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I used to have that quote posted on my bathroom mirror - now it's just ingrained. It applies to so many parts of life, whether it's exercise, productivity, starting a business or building relationships.

Related is that motivation is fleeting and only leads to individual acts. Discipline on the other hand is what builds habits. It's what you do day and and day out that leads to success or failure.

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I think the "motivation" that people consider fleeting is actually inspiration (like when you have a new project idea and stay up overnight excitedly working on it).

Discipline is important, but without motivation you will end up doubting why you are working so hard on something you don't care about. In my mind, motivation is continually reminding yourself of what outcomes you're working towards, so you don't lose sight of why you're working so hard.

For example, motivating yourself to work out by thinking of that sporting hobby you'll be able to take up or thinking about how great you'll feel when you've reached your goal weight.

From Rear Window:

Lisa: Where does a man get inspiration to write a song like that?

Jeff: He gets it from the landlady once a month.

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