There are moments in life when a shift happens—not just in your routine, but deep in your spirit. Recently, I experienced one of those moments. A revelation that redefined how I see discipline, and more importantly, how I see myself.
For years, I thought discipline was a switch you flipped: either you had it, or you didn’t. You were ‘disciplined’ or you were ‘lazy.’ But recently, sweating it out alone in the gym at 5 AM when every fibre of my being screamed to hit snooze, I had a profound revelation: discipline isn’t a state you achieve; it’s a muscle you build, level by level. And I’ve just unlocked a new one I didn’t even know existed… and honestly? I love it here.
My discipline journey started like many others: with significant help. Getting to the gym consistently for those first two years wasn’t just about me. It was fuelled by:
- The trainer who kept me accountable.
- The gym community that kept me encouraged.
- And let’s be honest, the likes and comments on my workout posts kept me motivated too.
And you know what? That was okay. That’s where I was.
Discipline at that stage looked like needing support to get moving—and that wasn’t weakness, that was wisdom.
It’s how I started building the muscle. Not just physically, but mentally. Spiritually. Habitually.
But something shifted in the past 3 months… Circumstances changed, or maybe I changed. The trainer, the consistent group, the constant posting – gradually fell away. And that’s when I faced the real test: Could I show up for me?
I began working out on my own. No trainer. No online check-ins. No gym buddy.
And surprisingly—my results got better.
Why?
Because I wasn’t performing anymore.
I wasn’t doing it to be seen or validated.
I was doing it because I had become the kind of woman who keeps promises to herself.
Who honours the inner voice over the outer applause.
That… is a whole new level of discipline.
Discipline Isn’t Built Overnight—It’s Layered
Here’s the truth I’ve learned:
Discipline isn’t a magical personality trait.
It’s not something you have or don’t have.
It’s a layered structure built over time, brick by brick.
- First layer: Dependence. You rely on outside help. This is your training ground.
- Second layer: Consistency. You show up even when it’s inconvenient.
- Final layer: Integrity. You do the thing when no one’s watching. That’s where the breakthrough happens.
- It’s the difference between:
Going because you have to (external pressure) vs. going because you said you would (internal contract).
Doing the work for the result others see vs. doing the work because you know its value. Needing a cheerleader vs. being your own unwavering coach.
- It’s the difference between:
The Silent Wins Hit Different
When you train yourself to show up for you, not for others—you tap into a discipline that isn’t loud, but is deeply powerful.
- It’s the workout you did in silence.
- The meal you prepped when no one saw.
- The prayer you whispered at 4am when you could have just slept in.
- The decision to honour your goals even when motivation left the room.
Discipline at this level is no longer tied to hype—it’s tied to identity.
It’s realising that the most important person you need to be accountable to is the one staring back in the mirror. And when you consistently show up for that person, the sense of empowerment and self-trust is unparalleled. That’s why I say, ‘I love it here.’ It’s a quieter, more profound, and deeply personal kind of strength.
This Level Feels Like Freedom
Here’s the most beautiful part:
I love it here.
I love this version of me.
Not because she’s perfect. But because she’s faithful.
She’s not waiting for the mood, the motivation, or the Instagram reel to get it done.
She shows up.
She’s learned to trust herself.
And that is a gift no one else can give you.
Start Where You Are—But Don’t Stay There
If you’re in the season where you need accountability, structure, cheerleaders—embrace it. That’s a sacred season.
But don’t confuse starting support with your final form.
The goal is to evolve. To level up.
To one day wake up and say:
“I don’t need the crowd. I’ve got me. And I still showed up.”
And when that happens—celebrate it like crazy.
You’ve just unlocked a level of discipline that changes everything.