Success is not determined by how you feel on any given day. It is determined by the actions you take consistently, regardless of your mood. The phrase “Fuck your mood, follow your plan” is a powerful mantra that underscores the importance of discipline, commitment, and resilience.
Why Mood is Unreliable
Moods fluctuate based on external circumstances, biological rhythms, and countless other unpredictable factors. One day you wake up feeling unstoppable, the next you feel sluggish and unmotivated. If you let your mood dictate your actions, you will be inconsistent, and inconsistency is the enemy of progress.
For example, athletes don’t train only when they feel like it. They train because they have a plan. Writers don’t write only when inspiration strikes. They write because they have a deadline. Entrepreneurs don’t work only when they’re excited about their business. They work because they have a vision and a plan to execute it.
The Power of Following a Plan
A well-structured plan provides clarity, direction, and purpose. When you have a plan, you remove the guesswork and emotional indecision from your daily actions. Following a plan means:
- Commitment to Long-Term Goals – You stay focused on the bigger picture rather than temporary feelings.
- Consistency and Discipline – You develop the habit of taking action regardless of circumstances.
- Reduced Decision Fatigue – You don’t waste time deciding what to do; you just execute.
- Increased Efficiency – You get more done in less time because you’re not waiting for motivation.
Discipline Over Mood: The Formula for Success
Discipline is the ability to take action regardless of how you feel. It is the foundation of success in any field. The best performers in any industry have mastered the art of discipline. They don’t wait for inspiration; they create it through action.
How to Cultivate Discipline
- Set Clear Goals – Define what you want to achieve and break it down into actionable steps.
- Create a Routine – Stick to a schedule that keeps you accountable.
- Remove Distractions – Identify and eliminate anything that hinders your progress.
- Develop Mental Toughness – Train yourself to push through discomfort and resistance.
- Track Your Progress – Keep a journal or log to measure how well you’re sticking to your plan.
- Find an Accountability Partner – Having someone to check in with can increase your commitment.
Real-Life Examples of People Who Followed Their Plan
Kobe Bryant – Relentless Work Ethic
Kobe Bryant was known for his insane work ethic. He didn’t train when he felt like it; he trained because he had a goal to be the best. His commitment to his plan made him one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
J.K. Rowling – Writing Through Hardship
Before achieving massive success with Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling faced numerous rejections and personal struggles. She didn’t stop writing because she was in a bad mood; she kept going because she had a vision.
David Goggins – Embracing the Pain
David Goggins, a former Navy SEAL and ultra-endurance athlete, preaches the importance of mental toughness. He wakes up at 4 AM and trains regardless of how he feels. He follows his plan, not his mood.
What Happens When You Rely on Mood?
- Procrastination – You put off important tasks because you don’t “feel like it.”
- Inconsistency – Some days you work hard, others you slack off.
- Lack of Progress – Without consistent effort, you won’t see results.
- Regret and Frustration – You look back and realize you wasted opportunities because you let emotions control you.
How to Override Your Mood and Take Action
- Use the 5-Second Rule – Count down from 5 and take action immediately before your brain talks you out of it.
- Remind Yourself of Your Goals – Keep a vision board or reminder of why you started.
- Break Tasks Into Smaller Steps – Focus on one small action at a time instead of the entire project.
- Create Non-Negotiable Habits – Set rules like “I work out every day, no matter what.”
- Surround Yourself with Discipline-Driven People – Environment matters. Being around disciplined individuals will keep you on track.
