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The Case for Excitement as a Better Motivator Than Discipline
"Excitement is a better motivator than discipline. The people who appear to have an exceptional work ethic or remarkable discipline are often those with a genuine curiosity or interest in that area."'
James Clear
This quote great follow up to our last article "The Power of Your Inner Drivers to Achieve Athletic Excellence"
Introduction
When it comes to motivation in sports, the traditional notion of discipline often takes centre stage. However, there is another powerful factor we can tap into to level up our game: excitement!
When we think of motivation, discipline is often the first factor that comes to mind. However, excitement is a powerful motivator that can be just as effective, if not more so than discipline. In this blog post, we explore why excitement can be a better motivator and what benefits it brings to athletes.
The Power of Excitement
Excitement creates an emotional response in athletes, triggering positive feelings, passion, and a sense of purpose. Rather than forcing themselves to work through rigorous training out of obligation, excitement inspires athletes to pursue their goals with enthusiasm, energy, and a genuine desire to improve.
Increased Drive and Focus
When athletes are excited about training, their motivation is driven by a desire to improve rather than simply following a routine. They become more focused, engaged, and committed to their training regimen, resulting in better results and overall performance.
Enhanced Creativity and Innovation
Excitement can stimulate an athlete's creative thinking and drive innovation. All the talk in sports is developing creative athletes! When athletes are motivated by excitement, they are open to exploring new methods, techniques, and ideas to enhance their performance, leading to more significant improvements.
Improved Emotional Well-being
Excitement can increase positive emotions, such as happiness and joy, leading to improved mental and emotional well-being. When athletes engage in training that they genuinely enjoy, their satisfaction levels rise, reducing stress levels and increasing mood-elevating hormones. Remember, you GET TO PRACTICE today, not HAVE TO PRACTICE today.
Prolonged and Consistent Motivation
Excitement, unlike discipline, is a sustainable motivator. When athletes are excited about what they are doing, they stay motivated for more extended periods and remain committed to their training regimen. This helps create a sustained positive approach to training, leading to long-lasting results.
Key Take Away:
While discipline is an essential component of training, excitement can be a powerful and often overlooked motivator. By fostering excitement, athletes can develop a more profound sense of purpose and passion for their sport, driving them to reach higher and achieve their goals more effectively. Ultimately, embracing excitement as a motivator can lead to enhanced performance, increased creativity, and better overall well-being. Therefore, it is high time we focus more on creating excitement in athletes' training regimens by providing an environment conducive to enjoyment and motivation.
How do you generate your own excitement each and every day?