Lilly Path with Ifeoma Odisa UGWU

Hi Sister,

Do you know that feeling, when you want to start something new? You are pumped, determined, excited. Your notes app is full. Your plans are clear. You are gingered, often by something external, a new year, a sermon, a book, a conversation, or even social media.

You start, or at least you plan very well to start. Then slowly, the excitement wanes. A little at first. Then some more. And before you know it, the fire that felt so strong begins to feel distant.

If this sounds familiar, don’t worry. You are not alone. Almost everyone experiences this.

The difference between those who finish and those who stop is not usually talent, intelligence, or even opportunity. The difference is who learns how to move forward when the hype disappears.

Many good goals, dreams, and intentions die quietly when motivation fades. Not because they were bad ideas, but because they were built only on excitement and not on discipline. External hype can push you to start, but it cannot carry you to the finish line. Only discipline can do that.

Discipline is what shows up when you no longer feel like it. It is what keeps going when no one is clapping for you, cheering you on, or checking your progress. Discipline is choosing to stay committed even when your emotions have changed.

We have just finished the last week of January. For many people, the energy that came with setting new goals has already started to fade. For some, it disappeared weeks ago. That does not mean you have failed. It simply means you have reached the part of the journey that truly matters.

This is where structure and discipline must take over.

Discipline is not loud. It is quiet and consistent. It looks like doing the small things repeatedly. It looks like returning to your goals even after missing a day. It looks like choosing effort over excuses. The Bible reminds us in Galatians 6:9, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Notice that the promise is not attached to hype, but to perseverance.

Sis, if you are feeling tired already, I want you to know this. Feeling tired does not mean you should stop. It means you should adjust.

This is the moment to ask yourself;

Do I need a better structure?
Do I need accountability?
Do I need to simplify my goals?
Do I need to break them into smaller steps?

Sometimes the problem is not that you lack discipline. Sometimes the problem is that you set goals without systems to support them.

You cannot rely on feelings alone. Feelings change. Discipline is built.

And discipline is not about being harsh with yourself. It is about being faithful to the version of yourself you said you wanted to become.

Think about it this way. The woman you admire, the one who is consistent, grounded, and steady, did not wake up one day feeling motivated forever. She learnt how to show up even on ordinary days.

Proverbs 13:4 tells us, “The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.” Diligence does not crave excitement. It commits to the process.

So, if the hype has stopped, here is what you can do instead of quitting.

Return to your why. Why did you start?
Create simple routines that support your goal.
Show up imperfectly, but consistently.
Stop waiting to feel inspired again.
Ask God for grace to remain faithful.

Most importantly, stop shaming yourself for struggling. Growth is not a straight line. Discipline is built through repetition, not perfection.

Sis, you do not need another wave of excitement. You need consistency. You need structure. You need the quiet courage to keep going.

Let this be the season where you learn that lasting change is not powered by hype, but by obedience, faithfulness, and discipline.

Because when the hype stops, the real work begins.

Prayer

Lord, help me to remain faithful when my excitement fades. Teach me discipline, patience, and perseverance. Give me the grace to keep showing up, even on days when it feels hard. Strengthen my resolve and help me finish what I have started. Amen.

With love and prayers,
Your big sister in Christ 💛