In a world where we are bombarded daily with obligations, goals, information, and expectations, it’s no wonder that we quickly lose our way. We often start full of enthusiasm, only to… after a few days, slip back into old patterns. Why? Because we rely entirely on motivation. But motivation is like the weather – it comes and goes. And when it's gone, we’re left without tools. That's when we need something stronger. We need discipline. And if we want to endure in the long run, we need a third ally: balance.
Know that motivation is the spark that ignites the fire
Motivation gets you off the couch, and that’s about it. It’s that first spark, the feeling that you want more, that you can do more. But if you depend on it, you’ll find yourself back at square one every day, waiting for it to return. And if it doesn’t come? You’ll be stuck.
So the trick is not to wait for it, but to create it yourself. Action creates motivation. Small steps throughout the day, such as waking up early, drinking lemon water, or completing your first task of the day, trigger a chain reaction. And the most interesting part: motivation often comes after the action, not before it.
Discipline is the silent builder of your character
Discipline is the commitment to yourself that doesn’t depend on your mood. It’s not glamorous, and often it’s not pleasant. But it’s steady, and it’s a decision you make when you are calm and focused. Then, you follow through, even when you don’t feel like it.
I often hear people say that some are born with discipline. Is that really the case? Those who are disciplined simply know that feelings pass, but consequences remain. Establish a routine that doesn’t rely on how you feel but on what you’ve promised yourself. Once you set a system, your mind no longer asks whether to act or not. You simply go into action.
Balance is the art of knowing when to step back when needed
This is where many fail. They go all in, without listening to their body and recklessly. And then? Burnout, doubts, and giving up.
Balance is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of wisdom. Your body is not a robot, your mind is not an unlimited resource, and your soul also needs silence, not just action.
Every week, you can ask yourself three simple questions:
Shape your inner strength
Don’t wait for ideal conditions because they won’t come. Create them within yourself. Every day, you have three allies: motivation, discipline, and balance. If you listen to all three, you won’t just live successfully, but also fully and meaningfully. This will make you a more complete person and parent.
Over the years, I’ve realized that real victories aren’t just those on the winner’s podium. Real victories are those you achieve within yourself. When you find balance between work and rest, between ambition and listening to your body and heart. When you can be not just exceptional, but also a present parent, partner, friend… When you know how to switch from the business world to your home space, and from professional goals to life’s goals.
For your soul and mind, I recommend this reading:
Author of text: Urška Žolnir Jugovar, Slovenia’s first Olympic gold medalist, Olympic champion