I see motivation and self-dscipline as being like two different fuel sources. When motivation is high, work feels like play. Even menial labor can be enjoyable when you're feeling happy and inspired.
When motivation is low, that's when you must rely on self-discipline. Discipline is like a muscle. The more you use it in short bursts, the stronger it gets. But if you overwork it, you'll eventually burn out.
In the long run, motivation/inspiration is the better fuel. It burns clean, can last for weeks at a time if you maintain good momentum, and it's healthy.
The key is that when you notice your motivation is getting low, you can use your self-discipline to rebuild your motivation. This means using your discipline to solve the problems that drag down your motivation.
If you find yourself constantly doing work you hate, disciplining yourself to do more of the same isn't the answer. It's better to use your discipline to get those problems off your plate, so you can restore the motivation to do more important and inspiring things.
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