mindset to embrace when working hard towards a long term goal.
Overcoming Obstacles
Every runner, including beginners, amateurs, elite, and professional athletes, face obstacles and challenges in their running journey. Barriers might be injury, illness, inadequate nutrition, or any other number of reasons that a training session or race might not go to plan. The difference between someone who overcomes these barriers and someone who is overcome by them is their attitude, and what they tell themselves, about what these obstacles mean.
I discuss how I overcame challenges during my first ultra-marathon to ultimately take out the overall win in my Kep Ultra Marathon race recap.
A great, evidence-based psychological tool to help you overcome obstacles is to use what is called an “if-then” plan. Identify a possible obstacle you might encounter when striving to achieve your goal. This might include things like inclement weather, or fatigue. You then make a statement in your mind that tells you what you will do if the obstacle eventuates. For example: “If it is raining” or “If I feel tired”, THEN “I will wear a jacket” or “I will go to bed earlier”.
This takes the mental strain away from worrying about things that might make it hard for you to achieve your goal. The more you practice doing this, the easier and more automatic it becomes to implement your contingency plan and get on with the work to achieve your goal.
Surrounding Yourself with Supportive Individuals
A robust support system can make a difference in building discipline in running. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share your passion for running and can provide encouragement and motivation when needed. Join a running group or find a running buddy to keep you accountable and motivated. Likewise, a running coach can help to keep you accountable and committed to your running routine.
Celebrating Your Progress and Staying Consistent
Lastly, celebrate your progress along the way and acknowledge the hard work and dedication you put into your running journey. Remember that building discipline is a gradual process that requires consistency and perseverance. Stay committed to your goals, stay positive, and keep moving forward, one step at a time.
In conclusion, mastering discipline in running is about committing to your goals, staying consistent, embracing the journey, and cultivating a strong mindset. By prioritising discipline over motivation, you will develop the resilience and determination to succeed in your running endeavours. So, lace up your shoes, hit the pavement, and embrace the discipline that will take your running to new heights.
Learn more from inspiring people who advocate the power of discipline over motivation
