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New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor has blown peoples’ minds with his elegant explanation of the difference between motivation and discipline. Fans were even more impressed by the fact that he said it during a casual interview with a gaggle of journalists to promote the All-Star game.
The 31-year-old Francisco Lindor, who is playing in the fifth MLB All-Star game of his career — his first witht the New York Mets and as a starter in the game, however —
“I’m not motivated, I’m disciplined,” Lindor explained during the All-Star Game media availability on Monday when asked what keeps him motivated during a “long and difficult season.”
“Motivation comes and goes. I’m disciplined in what I’m going to do day in and day out. I do it so my kids can see me, that Dad goes out there every day and just works as hard as he can because he wants to be the best.”
“I’m not motivated. I’m disciplined. Motivation comes and goes.”
Francisco Lindor talks about his discipline over the course of the season: pic.twitter.com/f3WPuTkQxO
— SNY (@SNYtv) July 14, 2025
“Most profound thing I’ve heard an athlete say in a long time and he just says it casually at an all-star game availability,” summarized one viral reply to Lindor’s comment.
most profound thing I’ve heard an athlete say in a long time and he just says it casually at an all-star game availability lol https://t.co/ai0iQ0iDuD
— Bobby Wagner (@bwags) July 14, 2025
Even Xavier men’s basketball coach Richard Pitino, son of the legendary Rick Pitino, chimed in to say that he “loved” Lindor’s explanation of discipline versus motivation.
Love it https://t.co/lge0Glypdn
— Richard Pitino (@XUCoachPitino) July 14, 2025
“At the risk of getting sappy on main, this Lindor clip is required viewing. He talks about not relying on motivation — just discipline — and wanting his kids to see that. I feel that. Quiet, consistent habits. Showing up every day. That’s the key to accomplishing anything worth accomplishing and the best lesson I can pass on to my kiddos,” added another fan.
It’s answers like that, plus his leadership and quality on the field, that has New York Mets fans calling for Lindor to be named the club’s first team captain since the retirement of franchise legend David Wright.
Through the first half of the 2025 MLB season, Lindor is batting .260 with 19 home runs, 54 RBIs and 99 hits, while also leading the Mets to a 55-42 record.