Think back to your most recent major personal or professional achievement—whether it was passing the bar exam, making partner, losing weight, or completing a race. Whatever it was, it likely took more than a burst of motivation—it required discipline.
While it’s unclear who first said it—Mike Crittenden, Jocko Willink, or David Goggins—the phrase “Discipline eats motivation for breakfast” perfectly sums up what I focus on when coaching lawyers. Everyone feels motivated at times, but the real question is: how many of us actually act on that motivation consistently?
Motivation is fleeting. You may say:
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“I need to lose weight.”
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“I should start running again.”
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“I’m going to grow my law practice this year.”
But thinking or talking about goals isn’t enough. It’s discipline—the ability to take consistent action—that truly drives success. Here are three proven strategies to help you turn fleeting motivation into lasting discipline:
1. Get an Accountability Partner or Coach
It’s easy to give up when pursuing goals alone. Having someone guide you—like a coach, trainer, or mentor—boosts your chances of success. For example, my lawyer clients attend classes, hold one-on-one sessions with me, and pair up with accountability partners to stay on track with business development. Like hiring a personal trainer, outside support brings structure, encouragement, and results.
2. Team Up With Someone
Recently, I decided to try intermittent fasting after seeing friends succeed with it. Instead of going it alone, I asked my wife to join me. We now fast from 7 p.m. to 11 a.m., and it’s made the process easier. The lesson? Pursuing discipline is easier when you have someone with shared goals and values to walk the path with you.
3. Break Down Big Goals Into Small, Achievable Steps
Aiming too high too fast can be discouraging. For example, growing originations from $100K to $1 million may seem impossible. Many lawyers set lofty goals, get discouraged by slow results, and push them off to “next year”—again and again.
Instead, aim for small, actionable steps. Start by posting once a week on LinkedIn or scheduling brief client check-ins. Small wins build confidence and habits, making big goals much more attainable. When you feel overwhelmed, reflect on those smaller accomplishments—they’re proof you’re moving forward.
In Summary
Yes, discipline really does “eat motivation for breakfast.” By investing in a coach, collaborating with an accountability partner, and breaking down your goals into smaller actions, you can build the discipline that transforms both your business and personal life.
I’ve coached countless lawyers facing the same challenges you might be experiencing—and they’ve turned things around with these exact steps. As a plane crash survivor, I’ve learned that life rarely gives us a second chance. Make the most of yours. You’ve got this.
