I’m slowly learning that it’s impossible to keep your motivation high every single day. You’re not always going to be in the mood to get work done, to exercise, to complete everything on your to-do list. That’s why you cannot rely on motivation to power you through your activities. You cannot wait around for inspiration to strike or you’re rarely going to get anything accomplished.

It’s better to rely on discipline, on consistency, on routine. You need to get into the habit of doing certain things. You need to push yourself to complete your goals, even when you’re tired, even when you’re grumpy, even when it’s the last thing you feel like doing that day.

I’m slowly learning that what you want overall is not always going to match up with what you want in the moment. In the moment, what you want more than anything might be another hour of sleep. It might be another drink. It might be another mistake.

You cannot always listen to what your heart is telling you to do in the moment because it won’t always be for your own good. It won’t always lead you down the road you want to walk.

I’m slowly learning that, while it’s perfectly fine to rest whenever you’re in need of a break, you should strive to complete your routine on most days. You should strive to get your goals accomplished, even if you’re not in the mood. You should train yourself to act productive even when you don’t want to be productive. Otherwise, you’re never going to inch closer to your dreams. You’re going to remain rooted in the same exact spot forever.

I’m slowly learning that discipline matters much more than motivation because there are going to be days when you wake up and aren’t in the mood to do anything. There are going to be days when you wish you could lounge around and do nothing. But that doesn’t always mean it’s a good idea. That doesn’t always mean you should cross every plan off your schedule and give into temptation.

There are definitely times when you should let yourself rest and recharge. But there are other times when you need to push yourself to get the hell up and start your day, regardless of whether you’re in the mood, regardless of whether you feel inspired to work toward your dreams.

Remember, you can always come up with excuses about how now isn’t the right time, how you’re not in the right mood, how inspiration hasn’t struck, how your motivation isn’t strong enough — but if you’re really serious about accomplishing something, you won’t let a lack of motivation stand in your way. You’ll work your goals into your routine. You’ll keep at them every single day, whether you’re in the mood or not.

The reality is, in order to reach your dreams, you’re going to have to keep going, even when you’re not inspired. You’re going to have to stay disciplined, even when you cannot summon up an ounce of motivation.