It’s a question I get asked a lot, especially by my roommate, who somehow always finds a new excuse to avoid joining me at the gym. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a superhuman. I don’t wake up every morning bursting with energy, thrilled to hit the treadmill or lift weights. But if you’re looking for a secret hack, I’ll tell you this: It’s not about motivation. It’s about something much more reliable—discipline.

From Motivation to Discipline

When I first started working out regularly, it was hard to keep up the motivation. At first, it was exciting, fueled by the idea of hitting fitness goals and seeing quick results. But like anything new, that excitement faded. Some days, the thought of hitting the gym felt about as appealing as doing laundry. I’d much rather melt into the couch, binge some random show, and pretend that “adulting” isn’t a thing for a solid four hours. The real challenge hit when I realized I wouldn’t always want to work out, especially after surviving a long day of classes, studying, and pretending I’ve got life together.  I quickly learned that if I relied on motivation alone, I’d probably work out once a week—if that.

What keeps me going is discipline. Over time, working out became part of my daily routine. It stopped being a question of “Do I feel like it today?” and became “This is what I do.” I don’t wait for the perfect moment, the perfect weather, or for motivation to hit like a lightning bolt. I just show up. For me, it’s not just about fitness—it’s about showing up for myself.

Once I established that habit, working out felt less like a chore and more like a personal ritual. It became a non-negotiable part of my day, something I do not only to stay in shape but also to nurture my mental and emotional balance. The gym transformed from a place of dread to a sanctuary where I could clear my mind and recharge. Each workout became a moment of self-care, allowing me to release stress and refocus my thoughts. When I don’t work out, I feel off, like something is missing—almost as if I’ve skipped my daily dose of clarity and empowerment. It’s amazing how that hour spent breaking a sweat can set a positive tone for the rest of my day, influencing my mood and productivity. That’s the power of discipline.

Everyone’s Struggle with Motivation

On the other hand, my roommate’s routine is pretty different from mine. We both start the day with classes, but while I can count on myself to hit the gym afterward, her schedule is often unpredictable. One of her go-to excuses for skipping workouts is, “I’m sick,” which I’ve heard so often that I can practically predict it before she even says it. This pattern isn’t just limited to her; I’ve noticed it with others too. Friends claim they’re “too tired” after a long day, and classmates say they’ll “start tomorrow.” It’s clear that excuses are common and can easily creep into our lives. 

But here’s the funny part: these are the same people always asking me how I manage to stay motivated. And I get it—working out every day can seem impossible if you’re waiting for motivation to strike. But that’s the thing about motivation: it’s unpredictable. It comes and goes. 

Little Things that Help

Now, don’t get me wrong. Discipline doesn’t mean it’s all hard work and no fun. I do have a few motivators that help keep me on track. For example, there’s a cute guy at the gym—let’s just say he definitely makes it a little easier to show up on days when I’m dragging my feet! And, come on, we all need that extra push now and then. A gym crush is like a free boost of energy—suddenly, you’re willing to do those extra reps or run a little faster on the treadmill.

But the truth is, that crush is temporary. Eventually, he might stop coming to the gym or I’ll lose interest, and then what? That’s when discipline takes over again. Discipline is like that reliable friend who always has your back, while motivation is more like that flakey friend who shows up when they feel like it. You can’t count on them, but they’re a nice bonus when they’re around!

Why It’s Worth It

For me, exercise is more than just about staying physically fit. It’s my stress reliever. It gives me a break from school, from deadlines, from life. When I’m at the gym, it’s my time. It helps me reset, clear my head, and manage anxiety. Plus, it gives me a sense of accomplishment. Every workout is a small win—a reminder that I’m showing up for myself. And that sense of accomplishment fuels more discipline, creating a positive feedback loop.

So, when people ask how I stay motivated to work out every day, my answer is simple: I don’t. I rely on discipline. Once you’ve built that habit, it becomes second nature. This is where the art of building habits comes in—it’s all about making a routine that fits easily into your daily life. By setting clear reminders, like keeping my gym bag by the door or scheduling workouts at the same time each day, I eliminate the mental hurdles that can get in the way of my commitment. Over time, these actions turn into automatic behaviors, allowing me to prioritize my health without constantly having to summon motivation. It’s this consistency that transforms a daunting task into an effortless part of my day, and ultimately, you don’t have to think about it; you just do it.