Recently, I tuned into Adam Grant’s podcast, "Rethinking," where he interviewed Robin Arzón, Peloton's head instructor. Their discussion on motivation, discipline, and the importance of a solid process for achieving goals was so intriguing that I listened to it twice.

Motivation, as we all know, is necessary to get us moving, whether it’s for personal fitness or completing a work project. If we’re not motivated, we’re not going to take action. However, the problem with motivation is that it is unreliable – it changes with our mood and circumstances.

Luckily, the key isn’t to be motivated. Instead, as Arzón pointed out, we need to “take action and be a self-generated momentum factory.” This means finding a process that resonates with our purpose and doesn’t make us reliant on motivation alone.

As she explained, most days her process and discipline trumps her motivation or how she is feeling. That doesn’t mean she pushes herself each day as hard as possible. Instead, it’s about having the confidence and discipline to show up, and not go the extra mile or put extra weight on the bar. It’s about finding balance and knowing that this is her 100% today, and that’s enough.

Arzón’s approach resonates deeply with me. I agree that discipline and a well-defined process is what sustains change beyond the initial first step. They’re the foundation of any successful habit or goal, and this streamlined guide may help develop anyone’s process:

1. Define your purpose: Determine your goal. Without a clear purpose or motivation, you’ll never get started.

2. Identify Habits: Pinpoint what habits will directly contribute to your goal. For example, if fitness is a goal, you could plan to start walking or practicing yoga more frequently each week.  No matter what habit you choose, make it specific enough to be actionable, but flexible so it fits into your life.

3. Schedule your Habit in Actionable Steps: Once you’ve decided what habit will help you reach your goal, decide when you will incorporate it into your schedule. For example, I’ve decided to work out within an hour after I get home from work. I have a coffee and when the caffeine kicks in, I work out. Knowing that this is my process keeps me consistent and reinforces the habit.

4. Monitor and Adjust your Process: Track your progress. Determine if you’re consistently meeting your goals or if obstacles are getting in your way. Adjust the process as needed. Then, as you become comfortable, you can look for ways to improve it, adding variety or pairing it with other habits and goals, such as eating healthier or listening to educational podcasts.

Establishing a process is more than just setting a goal and hoping for the best. It’s about intentionally designing your daily actions to lead you toward a desired outcome. It will take some trial and error. It will also require a balance between structure and flexibility. But by focusing on the actions and habits that contribute to your goal, you can build a foundation that doesn’t rely on the inconsistency of motivation.

So, as a challenge this week, I encourage you work through this process. Determine what you want to achieve, and which habits will contribute to this goal. Then, schedule the habit and monitor your process. Be sure to adapt as necessary and celebrate your wins.

In the mix of motivation, discipline, and process, remember real progress comes from sticking to a good plan, not just feeling motivated. Like Arzón says, it's about showing up because your process is solid, even on the off days.

Best wishes, Lauren