Rehabitus: Empowering Personal Growth in Life After Addiction.
In the journey to lasting sobriety, there lies a fundamental distinction between those who maintain their sobriety after deciding to do so and those who find themselves caught in a cycle of relapse. It can be described in one word:
Discipline.
Expanding on our recent post about the importance of keeping a diary, we will introduce the difference between motivation and discipline, and how discipline is a far superior ally in sobriety (and life as a whole).
Let’s illustrate what motivation and discipline are in broader terms.
Motivation: The Spark
Motivation is like a psychological spark - an energy that drives us forward into growth. This spark can ignite our desire for new beginnings. Sometimes, it springs from moments of despair: a morning of regret where we vow "never again" amidst tears. Motivation, whether stemming from within or influenced by others, is very powerful at that moment. Yet, its fleeting presence means it can vanish as swiftly as it appeared. It fluctuates with our emotional ebb and flow.
Initially, motivation might be 10/10. You say you mean it this time. But because motivation is transient, the next day or even later that evening, you could be at a 9 or less. A couple of days pass and it’s all over. We weren’t immediately forgiven by our family for our history of misdemeanours, and we look the same even though we’d slaughtered it in the gym for two hours, twice.
Soon, our motivation disappears, and with it, the actions we felt so compelled to take because they were anchored in our fluctuating feelings.
Despite this, motivation’s silver lining lies in its ability to uncover our core values that become the foundation for building a new life. Consider the following aspirations which we’ll come back to later:
I want to improve my health.
I want to rebuild my relationships.
I want that new career or my old profession back.
Discipline: The Engine
In contrast, discipline is a consistent pattern of actions anchored in structured routines. It doesn't waver with mood or circumstances; it's the steady engine that powers our journey towards our goals. This non-negotiable pact ensures that, regardless of how you feel, you’re moving forward.
Have you ever wondered how somebody in great shape finds the motivation or the time to consistently show up at the gym? What’s their secret?
The answer is they don’t rely on motivation. They show up even when they would rather not. They’ve got the time because they’ve scheduled it into their week and attend irrespective of their mood or whatever else is happening. They’ve created an engine. Their outcome (of having a great body) is a process of consistency over time.
Discipline is consistently adhering to the behaviours that align with your best interests, regardless of temporary desires or discomforts.
Create an Engine
Creating your engine starts with a solid foundation. It involves establishing routines and structures that support progress, and with it, sobriety, even when motivation fades. It’s about creating a framework for your daily life that doesn't negotiate with the whims of mood or circumstance. Whether it’s attending support meetings, engaging in regular physical activity, or dedicating time to self-reflection and meditation, the key is consistency. These commitments become non-negotiable pillars of your day, propelling you forward even in challenging times.
Let's transform our values into disciplined actions:
"I want to improve my health” becomes
Maintaining a consistent schedule for balanced eating, good sleep hygiene practices and regular physical exercise.
Keeping regular medical and mental health appointments to monitor and improve health.
“I want to rebuild my relationships” becomes
Setting specific times for reaching out to family and friends, whether through calls, messages, or visits, to rebuild trust and presence over time.
Deliberately practising communication skills such as active listening and empathy to foster deeper connections.
“I want that new career” becomes
Setting a daily routine for job searching and application submission.
Enrolling and completing a course that bridges any gaps in your skills or knowledge.
You’ll notice that our goal-oriented values have now become process-oriented actions.
In case you missed it, here’s our previous post on keeping a diary:
In the meantime, reflect on one discipline you can implement today to take a step closer to your goals and share it in a comment below.
Let discipline, not fleeting motivation, be the guide on your path through recovery.
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