Simple ways to become more disciplined
I used to think that being disciplined meant being in grind mode all the time and doing all the things in your to-do list, no matter how drained or exhausted you might be. Being perfect and achieving all your goals but that was far from the truth.
As I started to get burned out, I looked for ways to continue to be disciplined but without the pressure, grind or burden of perfectionism. I found out that being disciplined doesn’t mean doing everything, it means doing the things that matter consistently and sustainably.
Like I said in my previous blog post, “How to plan your week for maximum success”, not every task requires your attention equally, so you have to prioritize and choose what you focus on carefully and effectively.
That’s what real discipline is: not the ability to do everything, but the wisdom and strength to do what truly matters, even when it’s not easy.
Discipline means showing up for yourself, even on the days when motivation is low. It’s choosing long-term growth over short-term comfort. It’s not about forcing yourself through burnout or pushing through just to say you did it. True discipline actually protects you from burnout, because it’s rooted in intention, not pressure.
The more I let go of the unrealistic expectations I placed on myself, the more consistent I became. Discipline, I’ve learned, is less about intensity and more about sustainability.
So, In this edition of my blog, I will be sharing simple ways you can become disciplined without burning yourself out.
1. Write your goals clearly
When you know what you want to accomplish clearly and everything is laid out in front of you, moving forward will not be difficult. The more clarity you have, the easier it becomes to take intentional action. When your goals are vague, it’s easy to procrastinate or feel overwhelmed. But when you break them down and define exactly what success looks like, your path becomes more obvious and much easier to follow. That helps you become more disciplined because it’s meaningful to you, and you feel connected to the bigger purpose behind it.
2. Visualize your goals and success - while also getting specific about failure
Visualization is a powerful motivator to work. It helps you clearly see what you're working toward, making it easier to push through obstacles. But here's what most people miss, the flip side is just as important. Getting brutally honest about failure can be an even stronger motivator. What would your life look like in 6 months if you keep hitting snooze? What opportunities slip away if you never start that project?
Life won't pause while you wait to feel more ready or motivated. If you're not actively building discipline, you're essentially choosing the consequences of staying where you are. The gap between where you are and where you want to be doesn't close itself, it only widens with time. So use both sides of visualization: see the success you want, but also get uncomfortable with the reality of what happens if you don't act. That discomfort is often the push you need to finally start and continue.
3. Be devoted to the life you are building
This is not a game, this is your life. The life that you are going to be living until the day that you die. Every day you choose comfort over growth, every time you hit snooze instead of getting up, every moment you scroll instead of working - you're not just missing a day, you're shaping who you become. Your habits aren't separate from your life; they ARE your life.
You being disciplined isn’t a punishment, it’s your way of showing the love you have for yourself and the life you are building. When you wake up early, you're not depriving yourself of sleep - you're giving yourself time. When you skip junk food, you're not restricting yourself - you're nourishing yourself. When you do the work instead of scrolling, you're not being harsh - you're being kind to your future self. Real discipline feels like care, not punishment. It's the difference between forcing yourself to do something and choosing to do something because you love where it leads.
You are disciplined not for anybody but yourself. All the work you are doing isn’t for anybody but yourself. So choose yourself, choose to be disciplined for yourself. Stop waiting for permission or the right moment. Your life is happening now - show up for it.
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I hope this brought you some clarity and inspiration. Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you in the next edition. Until then, keep growing and showing up for yourself.