I practiced discipline for 4 weeks — This is what I learned [Part 1]

I had always been a person who did things randomly, and random things beautifully. Never had I ever been able to follow a routine before — not even as small as a study routine in school.

I realized that motivation came to me as random bursts of energy — and not like a constant stream. Because of this, I rarely succeeded in inculcating the habits that I wanted to. Although this is true, there are some things that I had been consistent with for years — like programming — and I wondered how. I found out that it was a reward-based system. If you reward yourself for your progress each day you will stick to it.

So about a month ago, I made a perspective shift. Instead of seeing my actions as contributions to long-term goals that may take months to show results, I set benchmarks for each day and completed them no matter what. It was simple, I just had to win each day. This is what I learned in four weeks:

#1 — Discipline is flexible

If you have 8 important tasks to do as per your schedule, but for some unavoidable reason task #6 took you more time than expected, such that it also took the time you allocated for task #7. Instead of getting disheartened about not being able to hit all 8 today, re-prioritize tasks #7 and #8 and complete as many as possible. But also make absolutely sure that you get back on track tomorrow.

Setting up a daily milestone also invites daily anxiety, which you have to avoid.

#2 — Consistency wins over intensity

If you lift 80 pounds on day #1 at the gym, you probably won’t lift it for very long. Similarly, if you start by adding 20 items to your to-do list then you won’t make it. Instead, start with 5 and be consistent with it, then make room for 7.

People who do good every day always outshine the people who do great once in a while.

#3 — People will make fun of you

You will be everyone’s favorite as long as you hit the pubs each weekend, eat junk and stay up nights. Nobody will ever advise you to take care of yourself.

The day you quit alcohol is when everyone becomes a doctor. Each pal around you will try to convince you (and themselves) that this won’t last long. You will be (friendly) mocked.

Jealousy often comes in jokes for the one who tries to escape the average.

#4 — Be cold

Speak less, think more. Show lesser emotions. Being quieter will bail you out of many unnecessary conversations. Keep your plans and thoughts to yourself. This act alone is so powerful that it attracts respect. Everyone around you will sense it.

Speak only if it improves upon the silence.

#5 — It is important to finish the race

Finish everything you start. Earn yourself some respect. It is normal to start things that you no longer find of use midway, and it is okay to drop. But it’s not okay to leave it in the middle. It is better to finish what you started at least once.

Motivation comes and goes, discipline has to stay.

Wrapping Up

Ending this one with a quote from Dr. Jordan B. Peterson’s video. I’ll write more about what I understood about discipline in subsequent blogs. Stay motivated!

If for 10 years you didn’t avoid doing what you knew you needed to do, by your own definitions, what would you be like?