Why Most People Fail to Achieve Their Goals

Reading time: 4 minutes

Unfinished stories

I know you have them—those unfinished personal projects, hobbies you started with great enthusiasm only to see your interest fade over time.

Why does it happen every time? Today we’re going to explore the dance between discipline and motivation, and how it can transform your unfinished stories into a tale of success and personal growth.

Discipline vs. Motivation

Think of motivation as the spark. It's a powerful, emotional force that comes in bursts, often ignited by an inspiring book you've read, an exciting idea you've had, or a moving speech you've heard. Motivation is what gets you started. It's the excitement that propels you to buy that new instrument, start that new diet, or sign up for that online course. It's the WHY behind your actions, the dream of what could be.

However, motivation alone is fleeting. It's dependent on your emotional state and external circumstances, which are both unpredictable and transient. When the initial excitement fades, when obstacles arise, or when the results aren't immediate, motivation can quickly dwindle. This is why you might find yourself filled with passion to start a new project, only to leave it unfinished when the going gets tough.

Discipline, on the other hand, is the fuel that keeps the fire burning long after the initial spark. It's your HOW. Unlike motivation, discipline is not dependent on your emotional state or external circumstances. It's a steadfast commitment that keeps you going, even when motivation fades.

Discipline is waking up early every day to hit the gym, even when you don't feel like it. It's sticking to your diet, even when you're tempted to eat that slice of pizza. It's completing your online course, even when you'd rather watch Netflix. It's the daily grind, the small, consistent actions that lead to big results over time.

While motivation is the spark that gets you started, discipline is the fuel that keeps you going. They're two sides of the same coin, each playing a crucial role in personal success and growth. By understanding their unique roles and learning to harness both effectively, you can turn your unfinished projects into proud accomplishments and reach heights you never thought possible.

Why most people fail?

The novelty wears off: When you start a new project or hobby, it's exciting and fresh. But as time goes on, the novelty fades. Tasks become routine, and if you're relying solely on motivation, your interest may dwindle.

The results aren't immediate: We live in a world of instant gratification. When we don't see immediate results from our efforts, our motivation can wane. For example, you might start a new fitness regimen and feel discouraged when you don't see drastic changes in your body within the first few weeks.

Obstacles arise: Every journey has its share of challenges and setbacks. When faced with obstacles, it's easy to feel demotivated and give up. Perhaps you've started learning a new language, but you're finding the grammar rules confusing and hard to remember.

Distractions divert attention: Life is full of distractions. Without discipline, it's easy to get sidetracked by other interests, responsibilities, or simply the lure of leisure activities. You might have a book or a blog you're trying to write, but social engagements, TV shows, or other hobbies keep distracting you.

I have to confess, I started learning Japanese a few months ago because I wanted to read Japanese Pokémon cards. But then I got unmotivated, and with no discipline, no habits of sitting down and learn. I now need subtitles when I go to Japan.

What can you do? 🤷‍♂️ 

There is this thing called ‘5-second rule’. It’s all about breaking down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable ones, making it easier to keep going once you’ve started.

Here are some examples you can learn from and apply it to your own life:

1. Writing a Book 📚️ : Lisa has always wanted to write a book, but she gets overwhelmed at the thought of the monumental task. She could use the 5-second rule to simply open Google Docs and write one sentence. Just one sentence, something that takes 5 seconds, but it gets her started and can lead to more writing.

2. Learning a New Language ㊗️ : Tom wants to learn Japanese, but can't seem to find the motivation to start. He could apply the 5-second rule by opening a language learning app and learning just one new word. It's a small step, but it gets him into the routine of studying.

3. Cooking at Home 🍳 : Emma wants to start cooking at home more often but finds it easier to order takeout. She could use the 5-second rule to just take out a pot or pan. This simple act could be the trigger she needs to start cooking instead of ordering food.

4. Meditating 🧘 : Jake wants to start a meditation practice but struggles to find time. He could use the 5-second rule to sit comfortably and close his eyes for just 5 seconds. It might not be a full meditation session, but it's a start.

5. Going to the Gym 💪 : Amy wants to consistently hitting the gym, but she manages to find an excuse to skip every time. She could apply the 5-second rule to just put on her workout shoes, and walk to the door. If she still doesn’t want to go, then I guess she can just stay unfit 😅 

Alright, easy said than done, I’m going to hop on Duolingo after this.

I have a small exercise for you to practice the 5-second rule (pick one):

• Subscribe to this newsletter if you haven’t.

• Or share this article to your unmotivated friends.

Thanks for being a special friend!

Justin Nguyen 😁