How to Be More DISCIPLINED - 6 Ways to Master Self Control

Summary

In this video, the speaker outlines six essential strategies for improving self-discipline. He starts by defining self-discipline and differentiating it from motivation, emphasizing the importance of acting in accordance with long-term goals despite current feelings. The strategies include adopting a new identity aligned with desired behaviors, consistently reminding oneself of their purpose, embracing discomfort, prioritizing fundamental needs like sleep and nutrition, considering meditation for emotional regulation, and building new habits incrementally. The speaker also suggests taking on independent learning projects to further develop self-discipline.

Takeaways

• 😀 Self-discipline is about taking action despite feelings and living life by design rather than default.
• 🔄 Self-discipline differs from motivation; motivation is the desire to do something, while discipline is the ability to do it regardless of feelings.
• 🆕 Focus on changing your identity rather than just the external outcome to achieve behavior change.
• 📚 James Clear's book 'Atomic Habits' emphasizes the importance of identity shift for self-discipline.
• 🤔 Humans have a natural compulsion to act consistently with their past decisions, as explained in Robert Cialdini's 'Influence'.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Embrace discomfort and resistance as a way to build self-discipline, similar to physical exercise.
• 🛌 Prioritize the fundamentals of health such as sleep, nutrition, and exercise for better self-discipline.
• 🧘‍♀️ Meditation can improve self-discipline by helping regulate emotions and make rational decisions.
• 📈 Start small and track progress when building new habits to improve self-discipline over time.
• 🎓 Engage in independent learning projects to develop new skills and enhance self-discipline.
• 🎁 Brilliant.org offers active learning in subjects like computer science, which can aid in problem-solving and self-discipline development.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is about six strategies for improving self-discipline.

What is the definition of self-discipline according to the video?

Self-discipline is about leaning into resistance, taking action in spite of how you feel, living life by design, not by default, and acting in accordance with your thoughts, not your feelings.

How does self-discipline differ from motivation as explained in the video?

Motivation is the overall level of desire to do something, whereas discipline is the ability to do it regardless of how you feel.

What is the first strategy mentioned in the video for building self-discipline?

The first strategy is to focus on the change in identity you want to happen, rather than the external outcome or goal.

What book is recommended in the video for understanding the concept of identity change?

James Clear's book 'Atomic Habits' is recommended.

Why is it important to frequently remind yourself of why you're being disciplined?

It is important to have a strong 'why' for your actions to do them consistently, and reminding yourself of this 'why' helps maintain motivation and focus.

What is an example of a discipline practice mentioned in the video?

Taking cold showers is an example of a discipline practice mentioned in the video as it helps in embracing discomfort and building self-discipline.

How does the video suggest targeting the fundamentals first to improve self-discipline?

The video suggests focusing on the biological necessities of life such as sleep, nutrition, and exercise habits, as they are crucial for the brain's executive functioning.

What is the role of meditation in improving self-discipline according to the video?

Meditation, specifically compassion training, has been shown to help people improve their levels of self-discipline by better regulating their emotions and making rational decisions.

Why is building new habits suggested as a strategy for improving self-discipline?

Building new habits requires self-discipline in the initial stages as the behavior isn't automatic yet, and this process helps establish the habit while also improving self-discipline.

What is the learning platform recommended in the video for independent learning projects?

Brilliant.org is the learning platform recommended in the video for anyone wanting to learn math, science, and computer science more effectively.