Motivation and Discipline: Insights from a CEO, Attorney and Entrepreneur

Motivation and discipline are concepts that play a pivotal role in the success of individuals and organizations alike. Drawing from my experiences as a CEO, attorney, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, I’ll explore six key questions about motivation and its interplay with discipline, shedding light on how they influence personal and professional growth.

Are Motivation and Drive the Same Thing?

Motivation and drive are related but distinct. Motivation is the spark—the internal or external stimulus that inspires action. Drive, on the other hand, is the sustained effort and determination that keeps you moving forward even when the initial excitement fades. For example, a new business idea might motivate you, but your drive will determine whether you put in the long hours and overcome obstacles to make it a reality. Successful leaders harness both, using motivation to ignite action and drive to maintain momentum.

What Motivation Means

Motivation is the energy that propels us to pursue our goals. It’s deeply personal and often tied to our values, aspirations, or a sense of purpose. For me, motivation stems from the desire to create meaningful impact—whether it’s leading a thriving organization, advocating for clients, launching ventures that solve real-world problems, or giving back through philanthropy. Motivation is about aligning your actions with your “why.”

Where Motivation Comes From

Motivation can come from both intrinsic and extrinsic sources. Intrinsic motivation arises from within, driven by passion, curiosity, or personal fulfillment. Extrinsic motivation, on the other hand, stems from external rewards like recognition, financial gain, or meeting expectations. As a leader, I’ve found that sustainable motivation often requires a balance of both. While external rewards can kick-start action, it’s the internal passion and purpose that fuel long-term success.

How Motivation Works

Motivation works by activating our brain’s reward system, creating a sense of anticipation or desire to achieve something. It’s often tied to setting clear goals, visualizing outcomes, and breaking down tasks into manageable steps. In my career, I’ve used motivation to tackle challenges by focusing on the end goal—whether it’s winning a case, achieving a business milestone, or completing a philanthropic project. Motivation thrives on clarity and actionable steps that make progress feel attainable.

When Motivation Fails, Discipline Prevails

There are days when motivation simply isn’t enough. This is where discipline steps in. Discipline is the commitment to act, regardless of how you feel in the moment. For instance, as a CEO, there have been times when the excitement of a project wanes under the weight of challenges, but discipline keeps me showing up, problem-solving, and staying consistent. Motivation gets you started, but discipline ensures you finish.

Why Motivation Doesn’t Work and What Does

Motivation alone doesn’t always work because it’s fleeting. It fluctuates based on mood, circumstances, and external factors. What truly works is building habits and systems that don’t rely on motivation. In my experience, creating routines, setting non-negotiable goals, and fostering accountability have been far more effective. For example, I don’t wait to feel motivated to work out or tackle tough business decisions—I rely on a disciplined schedule and clear priorities to guide my actions. Discipline, coupled with a strong sense of purpose, creates consistent progress.

Motivation and discipline are two sides of the same coin. While motivation can light the fire, it’s discipline that keeps it burning. As leaders and individuals striving for success, embracing both ensures we stay focused, resilient, and aligned with our goals even when the initial excitement fades. By understanding their nuances, we can leverage them effectively to achieve meaningful and lasting results.