Motivation vs. Discipline: What Gets That Book Written?
Every writer, whether new to the craft or seasoned by years of experience, has faced the same conundrum: how do you get that book actually written?
The internet is filled with inspirational quotes, writing tips, and pep talks that tout the power of motivation. But ask any author who’s finished a manuscript—let alone published one—and they’ll probably tell you the truth: motivation is fleeting. It’s discipline that gets the words on the page.
So, which matters more—motivation or discipline? And how can you use both to fuel your writing journey?
Let’s break it down.
Understanding Motivation: The Spark That Starts the Fire
Motivation is that rush of energy you feel when inspiration hits. It’s the “Eureka!” moment, the excited flutter in your stomach when a new story idea blooms in your mind. Motivation feels good. It’s exciting. It’s emotionally satisfying.
And here’s the kicker: it’s also unreliable.
Motivation is affected by mood, environment, energy levels, and even the weather. You might feel motivated after watching a great movie, reading a gripping book, or attending a writer’s conference. But a few days later? That spark might be gone.
Motivation’s Strengths:
Great for starting new projects
Inspires creativity and vision
Helps you push past fear in early stages
Motivation’s Weaknesses:
Doesn’t show up consistently
Disappears in the face of setbacks
Can be replaced by self-doubt or burnout
If you’re waiting to feel motivated every day to write, you may be waiting a very long time.
Enter Discipline: The Engine That Keeps You Going
Discipline, unlike motivation, doesn’t care how you feel. Discipline is showing up anyway—when you’re tired, uninspired, busy, or filled with self-doubt. It’s a muscle that gets stronger every time you use it.
Where motivation is emotional, discipline is mechanical. It’s less about mood and more about habit. Discipline means carving out time to write—even when your muse is on vacation.
Discipline’s Strengths:
Builds consistent progress
Helps develop writing as a daily habit
Makes writing feel less intimidating over time
Discipline’s Weaknesses:
Can feel like a grind without passion
Hard to develop without structure
Requires mental toughness, especially early on
When the novelty wears off, when the plot twists are elusive, when the inner critic gets loud—discipline is what keeps your fingers moving.
The Truth: You Need Both
Here’s the real secret: motivation and discipline aren’t enemies. They’re partners. One is the spark, the other is the fuel. Motivation can get you started, but discipline gets you to The End.
Think of motivation as the excitement you feel when you buy new running shoes and imagine yourself crossing the finish line of a marathon. Discipline is waking up at 6 a.m. every morning to actually train.
How They Work Together:
Motivation gives you the why
Discipline gives you the how
Motivation gets you excited to write
Discipline gets you to sit down and write
A successful writing routine often starts with a spark of motivation—but it’s sustained through discipline.
How to Build Writing Discipline (Even When You Don’t Feel Motivated)
If you want to be the kind of writer who finishes what they start, you’ve got to make writing a non-negotiable part of your life. Here’s how to cultivate discipline like a pro:
1. Set a Writing Schedule
Treat writing like an appointment. Whether it’s 30 minutes in the morning or two hours on weekends, block out time on your calendar and show up. If it’s not scheduled, it probably won’t happen.
2. Create a Word Count Goal
Daily or weekly word count goals keep you moving. Aim for something realistic. 300-500 words a day might not seem like much—but over the course of a year, that’s a book.
3. Build a Writing Ritual
Lighting a candle, brewing coffee, playing music—rituals help signal your brain that it’s writing time. Over time, these cues help you slip into creative mode more easily.
4. Use Accountability Tools
Join a writing group, hire a coach, or simply tell a friend your goal. Knowing someone is expecting progress helps you stay consistent.
5. Embrace Imperfection
Waiting for the perfect sentence is a form of procrastination. Get it down now. Polish it later. Discipline means showing up and doing the work—even when the work feels rough.
Reigniting Motivation When It Runs Low
While discipline gets you to the desk, you can still nurture motivation so you don’t lose your love for writing. Here’s how to keep the passion alive:
1. Read Widely
Reading other writers—especially those whose work you admire—can spark ideas and recharge your creativity.
2. Revisit Your “Why”
Why did you want to write this book? Who are you writing for? What do you hope it will do in the world? Reconnecting with your purpose can reignite your drive.
3. Take Creative Breaks
Step away from the manuscript and do something that energizes you—go for a walk, watch a documentary, journal, or sketch. Let your brain reset.
4. Celebrate Small Wins
Finished a chapter? Hit a weekly word count? Celebrate it! Acknowledge every step forward. It keeps motivation alive and gives you positive reinforcement to keep going.
What Gets That Book Written?
It’s not just motivation. It’s not just discipline. It’s the delicate dance between the two.
Motivation is your spark. Discipline is your system. You need both to get through the inevitable ups and downs of writing a book.
On Good Days?
Let motivation lead the way. Ride the wave of inspiration. Write until the ideas run dry.
On Hard Days?
Lean on discipline. Write anyway. Even if it’s not your best work, even if it’s only a few words—those words matter.
Final Thoughts: Show Up, No Matter What
The secret to writing a book isn’t waiting for the muse to strike. It’s sitting down, day after day, and putting one word after another—even when it’s hard, even when you don’t feel like it.
That’s the difference between dreaming about being a writer and being one.
So don’t wait for motivation to find you. Build discipline. Show up. Trust the process. The book you want to write is waiting on the other side of consistency.
You’ve got this.