Discipline
“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment. – Jim Rohn
When people hear the word "discipline," they often picture someone rising at dawn, pushing through a grueling workout, and eating nothing but chicken and broccoli. They think of Jacko Willink or David Goggins and believe that such discipline is personally out of reach and gifted to a select few.
The truth is discipline can be about anything. Discipline is doing what you plan to do, even when you don’t want to, regardless of the obstacles. Discipline is about doing what needs to be done, even when it’s difficult or uncomfortable, by adhering to a set of principles, routines, or habits.
At some point, we all wish we had more discipline in some area of our lives. Most of us already know what it takes to achieve our goals, but the missing piece often feels like discipline. It’s tempting to believe it’s an innate trait, reserved for a select few. But here’s the powerful truth: discipline isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you learn. It’s not a rare gift; it’s a skill anyone can develop.
Think about it. Every year, the military takes thousands of young recruits, many of them undisciplined 18-year-olds, and transforms them into some of the most disciplined individuals on earth within a matter of months. This proves that discipline can be taught, trained, and grown by anyone willing to learn. Discipline is a skill, and anyone can acquire it.
The Formula for Self-Discipline
Step 1: Set clear rules or standards for yourself. (Start small, manageable, and realistic.)
Step 2: Build a structure and routine that supports these standards.
Step 3: Execute with unwavering consistency—100% commitment, no compromises. Therefore, your standards should start small.
Step 4: Repeat the behavior until it becomes second nature.
Step 5: Gradually expand your commitments as your discipline grows.
Step 6: Stay the course for at least a year to solidify lasting habits.
Learning the skill of discipline is teaching yourself to obey your own orders. It’s one of the most valuable skills you can grow. It’s done by forcing yourself to behave in a disciplined way until you become disciplined.
Knowing what to do is one thing, but the real difference-maker is having the discipline to act on that knowledge consistently. That's what sets success apart from stagnation.
You can never conquer the mountain, until you conquer yourself. What are the things you want to accomplish this year? Where can you use discipline as a bridge to help you grow forward?
Notes that Resonated
Where do I need to do more with less?
Allow yourself the opportunity to get uncomfortable. - Alex Toussaint “You can’t grow without it”
Different is always better than better.
Every rejection opens the door to God’s redirection.
Discipline is reliable; motivation is fleeting.
The routine and discipline or autopilot are what carries us through the times when we aren’t motivated.
“Motivation is the fuel, but discipline is the engine.” – Daniel H. Pink, Drive
Things to read
"Hell, Yeah or No: What's Worth Doing" by Derek Sivers is a collection of short essays that focus on decision-making, productivity, and living intentionally. The author shares a simple, effective framework and ideas for deciding how to spend your time.
Core Takeaway:
The simple yet powerful idea of "Hell yeah or no" (only commit to things that we are truly excited about—things that make us say "Hell yeah!”) encourages readers to prioritize their time and energy on things that deeply resonate with them, helping them lead a more fulfilling and focused life.
Productivity: Time Boxing
I find this tool very helpful. If you do this daily, it’s almost impossible not to be successful at whatever you are trying to accomplish. The key is identifying the most important things and then boxing time in the day to complete them. It seems like a no brainer, but the devil is in the discipline.
“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” - Stephen Covey
Harvard How to Video on TIME BOXING:
Time boxing Template: Start Page
Finisher’s Journal: https://a.co/d/dXRohbx
Plan weekly, knowing your 90-day goal, and completing the Timebox daily will set you up for success. The 90-day goal tied to the daily top 3 are the key here.
Videos to watch
The Formula behind discipline
Top Quotes
The present is all we have to live in or to lose - Marcus Aurelius
“You’ll never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret to success is found in your daily routine.” - John Maxwell
“I go through dozens of notebooks every year and write down everything that occurs to me each day, an idea not written down is an idea lost. When inspiration calls, you’ve got to capture it.” - Richard Branson
Food & Drink
Strawberry “Agua” Fresca- More like fresh strawberry milk (fresa con leche). This is a great treat for kids