Marketing.biz is your source for all marketing education and resources.
You’re most likely already a master of your craft. But when it comes to navigating the treacherous waters of running a small business, skills and talent are only part of the equation. You have to be able to embrace a driving force that will propel you step-by-step until your business is successful.
And that driving force combines two of the most important elements you can harness as a small business owner – motivation and discipline. Of course, that raises a lot of questions. What role do motivation and discipline play in your overall success?
You might assume that creating a successful business requires mostly discipline, grit, and determination (which it does), but that assumption might also leave you wondering why motivation is as important as discipline. Are they separate, opposing ideas or two sides of the same coin?
Motivation and discipline are like the yin and yang of your entrepreneurial spirit, forever intertwined yet distinct. And understanding their roles can catapult your business to new heights. Motivation versus discipline might seem like a matchup of the century, but the two elements should actually work hand-in-hand to keep your business running.
Motivation is your “why.” It’s the passion that stirs within you when you think of your business. It’s the burning desire to create something of your own. It’s the fuel that keeps your entrepreneurial engine running. It’s the excitement, the enthusiasm, and the drive that pushes you to innovate, create, and sell.
Discipline is your “how.” It’s the GPS that keeps you on the right path. It’s the steady force that guides you to follow processes, meet deadlines, and maintain quality, even when your motivation might wane. And while both of these elements are different, they’re equally essential for creating a thriving business.
That’s why you shouldn’t consider it as motivation vs discipline because it isn’t an either/or scenario. You need both to succeed.
On your entrepreneurial journey, you’ll have to strike a delicate dance between motivation and discipline. As the spark that drives you to start your business, you’ll need motivation to get the ball rolling. But once the initial excitement fades, you’ll need discipline to follow through. The routine check-ins, tracking your progress, meeting your targets – this is where discipline takes the reins.
So, to answer the question, which comes first: discipline vs motivation? Technically speaking, the answer is probably motivation. It’s the thing that sparks the idea in the first place. That being said, it’s also true that you can’t develop discipline on the fly, so you must already have good discipline before your motivation starts to wane.
So, maybe the answer is a lot more complicated than that. Which comes first: motivation or discipline? To become a successful entrepreneur, perhaps you need both.
If motivation vs. discipline were an entrepreneurial Olympic event, which would take home the gold? There are many answers and justifications you can provide for this hypothetical scenario, but most of them would be incorrect because here’s the twist: it’s not a competition.
You need both motivation and discipline to climb the entrepreneurial ladder and create a successful, thriving brand or business. Motivation might propel you up the first few steps, but it’s your discipline that ensures you reach the top without slipping. And while discipline is essential, your business can’t survive on sheer will and grit alone.
It’s a balancing act. Recognizing the unique roles of motivation and discipline is essential. Discipline gives structure to your ideas, while motivation sparks life into your business. It’s not about discipline vs motivation; it’s about how well you can incorporate both into your entrepreneurial toolbox.
Imagine you’ve got a groundbreaking idea for a marketing campaign. You’re motivated, and your team is buzzing with excitement. You have everything you need to jump in and get started. But without good discipline, your incredible idea might just fizzle out into another half-baked, half-finished idea.
With a disciplined approach, you can break down your bright ideas into tasks and set timelines, and before you know it, your ingenious marketing campaign has sprung to life. That’s how motivation and discipline work together in perfect harmony.
To elevate your motivation, start by setting clear, inspiring, and attainable goals. Remember, goals act like magnets – they pull you towards them. So, visualize your success, celebrate your milestones, surround yourself with positive influences, and always keep your “why” in sight.
And remember that your motivation alone isn’t enough. For a thriving business, you need a motivated team. That’s why it’s essential to foster an environment that nurtures creativity, celebrates achievements, and encourages growth. Invest in your team and use tools like workshops, motivational speakers, or even team-building activities to keep the motivational flame burning brightly.
Discipline is like a muscle – the more you use it, the stronger it gets. Setting clear standards and routines is like weightlifting for your discipline muscle. So, start with the question, “How can I be disciplined instead of motivated?” Motivation should come naturally while developing discipline takes time, effort, patience, and, you guessed it, discipline.
And just like with mastering motivation, it’s not just about your own personal discipline; your team’s discipline plays an equally significant role. So, hold regular check-ins to keep everyone on the same page. Use project management software and time-tracking tools to enforce discipline. And remember that consistency is key.
It should never be a question of self discipline vs motivation. You should always try to make both elements work in concert, creating a balance that works for you. And while achieving this kind of balance might seem like a high-wire act, with practice, it becomes second nature.
When you’re feeling uninspired, lean into your discipline to keep going. Conversely, when the rigidity of discipline starts to weigh you down, ignite your motivation to keep the spark alive.
It’s not always a smooth ride. There will be bumps along the way. But remember, it’s about how well you balance during these turbulent times that defines your entrepreneurial journey.
Yes, mastering motivation and discipline can be a tough nut to crack. But remember, nothing worth having comes easy. As a business owner, being both motivated and disciplined isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. Reflect on your journey so far, identify the gaps, and work towards enhancing both your motivation and discipline to take your business to the next level.
Your entrepreneurial journey is uniquely yours, but the tools to navigate it – motivation and discipline – remain the same. So, go ahead, set that goal, make that plan, and with a dash of motivation and a sprinkle of discipline, there’s no stopping you from reaching the stars!
Want more tips & insider tricks for being a successful business owner? Sign up for our newsletter below!
Marketing.biz is your source for all marketing education and resources.