Discipline Isn’t About Motivation—It’s About Mastery

Shawn Maus
Jul 9
2 min read

For the last couple of days, I’ve been feeling out of sorts.

Not burnout. Not ADD. Just… off.

I haven’t been writing—despite having a TV pilot due (research is done, but the pages are waiting). I haven’t been working out. I’ve been snapping at the puppy when he interrupts me (which is often). And I’ve been frustrated with myself for lacking the one thing I pride myself on: discipline.

So, I took a step back to figure out what was really going on.

What I’ve Learned About Discipline

Discipline isn’t about rules or punishment. It’s not about forcing yourself to sit at your desk or push through a workout when you're on empty.

Discipline is about internal alignment. It’s about consciously choosing—again and again—to do what matters, even when you don’t feel like it. It’s the ability to control your thoughts, emotions, and actions to achieve long-term goals. Most importantly, it’s doing the work when motivation runs dry.

Discipline isn’t always glamorous. Most of the time, it’s boring. But it’s the foundation of momentum, confidence, and freedom.

3 Types of Discipline That Matter Most

Mental discipline: Focusing your mind and resisting distractions.
Emotional discipline: Managing your emotions and avoiding impulsive reactions.
Behavioral discipline: Taking action and building habits—even when it’s hard.

10 Ways I’m Getting Back on Track

Here are the reminders I’m keeping close as I rebuild my discipline muscle:

1. Clarify your goals – Know exactly what you want and why it matters.

2. Start small – Break big goals into tiny, manageable steps.

3. Practice daily – Discipline is a learned skill. Reps count.

4. Prioritize self-care – Good sleep, nutrition, and exercise fuel discipline.

5. Limit temptations – Remove distractions that derail your focus.

6. Build routines and habits – Let structure carry you when willpower fades.

7. Lean into discomfort – Growth and ease rarely coexist.

8. Track progress – Celebrate small wins and keep moving.

9. Be compassionate with yourself – Setbacks are part of the process.

10. Seek accountability – Say it out loud. Share it. Make it real.

This Quote Hit Home

“Self-discipline is all about doing what we don’t want to do, but noticing that, stopping for a moment, defining why it’s important to us, and then simply doing it. Every day.”— via Let’s Reach Success