You're NOT Lazy! The Science of Building Unbreakable Self Discipline

Summary

The video discusses the importance of discipline and self-trust, highlighting the brain's anterior mid cingulate cortex's role in habit formation. The speaker emphasizes that action is crucial for building self-confidence and achieving goals. Breaking promises to oneself undermines trust, so it's essential to commit fully to goals but also be forgiving when lapses occur. By reducing shame and guilt, individuals can create sustainable habits. The video also shares insights from interviews with experts like Chris Williamson and Andrew Huberman, who provide practical strategies for developing resilience and discipline.

Takeaways

• 😅 Trusting yourself is crucial, similar to trusting a friend who consistently keeps their promises.
• 🧠 The anterior mid cingulate cortex in the brain grows when people do things they don't want to do, enhancing discipline and resilience.
• 💪 To build discipline, it's essential to take action first, even if it's small, and to avoid leading with positivity alone.
• 📅 Making and keeping small promises to yourself daily builds self-confidence and reduces self-doubt.
• 🚫 Letting go of negativity is as important as avoiding it, especially when you break promises to yourself. Avoid shame and guilt spirals.
• 🔄 Consistently committing to your goals, even after setbacks, helps maintain momentum and self-discipline.
• 🏅 Building discipline involves engaging in activities that challenge you and stepping out of your comfort zone regularly.
• 🙌 Developing a practice of self-compassion when breaking promises helps to avoid negative cycles and encourages recovery.
• 📝 Setting achievable, manageable goals, like short workouts or brief meditations, can foster long-term habit formation.
• 🔍 Understanding the thinking process behind breaking promises can help recalibrate and prevent future occurrences.

Q & A

What is the main issue discussed in the script regarding personal discipline?

The script discusses the issue of personal discipline and the importance of being consistent in showing up as the person one knows they are capable of being. It highlights the problem of breaking promises to oneself and the negative impact this has on self-trust, self-confidence, and discipline.

What brain structure is mentioned in the script that is associated with the feeling of discomfort when doing things we don't want to do?

The anterior mid singulate cortex is the brain structure mentioned in the script. It is said to get bigger when people do something they don't want to do, which is associated with the development of willpower and the will to live.

What is the advice given by Chris Williamson to build discipline and self-confidence?

Chris Williamson advises to start with action and make small promises to oneself that are not broken. He emphasizes the importance of being okay with oneself when a promise is broken, to avoid the negative cycle of shame and guilt, and to recommit to the action with full commitment.

How does the script relate the concept of trust in a friend to trust in oneself?

The script uses the analogy of a friend who consistently shows up late or not at all to illustrate the loss of trust in oneself when one repeatedly breaks promises to themselves. It suggests that just as we would stop trusting a friend in such a situation, we also lose trust in ourselves when we fail to keep our commitments.

What is the significance of the 'anterior mid singulate cortex' in the context of building discipline?

The anterior mid singulate cortex is significant because it grows when we do things we don't want to do, indicating that it may be a key area in the brain for developing willpower and discipline. It suggests that by intentionally putting ourselves in challenging situations, we can strengthen this area and build resilience.

What is the role of 'shame and guilt' in the process of habit change according to the script?

According to the script, shame and guilt play a negative role in habit change. They create a cycle of negativity that can weigh a person down, making it harder to create the desired change. The script advises to let go of these feelings when a habit change is not successful, to avoid adding resistance to the process.

How does the script suggest dealing with the failure to keep a promise to oneself?

The script suggests that when one fails to keep a promise to oneself, they should be 100% okay with it, without indulging in shame or guilt. It emphasizes the importance of learning from the experience, recalibrating the thinking process, and recommitting to the goal with full commitment.

What is the importance of 'action' in building discipline as discussed in the script?

Action is important in building discipline because it creates undeniable proof that one is willing to do what they said they would do. It is the starting point for developing self-confidence and self-discipline, and it helps in building a foundation of trust in oneself.

What is the role of 'positivity' in the process of building discipline as per the script?

The script suggests that leading with positivity, especially for those with a strong sense of self-criticism, may not be effective. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of letting go of negativity and not adding more negativity when a habit change is not successful.

How does the script relate the concept of 'universal income' to the idea of removing resistance for habit change?

The script references the idea of universal income as a way to remove the primal state of fear and suffering caused by the need to work for survival. It suggests that when basic needs are met, people may become inspired to take action and change habits without the resistance caused by survival pressures.

What are some practical strategies suggested in the script for building discipline and overcoming resistance?

The script suggests practical strategies such as setting small, achievable goals, choosing actions that are uncomfortable but desired, and committing to them without adding negativity when they are not achieved. It also emphasizes the importance of learning from failures and recommitting to the plan without shame or guilt.