In his appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, Magnus Carlsen offered a candid and insightful look into his life and the landscape of chess. An insight that was worth exploring for me was the idea of enthusiasm vs discipline as a driving force for achieving success.
I think most of us are aware that productivity experts and world-class coaches extol the virtues of discipline and consistency in daily actions as the secret to achieving success. I found it fascinating that Carlsen described his experience and mastery of chess more from a viewpoint of enthusiasm, obsessiveness and enjoyment of the game vs practicing for six to seven hours a day as most other chess players do. He is known in the chess world as being a bit lazy.
Both enthusiasm and discipline play vital roles in shaping a fulfilling life, but I have found that they operate in fundamentally different ways.
Enthusiasm feels like the emotional drive that fuels our passions and dreams. It is the excitement we feel when we start a new project, meet an inspiring person or embark on an uncharted journey. Enthusiasm can be contagious and energizing. It can be a strength when we need motivation to take action or when we need to be spontaneous.
However, enthusiasm alone has its limitations. It can be temporary and fluctuating based on our mood. When difficulties arise, enthusiasm can fade, leaving us unmotivated and directionless. This is where discipline becomes essential.
Discipline feels like the commitment to follow through on our goals, even when enthusiasm wanes. It is the ability to persist despite challenges or lack of immediate rewards. When I think of discipline, building consistency and resilience comes to mind. So does taking small steps when overcome with procrastination. It can also feel like very hard work sans joy.
Unlike enthusiasm, discipline is not dependent on how we feel in the moment. It is a conscious choice to stay committed to what truly matters, even when the excitement fades. Discipline can transform ideas into reality. Jim Rohn famously declared, “Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.”
I believe that goal attainment requires both enthusiasm and discipline. Enthusiasm without discipline can lead to unfinished projects and fleeting excitement, while discipline without enthusiasm can result in burnout and a lack of joy.
To strike a balance, consider these approaches:
- Use enthusiasm to set meaningful goals: Let your passions guide you in choosing what truly excites you.
- Rely on discipline to stay the course: Even when enthusiasm fades, stay committed to your values and aspirations.
- Reignite enthusiasm through reflection and learning: Regularly remind yourself why you started and seek new inspiration along the way.
- Develop habits that support both: Create a routine that allows room for spontaneous joy while maintaining consistent effort.
Enthusiasm and discipline are not opposing forces; they are complementary elements. Enthusiasm brings color and excitement, while discipline provides structure and stability. I’ve found that the key to achieving desired outcomes lies in knowing when to follow the thrill of enthusiasm and when to rely on the strength of discipline. While Magnus Carlsen is able to achieve his outstanding success mostly by being enthusiastic and finding joy in his daily pursuit of chess, he is clearly blessed with the gift of observing patterns and utilizing his skills to achieve the status of chess grandmaster. A quote from John Maxwell is apt here: “Motivation gets you going, but discipline keeps you growing.” ●
Sanjay Singh is a Board Advisor and Private Investor
