The Deception of Motivation

As I train for my first ultramarathon—a 50K just a few short weeks away—I’ve been reflecting on the path that brought me here. What pushed me to lose over 100 pounds? What drove me to run ultramarathons? What kept me running half marathon training runs after working a 12-hour overnight shift, and then doing it all over and over again? The truth is, it wasn’t motivation. Motivation is a lie.

Motivation is often talked about like it’s the magic key to success. We chase it. We hunt for it. We scroll social media looking for the perfect, powerful quote or video that will light a fire in us. And, to be fair, motivation can be powerful—it’s the spark that gets the ball rolling.

But here’s the problem: sparks don’t last.

Motivation is deceptive; it makes us feel like it’s that thing which will carry us to the finish line. In reality, it’s not. It may help you take the first step, but it won’t keep your feet moving when the road gets long, hard, and lonely.

If you want to accomplish something truly great—whether it’s losing weight, running an ultramarathon, building a business, repairing a relationship, or growing in your faith—you have to work when you don’t want to. You have to show up on the days when you’re tired, unmotivated, discouraged, or tempted to quit.

This principle isn’t just for fitness or endurance sports. It applies to every corner of life. Parents don’t always feel like parenting, but they love their kids enough to do it anyway. Good marriages aren’t built on a constant rush of romantic “motivation,” but on daily choices to show up for each other. Successful careers aren’t built on inspiration alone, but on consistent effort and focus even when the excitement fades.

What really makes the difference is discipline. Discipline is the decision you make. Discipline is the choice to rise above excuses and live by commitment, not convenience.

Discipline is the quiet, steady force that keeps you moving when motivation has long since burned out. Discipline doesn’t care if you feel like it. Discipline doesn’t ask for excuses. Discipline equals success. It is the necessary ingredient to accomplished goals!

So don’t be fooled by the deception of motivation. Use it when you have it, but then build your life around discipline. It’s not motivation that carries you to your goals—it’s discipline that will get you there.

Because when you choose discipline over motivation, you choose progress over excuses.

Andrew Frizzell | Iron Will Weight Loss