JP Dinnell Podcast 105

Motivation vs Discipline: What Really Carries You

Host: JP Dinnell & Lucas Pinckard
Release Date: September 26, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, JP Dinnell and co-host Lucas Pinckard tackle key questions from listeners about staying on mission, the interplay of motivation vs. discipline, and how faith and biblical principles anchor their approach to overcoming setbacks, doubt, and the temptation to quit. Drawing from their own training, combat, and life transitions, JP and Lucas break down the real mechanisms by which people keep moving forward—especially when motivation inevitably fades. The tone is straightforward and candid, with JP sharing both SEAL insights and personal stories, supported by practical scripture application.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Staying Focused on Purpose: The Power of Commitment

• Question: What’s a time you struggled to stay focused and how did biblical principles help? ([02:37])
• JP shares that in high-pressure environments like Navy SEAL training or MMA fight prep, focus became real only after making a full commitment.
• Signing up (making it real) increases accountability—not just to yourself but to coaches, mentors, and teammates.
  Quote: “I think that’s the biggest thing that people fail to do, is make a commitment…when you sign up for things, it helps you stay focused and stay on track, because now it becomes real.” — JP ([03:09])
• Biblical principle: Jeremiah 29:11 grounded JP, especially during hardship.
  Quote: “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord…plans for good and not disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” — JP ([06:25])
• JP recommends reading scripture in context (verses before and after) for a fuller grasp of the message. Jeremiah 29:12-14 became crucial in later years: prayer, wholehearted seeking, and God's promise to listen.

2. Motivation vs Discipline: Where Do They Intersect?

• Question: What’s the difference between motivation and discipline? ([15:29])
• Motivation is emotional, fleeting, and based on feelings or external stimuli. Discipline is the established foundation, a habit ingrained regardless of feelings. Quote: “Motivation fades. Discipline is something that you establish as a foundation and a part of who you are.” — JP ([15:39])
• Discipline enables control over attitude, work ethic, and integrity—these aren’t driven by feeling, but by consistent, intentional action.
• For real progress, discipline has to carry you when motivation inevitably runs dry.

3. Overcoming Criticism, Doubt, and Setbacks

• Question: How do you maintain your mission with criticism, doubt, or setbacks? ([17:55])
• Criticism is inevitable, no matter your actions or intentions.
• Doubt is framed as “little lies from the devil”—everyone experiences it, and overcoming it is essential for growth.
  Quote: “Doubt is going to creep in. Those are little lies from the devil…If you’re on the right path, doubt is going to creep in because the devil doesn’t want you to be doing those things.” — JP ([18:04])
• Setbacks are part of the process in the SEALs and in life. Don’t quit—find another route.
  Quote: “What do you do? Do you sit down and you quit? Or do you keep pushing forward?” — JP ([20:19])
• Faith and biblical grounding (e.g., “Commit your actions to the Lord and your plans will succeed” — Proverbs 16:3) help discern criticism from feedback and keep commitments aligned with higher purpose.

4. Perseverance vs God’s Redirection

• Question: How do you know when to persevere versus when God is redirecting your path? ([22:24])
• JP and Lucas stress intentional time with God—prayer, fasting (even simple fasts), journaling, and seeking wise counsel—as ways to discern direction.
• Community confirmation is a sign: asking for prayer and listening for confirmation from trusted people.
• Proverbs 3:5-6 and Matthew 6:33 provide scriptural assurance:
  Quote: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all that you do, and he will show you which path to take.” — JP ([24:09])
• God expects action and commitment—He multiplies our efforts, doesn’t simply hand us results.
  Quote: “God’s a multiplier, not a God that just adds. He multiplies your efforts—He’s not just going to give you things without you putting in the work.” — JP ([25:30])

5. Managing Fear, Anxiety, and Change

• The reality of fear and anxiety when changing course or recommitting is acknowledged.
• Matthew 6:33 is highlighted as a cure for anxiety; focus on God’s kingdom removes worry over provisions and circumstances.
  Quote: “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you.” — Lucas ([26:20])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Commitment and Preparation
  “Once there was a fight committed to, my coaches’ intensity and intentionality completely shifted…as a coach, it was their job to get me where I needed to be, to go out there and have my hand raised.” — JP ([13:06])
• On Motivation vs Discipline
  “Motivation is an emotion and feeling that can be temporary. Discipline is something that you establish as a foundation and a part of like, who you are.” — JP ([15:39])
• On Criticism
  “Criticism is going to happen…Doubt is going to creep in. Those are little lies from the devil.” — JP ([18:04])
• On God’s Will and Direction
  “He made it very clear when it was time for me to get out [of the SEALs]…I had to trust Him and I had to make that switch. But then I also had to make a commitment to this new path.” — JP ([24:09])
• On Discipline in the Mundane
  “My wife wakes me up with a kiss on the cheek and two Advil every morning…The whole idea of that [SEAL training]…Even when I was young, we’d look at guys like yourself and say, ‘Dude, that’s intense.’” — Lucas ([11:39])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Opening & Listener Q&A Context: [00:00–02:37]
• The Importance of Commitment & Biblical Foundation: [02:37–06:25]
• Expanding on Verse Significance & Handling Struggle: [06:25–13:06]
• Motivation vs Discipline Defined: [15:29–17:55]
• Coping with Criticism and Setbacks: [17:55–21:26]
• Doubt, Imposter Syndrome and Faith: [21:26–22:24]
• Perseverance vs Redirection – Discernment Process: [22:24–25:34]
• Scriptures for Anxiety & Transitions: [26:05–26:49]
• Closing Reflections & Call for Feedback: [27:16–28:46]

Tone & Style

• Conversational and frank, with a blend of military precision and genuine vulnerability.
• Heavy on practical wisdom rooted in faith and lived experience.
• Both hosts encourage self-reflection, community, and groundedness in scripture and discipline.

Useful for Listeners Who Haven’t Heard the Episode

• The episode is a succinct but thorough discussion on the mechanics of real-world perseverance—whether in combat, sport, or daily life.
• Provides a framework for how to ground action in both commitment and faith and why discipline, not fleeting motivation, is the key to long-term mission focus.
• Offers specific scriptures and personal practices for discernment, overcoming criticism, and staying the course.
• Invites follow-up interaction and teases future deep-dives based on listener feedback.

If you’re at a crossroads, finding motivation elusive, or trying to discern the next step, JP and Lucas deliver both the mindset and the methods to get — and stay — on track.