Some days I wake up feeling super motivated, and other days... not at ALL! But the thing is —motivation isn’t always there when you need it. That’s where discipline comes in. It’s not about waiting for motivation to hit but rather about showing up. Because discipline is what makes progress happen, even when you don’t feel like it.
Staying consistent with our January program, Your Personal Pilates Plan, is a perfect example of the power of discipline. Keep reading to see the differences between discipline and motivation and how to use them to stay on track with your goals.
Motivation
Motivation is the energy and excitement you feel when you start something new. It’s the feeling you get when you sign up for a program, create a vision board for the new year, and set your goals and resolutions. Motivation is what drives you to take that first step—it’s the fuel that gets you started.
But, here’s the catch: motivation doesn’t always stick around. Some days, you’ll feel energized and ready to take on your Pilates class. Other days, you might not feel like showing up at all. That’s totally normal for all of us. Motivation doesn’t last forever, and it’s often influenced by how you’re feeling in the moment or the immediate results you’re seeing.
Discipline
This is where discipline comes in. Unlike motivation, which can come and go, discipline is about committing to your practice, even when the excitement fades. It’s the consistency you need to keep moving forward, whether you feel like it or not.
Discipline is what gets you on the mat when your motivation is low. It’s what keeps you going through those moments of doubt or frustration. When you build discipline, you’re creating a routine, a habit, that becomes part of your lifestyle.
Why Discipline is the Secret to Progress
During our January program, you’ll likely experience highs and lows—days when you feel amazing and days when you’d rather skip your workouts all together. That’s just part of the process. What matters most is showing up for yourself, no matter how you feel and reminding yourself why you’re doing this in the first place. When you commit to something with discipline, those small, consistent efforts add up over time.
Tips for Building Discipline with Pilates
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Set Clear, Achievable Goals
Setting your intentions and having a clear goal to work toward can make it easier to stay motivated, even when your energy is low. That’s why we limit the duration of our classes to manageable workouts you can actually do consistently. -
Create a Routine
Make Pilates a regular part of your day. Whether you prefer to practice in the morning, during lunch, or in the evening, setting a consistent time to show up on the mat helps you build the discipline you need to keep going, even when life gets busy. -
Focus on the Process, Not Just the Outcome
Progress in Pilates doesn’t always come quickly. Instead of focusing on the end result, enjoy the process. Celebrate small wins along the way—like improving your form, gaining a little more strength, or noticing that your balance is getting better. The more you focus on the journey, the easier it will be to stay disciplined. -
Remember Your "Why"
Why did you start this program? Whether it’s to feel better in your body, build strength, reduce stress, or simply take better care of yourself, focusing on your “why” can give you the extra push on days when you don’t feel motivated. -
Be Kind to Yourself
Discipline doesn’t mean perfection. There will be days when you don’t feel like practicing, and that’s okay. What matters is getting back on track the next day. Even showing up for a short session is better than skipping it altogether.
Focus on the Long Game
As we work through our January program remember that Pilates is a long-term journey, not a quick fix. Discipline is what will help you build lasting habits, and those habits are what will lead to real, sustainable results. Motivation will come and go, but discipline will keep you grounded and committed.
I am so excited to be here, supporting you throughout this program, and I can’t wait to see the progress you’ll make. Keep showing up, stay focused, and remember: Progress is the sum of small steps taken consistently.
See you on the mat!