Discipline
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Surround yourself with people who embody the traits you strive for and cut ties with those who bring you down.
People who bring you down are not worth your time.
one person who lived it
Start with one push-up on day one and increase by one each subsequent day.
The initial task is easy enough that you will want to do more, but you should resist doing so; eventually you will reach and exceed your goal.
one person who lived it
Start small and build discipline from there.
We tend to judge ourselves on thoughts but others on actions.
one person who lived it
Write down your tasks, goals, and the reasons behind them.
Getting these things out of your head makes them feel more real, prevents you from forgetting them, and increases the likelihood that you will complete them.
2 people, independently
Tell yourself 'this is fun' while doing boring tasks to potentially rewire your brain to enjoy them.
One person reports this mantra helps them enjoy work.
- Some question if this works when your body and brain know you are lying.
one person who lived it
Plan your day every morning using the ABC-method to focus on tasks.
It allows you to add or remove items from your list as the day progresses.
one person who lived it
- Structure your day by creating a schedule, a to-do list, and specific time blocks for your activities.4
Gradually build upon small habits so they last longer.
I promise whatever you will build would last longer.
one person who lived it
Try tea as an alternative to coffee for alertness without the intense hit.
Tea helps you feel alert but does not hit as hard as coffee.
one person who lived it
Make reviewing your planner a keystone habit to increase productivity.
One person reported this seriously changed their life and helped them get much more done.
- This is based on one person's experience.
one person who lived it
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Start with small, tiny changes to build a positive feedback loop that encourages sticking with new habits.
Seeing that you can perform the action sends a positive signal to your brain.
one person who lived it
Do a simple organizing task in the morning, such as making your bed, to create a ripple effect of organization throughout your day.
It is considered a keystone habit that ripples through the whole day.
one person who lived it
Keep a positive mindset and attitude.
Mindset and attitude are key to dealing with adversity.
one person who lived it
Move your phone to another room when you need to focus on work.
7 people, independently
Remind yourself that you will improve with time to make boring practice sessions feel more rewarding.
Knowing you are getting better by showing up makes the process rewarding even without immediate breakthroughs.
one person who lived it
Create a list of small tasks that can be finished in a few minutes to complete before relaxing.
Getting something done leads to feeling satisfied or happier when sitting down to relax.
one person who lived it
Eliminate reliance on motivation and focus on discipline, especially when conditions are difficult.
One person reported running in the rain with zero motivation by relying entirely on discipline.
one person who lived it
Rely on self-discipline and small, consistent routines rather than waiting for motivation.
Motivation is inconsistent and comes and goes.
one person who lived it
Commit to going to the gym even when difficult, as it can revolutionize fitness and diet, leading to more energy and time for other projects.
It resulted in more energy and time dedicated to business side projects
one person who lived it
Enforce internet breaks by using a timer on your plug or having someone else hold the password to a child lock on your computer.
one person who lived it
Train in distracting environments to build discipline independent of context.
This builds capability regardless of situation rather than depending on external aids like music.
one person who lived it
Reframe challenges as fun experiences to make changing yourself enjoyable.
one person who lived it