DEDICATION VS. DISCIPLINE: Why You Need Both to Succeed
- Jenna Offerdahl
- Apr 27
- 1 min read
When people talk about success — in fitness, business, relationships, life — two words always come up: dedication and discipline. They sound similar. They’re often used interchangeably. But they’re NOT THE SAME.
Dedication is your emotional commitment.It’s that fire in your gut that says, “I want this.”It’s excitement. Passion. Belief in a goal that means something deeply personal to you.
Without dedication, your goals are hollow. You won’t care enough to even start.
But dedication alone isn’t enough.
Because no matter how badly you want something, there will be days when you're tired, overwhelmed, uninspired, or just plain lazy.And that’s where discipline steps in.
Discipline is doing what you said you would do — even when you don’t feel like it.It’s showing up early, putting in the reps, sticking to the plan, saying no to distractions.It’s boring sometimes. It’s hard. But it’s the bridge between dreams and reality.
Dedication lights the fire. Discipline keeps it burning.
But it's not a matter of dedication vs discipline, you don’t get to choose one or the other. You need both.
Dedication makes the goal meaningful. Discipline makes the goal happen.
DEDICATION VS. DISCIPLINE: If you’re struggling with discipline and or dedication, ask yourself:
Am I still dedicated? (Do I still know why this matters to me?)
Am I being disciplined? (Am I doing the work even when it’s hard?)
Build both. Protect both. And watch yourself become unstoppable.
If you need help with getting started, staying on track, or sparking that flame - speak to us at CrossFit Uncommon today - GET STARTED
