Entry 5: discipline or motivation? Or something else altogether?

Hey guys,

I had actually planned to put a post up talking about some nutrition-related topics today but I keep seeing this certain topic on Instagram and it's honestly been driving me nuts and I feel like it is actually a really important thing to try and stamp out

I've been seeing a lot of people who work in the fitness industry or promote fitness topics talk about motivation being out and discipline being in... 

And yes I get it, they're saying that motivation dwindles but discipline is what keeps you on track long-term

But I'd love to know if any of them have actually googled the definition of discipline? 

"the practice of training people to obey rules or follow a code of behaviour, using punishment to correct disobedience" 

And honestly, I think this speaks to one of the biggest problems in the fitness industry and that is the idea that if you skip a workout or eat a pizza you're failing or less than, or some bullsh*t like that 

In case you can't tell, I really don't agree with this way of thinking 

Have I had people say I'm disciplined? Yes. And I understand that as someone who pretty consistently eats healthy and workouts most days, it probably looks like I'm disciplined but I see it quite differently... 

I see it more as having an intentional way of living

What I mean by this is: I know what my goals are, I know what I want to achieve and I know what I believe in

So I move with intent 

"determined to do something" or "moving with purpose" 

And I really encourage you to do the same. We can make active, intentional choices to do things that we know get us closer to our goals and align with our beliefs but we don't need to punish ourselves if we do anything that doesn't fit that 

For example, earlier this week I had a big-ass Toblerone block all to myself. Does it help me get closer to my current health and fitness goals? No. Am I going to punish myself in some way as a result? No, I wanted some chocolate so I had some chocolate. Am I still going to achieve my goals? Heck yes! 

I want to make a disclaimer that I am aware that it is a fine line (if I had chocolate every time I wanted it, which is a lot haha, I wouldn't achieve my goals for sure) and I know for some people, abstaining from certain behaviours is actually necessary for them but I guess what I'm really against is this idea of punishment and obedience 

We're humans at the end of the day. Life is meant to be enjoyed, both through achieving goals and enjoying the treats you like most. Like almost everything, it comes back to balance, right? 

So let's get rid of this toxic idea that you need to be punished or you need to feel bad for doing things that aren't 100% aligned with what society thinks is "good" 

F*ck discipline. F*ck motivation. 2024 is the year of being intentional 


- Alex


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