F* Motivation" – Why Discipline Always Wins

Make Time for What Matters: Discipline Turns Effort into Freedom (Episode 2)

"F* Motivation" – Why Discipline Always Wins**

As the New Year buzz fades, many people find their well-intentioned resolutions crumbling. The gyms empty out, the diets slip, and the enthusiasm wanes. Why does this happen? Because most people rely on motivation to drive their actions. Adrian, Go Primal’s founder, has a simple but powerful philosophy:

 

“F*** motivation.” It’s discipline that gets you where you want to go.

 

Motivation Is Fleeting, Discipline Is Forever

Motivation is like the weather – unpredictable and often outside of your control. One day, you wake up energized, ready to crush your workout. The next, you’re groggy and would rather hit snooze. If you wait for the perfect mood or burst of inspiration, you’ll accomplish very little.

Adrian puts it bluntly: “If you only train, work, or pursue your goals when you feel motivated, you’ll never succeed.” Successful people don’t rely on fleeting feelings; they rely on habits and discipline. They understand that consistency, even on bad days, is the key to long-term success.

Do Hard Things Often

Growth doesn’t happen in comfort. Adrian emphasizes the importance of deliberately seeking challenges. Whether it’s waking up early, pushing through a tough workout, or staying committed to your plan when everything in you wants to quit, doing hard things builds resilience and mental toughness.

Here’s how Adrian approaches hard tasks:

  1. Start Without Overthinking: Overanalyzing leads to procrastination. Just begin.

  2. Break It Down: Focus on one small step at a time. It’s easier to lace up your shoes than to think about a grueling 10K run.

  3. Embrace Discomfort: Learn to sit with the discomfort of effort. It’s where progress lives.

The Problem with New Year’s Resolutions

Waiting for January 1st to make a change is one of the worst things you can do for your personal growth. Why?

  • Arbitrary Start Dates: The calendar doesn’t dictate when you’re ready to improve. If you recognize a need for change, start today.

  • Unrealistic Expectations: Resolutions often set lofty, unsustainable goals based on a temporary surge of motivation.

  • Failure Mindset: Missing one milestone or having a bad week can make you feel like you’ve failed, leading to abandonment of the goal altogether.

Adrian’s advice? Don’t wait. The best day to start was yesterday. The next best day is today.

Discipline: The Ultimate Equalizer

Discipline doesn’t care about how you feel. It doesn’t care about external factors. Discipline shows up, rain or shine, ready to get the job done. When you build a foundation of discipline, you take control of your life. You’re no longer at the mercy of motivation, circumstances, or excuses.

For Adrian, discipline means:

  • Training Consistently: Even on days he’s tired or busy.

  • Prioritizing Health: Making choices that align with his goals, even when temptation strikes.

  • Living Intentionally: Spending time and energy on what truly matters, not fleeting distractions.

Practical Steps to Build Discipline

  1. Stop Waiting for the Perfect Moment: There’s no “perfect” time to start a goal. Begin now, even imperfectly.

  2. Commit to the Process: Make a plan and stick to it. Discipline thrives on routine.

  3. Track Your Progress: Use a journal or app to keep yourself accountable.

  4. Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize progress, even if it feels minor. Consistency compounds over time.

  5. Surround Yourself with Accountability: Find a community or partner to keep you on track.

Final Thoughts

Motivation may get you started, but discipline will keep you going. It’s the backbone of every successful journey. As Adrian says, “Do hard and difficult things as often as possible.” Life doesn’t wait for motivation, and neither should you. Stop waiting for the New Year, the next Monday, or some magical moment. Start now. Be consistent. Build discipline. And watch how your effort turns into freedom.