This weekend, like most drill weekends, threw me off my regular routine. Anyone who’s done drill knows that no matter how well you plan, flexibility is key. I’m currently working through Phase 1 and 2 of Hard 75, which means sticking to a disciplined daily schedule: two workouts a day, a clean diet, and consistent reading and writing sessions. But when you’re working from 0600 until midnight on a Saturday, adjustments are inevitable. This weekend was a clear reminder of something I’ve learned the hard way: discipline, not motivation, is the best tool for bouncing back when life throws you off course.

Discipline Over Motivation

It’s easy to stay motivated when everything is going smoothly—when you’re well-rested, your schedule is clear, and the sun is shining. But what happens when you’re sick, exhausted, or dealing with a packed schedule? This weekend, I leaned heavily on discipline. I stacked my reading pages, did a single focused 30-minute writing session instead of my usual three shorter sessions, and allowed myself a couple of sick days earlier this week to recover properly. Despite all the disruptions, I still managed to keep pushing forward. That’s the power of discipline—it’s what keeps you moving when motivation runs dry.

Discipline isn’t about being rigid; it’s about building habits that give you the freedom to adapt when necessary. Because I’ve put in the work consistently, I know I can afford to bend a little when life gets hectic. I’ve created a strong foundation that allows me to get right back on track without losing momentum. That’s true freedom—knowing that I can adjust without derailing my progress.

My Best PFT Yet

Even with the chaos of drill, I managed to hit my best Physical Fitness Test (PFT) score ever on Sunday. I easily maxed out the 340-pound deadlift, scoring a full 100 points on that event, as well as the standing power throw and the sprint, drag, carry. I set a new personal record with a 2:30 plank hold, and I beat my previous push-up score with 42 reps. The run time was nearly as fast as it was when I first joined the Army at 37—although I suspect the course may have been a bit short this time, but I’ll take the win!

This success wasn’t because of a sudden surge of motivation on test day. It was the result of months of consistent effort and disciplined training. The daily grind and the choice to stick to the plan, even when it’s inconvenient, are what set me up for this kind of performance. Discipline builds a strong foundation, allowing you to adapt and bounce back quickly when things don’t go as planned.

Getting Back on Track

After a weekend like this, getting back into my usual routine is going to be tough. The Monday after drill always feels like a crash landing, but this is where discipline makes all the difference. I’m ready to dive back into my fasting schedule, which I tweaked slightly over the weekend to ensure I was properly fueled for the ACFT. I’ve been following the Fast. Feast. Repeat. method by Gin Stephens, and it’s been a game-changer for dialing in my nutrition and energy levels. Today, I’ll be finishing that book and moving on to Dark Calories—a book I’ve been looking forward to diving into as I continue refining my approach to nutrition.

Having a disciplined approach to nutrition has given me a lot of flexibility. When I know I’ve built a solid routine, I don’t stress about making adjustments for special events or intense training days. I can tweak my fasting schedule or add extra calories without worrying that I’m falling off track. This kind of freedom comes from a foundation built on discipline, not just spurts of motivation.

The Power of Community

One of the greatest advantages of being part of our gym is the sense of community and accountability. It’s easy to let a bad weekend throw you off, but when you know your gym family is there waiting for you, it’s a lot easier to get back on track. I’m looking forward to returning to the gym this week, knowing I’ll see familiar faces who are also getting back into their routines after a busy weekend. We’re all pushing each other, and that shared commitment is what helps us all keep moving forward.

I’m especially excited for our upcoming “Merry Liftmas” event. It’s the perfect chance to come together as a community, share great food, have fun competitions, and enjoy a white elephant gift exchange that always brings out some laughs. These events are a reminder of why we show up day after day—it’s not just about lifting weights or hitting PRs. It’s about building relationships, sharing the journey, and creating memories together.

Why Discipline Creates Freedom

I’ve come to realize that disciplined living is what actually gives us the most freedom. By building strong, consistent habits, we create a structure that allows us to adapt when life gets messy. Instead of feeling guilty or defeated when things don’t go perfectly, I know I have the tools to get right back on track. That’s the beauty of discipline—it doesn’t restrict you; it sets you free. It’s about knowing you can make small adjustments without losing your progress.

If you’re reading this and you’ve had a tough week or weekend, remember: it’s okay to bend, but don’t let yourself break. Discipline will carry you through the moments when motivation is nowhere to be found. It’s what helps you bounce back stronger every time.

Let’s Finish the Year Strong

The holidays are approaching quickly, and it’s tempting to put off your health and fitness goals until January. But why wait? Start now, and you’ll be miles ahead when the new year rolls around. Whether it’s joining us for a class, hitting an open gym session, or just coming in to say hi, we’re here to support you. We’ve got an amazing community ready to help you stay disciplined and make progress, even through the busy season.

I’ll be back at the gym tomorrow, ready to jump back into my routine and finish the year strong. I hope to see you all there—let’s push each other, stay disciplined, and make these final weeks of 2024 our best yet.

See you at the gym—let’s get after it!