TMS #033: The Discipline Paradox

Read time: 4 minutes

Have you ever thought about the paradox of discipline? If you're like me, the word "discipline" probably makes you cringe. It sounds like something from a Victorian schoolhouse or military barrack. Something designed to make you feel bad and push you in a direction you don't want to go. Yet somehow, it's also what gives you freedom.

Discipline enables you to achieve your goals and do your best work. But at the same time, it can also hold you back from reaching those same goals. Discipline can be hard when you're tired or stressed out. So how do you get the most out of being disciplined? How do you get into a healthy routine without feeling like an instructor is drilling you?

Why is it so hard to be disciplined?

To understand why discipline is so hard, we must first look at the different ways of motivation.

There are two main types of motivation: internal and external.

Internal motivation comes from within yourself. It is usually self-generated or self-sustained. For example: "I want to be healthy because I enjoy feeling good".

External motivation comes from outside sources like rewards or punishments. For example: "If I don't go on a diet, my doctor will tell me I'm at risk for heart disease".

Some people are more internally motivated than others. Some people are more externally motivated than others. Some people move forward because of a mix of both internal and external forces.

When you know what makes you tick, you can determine how to reach your goals best.

The discipline paradox

The discipline paradox is a phenomenon in which strict boundaries and rules lead to greater freedom.

It is easy to fall into the trap that discipline means putting on more rules. But it's about learning to make better decisions about what you want from life and setting goals that help you get there.

The first step? Setting SMART goals:

• Specific

• Measurable

• Attainable (with deadlines)

• Relevant/relevant for your personal growth or career path and

• Time-bound (with deadlines).

Then make sure the goals align with who you are as an individual. If they don't mean enough to you to get you out of your comfort zone every single day, then they aren't worth doing at all.

The next step is learning how to stay focused on your goals. One of the most effective ways is using an accountability partner. This person can be a friend, family member, coworker, or even your boss. They will hold you accountable for reaching your goals. They will help you when things get complicated. But remember that this person should also be someone who holds themselves accountable. If they don't do what they say they will do or don't keep their word, then there's no point in having them as an ally!

How to get the most out of being disciplined

To get the most out of being disciplined, you need to be consistent. You need to set goals and achieve them. You need to set up a daily routine that gives you time for reflection and self-care but also leaves room for surprises.

If this sounds like a lot of work, that's because it is! But if you want your life to be better than it is now - if you want more freedom at work, more flexibility with family and friends, and less stress - the effort you put in now will pay off in the long run.

As with any method or strategy for self-discipline, don't compare yourself to others with different needs or priorities. Remember that no matter how hard you try in life, whether working out or learning French, there will always be times when things go wrong, you make big mistakes, or life throws you another curveball that is outside your plans. These moments can feel especially crushing when they come during times when everything seemed so perfect. But these hard times will pass, too. And if the only good thing that comes out of them is that they teach us something that helps us become more self-aware, then even the bad times could be worth something.

Don't be hard on yourself

Discipline is essential, but you don't have to be hard on yourself.

The discipline paradox is about setting strict boundaries and then being flexible. It's about having a plan but also being flexible with it. Discipline means you know what you want and how to get there. But if something requires you to be flexible, do so without beating yourself up about it. Don't let that one thing ruin everything you've done so far.

You can learn discipline as much as any other skill: through practice, patience, persistence, repetition (and maybe even some outside help). Don't give up!

Conclusion

It would be helpful if you were disciplined, but you should not be too hard on yourself. If you struggle with discipline, try out some of the strategies I've presented in this article. They help you set better boundaries and become more productive in your work and personal life - without feeling like a slave driver!

Keep Evolving,

Christian Founder - MindtutorialFollow The Real Me on LinkedIn

Remember: You’re just one habit away!

TL;DR

The Discipline Paradox

1. Identify internal and external motivators

2. Determine what makes you tick

3. Embrace discipline paradox for freedom

4. Set SMART goals

5. Use an accountability partner

6. Be consistent and flexible

7. Don't be hard on yourself

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