We’ve all been there - lying in bed, doom-scrolling on social media, seeing fit people crush workouts, and wondering how they manage to show up consistently. You might think it all comes down to motivation. But the truth is, motivation is fleeting. If you really want to stick to the gym long-term, there's one trait that truly rules the game: discipline.
Why Discipline > Motivation
“Discipline lasts, motivation doesn’t”
So... How Do You Actually Stay Disciplined?
The simple secret? Routine. Yes, the old dreaded routine. The same word that people associate with mundanity and repetition. Yes, your life might seem too structured some days, but recognising that there can be variations within your structure can help you stick to your routine a lot easier. Just because you're going go to the gym every Tuesday doesn't mean it's always the same thing - you could be training chest, back, legs, or anything. Also having a mindset of feeling comfortable with routine will help you stick to it that much more.
Building discipline is just like building a muscle - it takes reps, structure, and time. Discipline isn’t a feeling. It’s a choice. You don’t need to feel motivated to act disciplined. Think about your most consistent gym friends. Do you think they want to train every single day? We’ll bet the answer is a firm "no". But they show up anyway - because it’s part of their lifestyle.
3 Simple Steps to Build Discipline
- Schedule fixed times during the week to hit the gym
- Stick to your schedule - even on the days you’re not feeling 100%.
- Avoid the snooze button - delaying the workout makes it harder to follow through.