How is devotion different from discipline?

Shane Parrish draws a clear distinction between devotion and discipline in his conversations. Discipline involves delayed gratification and a determination to stick with practices or routines. It often requires willpower and is focused on achieving specific outcomes. For example, being disciplined about exercise means committing to a routine with the goal of improving physical health or fitness 1.

Devotion, on the other hand, carries a different energy. It is about offering something more profoundly and wholeheartedly. Devotion transforms actions into rituals that connect to a larger purpose or spirituality. This practice doesn’t merely focus on the outcome but on the intention and presence in the moment. For instance, instead of just walking for exercise, one might walk through nature as a form of devotion, appreciating the experience and its deeper meaning 1 2.

This distinction highlights that while discipline is essential, devotion can bring a different, often richer, aspect to one's daily practices, involving a deeper engagement and connection beyond mere routine 3.