Did you know that more gym memberships are sold in January than any other month? Yet, about 80% of them are abandoned by February.
Why? A lack of discipline.
When it comes to getting out of debt, most people start off highly motivated. They listen to an inspiring podcast or YouTube video or feel the sting of another late payment fee and decide this is it—this is the moment they change everything. But fast forward a few months, and that fire has burned out.
What happened?
The truth is, motivation is fleeting. It’s the spark that gets you started, but it’s discipline that keeps you moving when things get tough.
“Motivation is crap. Motivation comes and goes. When you’re driven, whatever is in front of you will get destroyed.” —David Goggins
Motivation: The Beginning But Not The End
Motivation is that initial rush of excitement that pushes you to take action. Maybe you’ve just read a success story about someone who paid off $50,000 in three years, and you feel energized to do the same.
That energy is valuable—but fleeting. Motivation fluctuates depending on your mood, energy levels, or even just how good your day is going. But then, an emergency expense hits, or you’re tempted to swipe your card for a “treat”—and suddenly, that motivation is gone.
If you’re relying solely on motivation, you’re setting yourself up for burnout and disappointment.
Discipline: The Long-Term Strategy
If motivation is the spark, discipline is the steady flame. It’s showing up even when you don’t feel like it. Discipline is built through habits, routines, and a commitment to the bigger picture.
Motivation says: “I feel inspired to budget today.”
Discipline says: “I’m going to budget today no matter how I feel.”
The difference? Discipline doesn’t negotiate with emotions. It’s a muscle you build over time.
“You have to build calluses on your mind just like how you build calluses on your hands. Painful at first, but eventually, you get stronger.” —David Goggins
How to Build Financial Discipline
1. Create a System, Not Just a Goal
Instead of saying, “I want to pay off $20,000 in debt,” set a system: “I will put $500 toward debt every payday.”
2. Make It Automatic
Set up automatic transfers to your debt payments so you don’t have to rely on willpower.
3. Track Progress Relentlessly
A visual debt tracker, journaling your wins, or checking off a goal list keeps you focused when motivation dips.
4. Cut Out the Excuses
“I’ll start next month.” “I deserve this splurge.” These thoughts creep in when motivation wanes. Discipline shuts them down.
5. Have an Accountability Partner
A friend, spouse, or even an online community can keep you on track. Discipline thrives in accountability.
Final Thoughts: Which One Wins?
There were many times I was so numb to life and dreaded getting up and going to work, but I had to. You’re going to need both motivation and discipline to succeed. Motivation gets you started. It’s the spark that ignites the journey. But discipline is the engine that keeps the car moving forward, mile after mile, until you reach your destination.
You will not feel like sticking to your budget every day. You will have moments where you want to quit, splurge, or take a break. Those moments are the test—and discipline is the answer.
This journey isn’t about feelings; it’s about seeing your freedom on the other side, walking headlong into the storm, and putting one foot in front of the other, knowing that God will help you through it.
I wholeheartedly suggest reading David Goggins’ books Can’t Hurt Me and Never Finished.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” —James 1:2-4