Discipline Doesn’t Need to Wait for a Date
The other day, I was sitting with a friend in a coffee shop, catching up about life and business. Over our steaming mugs of coffee, he said something that caught my attention:
“I have a lot of plans—big things I want to do. But I’ll start in January. You know, new year, new me.”
We started talking about New Year’s resolutions, new beginnings, and fresh starts. But one question lingered in my mind: Why wait? Why does the calendar need to decide when we take action? Why wait for the “perfect time” to start when the perfect time is right now?
If you want to grow your business, improve your health, or learn a new skill, you don’t need January 1st to get started. What you need is discipline.
Here is my 1-1-1 Breakdown on Discipline Vs. Motivation:
Motivation feels great—it gives you that rush of energy to start something new. But it’s also fleeting. Discipline, on the other hand, is what keeps you going long after the excitement fades. It’s what makes you wake up early, hit the gym, or finish that tough project, even when you don’t feel like it.
Reflect on this: Are you waiting for motivation to strike, or are you relying on discipline to carry you forward?
→ Remember: Motivation gets you started. Discipline keeps you going.
The hardest part of any goal is the first step. But here’s the truth: You’ll never feel 100% ready. Start anyway. Whether it’s sending that email, launching that idea, or lacing up your running shoes, take action today. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll build momentum.
→ Do this now: Identify one goal you’ve been putting off and take one small step toward it today. Don’t overthink it—just start.
We often tell ourselves we’ll begin tomorrow, next week, or next month. But the truth is, waiting for the “right moment” can turn into an endless delay. Ask yourself: What’s stopping me from starting now?
Discipline isn’t about waiting for the perfect time—it’s about making the time perfect by taking action. So, the next time you catch yourself waiting for January or any other “ideal” date, remind yourself: the best time to start is today.
Hey! I’m Alkesh Agarwal.
An entrepreneur and investor who believes discipline is the bridge between goals and results. Let’s take action, one step at a time, starting today.
Want to strengthen your discipline muscle? Check these out:
Read: The War of Art by Steven Pressfield —A no-nonsense guide to overcoming resistance and staying disciplined.
Watch: Jocko Willink’s TED Talk on discipline vs. motivation—Why discipline wins every time.
Try This App: Habitica —A fun app that turns building habits and staying disciplined into a game.
