how to actually become disciplined in 9 minutes

Summary

This video script explores the concept of discipline, emphasizing that it is a skill that can be developed over time rather than something people are born with. It highlights the challenges of staying disciplined in a world of distractions, like video games and social media, and compares discipline to leveling up in a video game. By pushing through resistance and tackling small, everyday tasks, one can train their discipline. The script also discusses how discipline is linked to brain function and how small habits and consistent effort lead to big results. Ultimately, discipline is framed as an act of self-love that pays off in the long run.

Takeaways

• 😀 Discipline is difficult, and it takes consistent effort to achieve it. It's not something you are born with; it’s developed over time.
• 🕹️ Discipline is like leveling up in a video game; you must face challenges to get stronger and improve your willpower.
• 📱 Modern society and technology make it harder to stay disciplined, as they condition us to crave comfort and avoid discomfort.
• 👾 Every time you choose to face discomfort (like doing homework), you level up your discipline, similar to slaying a goblin in a game.
• 🏀 You don’t improve discipline by watching others or learning about it—you improve it by consistently practicing and doing the hard tasks.
• 💡 Discipline isn’t just about hard work; it’s about doing the things you don’t want to do to become a better version of yourself.
• 🧠 The anterior midcingulate cortex (AMCC) in your brain controls willpower, and you can grow it by doing things you dislike, like going to the gym.
• 🧹 Small, annoying tasks (like making your bed or doing dishes) are critical for building discipline and should not be overlooked.
• 📅 Set daily, weekly, and non-negotiable goals to strengthen discipline and ensure consistent progress toward your larger goals.
• 💪 Discipline can be seen as an act of self-love, as it involves doing what’s best for your future self, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Q & A

Why is discipline considered so difficult to maintain?

Discipline is difficult because modern technological advancements have conditioned our brains to crave comfort and avoid discomfort, making it harder to push ourselves to do the necessary work.

What role do video games play in understanding discipline?

Video games, particularly RPGs, help illustrate how discipline works, as players start at level zero and must continually face resistance (e.g., fighting goblins) to level up, much like how discipline requires pushing through discomfort to improve.

How can you 'level up' your discipline in real life?

To level up your discipline, you need to face resistance by doing things you don't want to do. Each time you force yourself to complete a task you avoid, you gain discipline experience, similar to leveling up in a video game.

Why is willpower important for discipline?

Willpower, controlled by the anterior midcingulate cortex (AMCC), is crucial for discipline because it allows you to control your actions and pursue long-term goals. Stronger willpower leads to better discipline.

How does the AMCC relate to discipline?

The AMCC, a part of the brain, controls willpower. Studies show that people with larger AMCCs tend to be more disciplined. The size of the AMCC can be influenced by regularly doing difficult tasks, which help grow this part of the brain.

What is the role of small daily disciplines in improving overall discipline?

Small, consistent actions like making your bed or doing dishes help train your discipline. These small tasks create opportunities to practice discipline and, over time, accumulate into larger, more significant improvements.

Why is starting with small tasks important before attempting larger ones?

Starting with small tasks is crucial because they build a foundation for bigger tasks. If you can't manage small disciplines like making your bed, you’re unlikely to succeed in larger ones like studying for long hours or running daily.

What is the concept of non-negotiables in building discipline?

Non-negotiables are tasks you commit to doing every day, no matter what. These could be things like working out a certain number of times per week or doing a set amount of deep work daily, and they help you stay disciplined by setting clear minimum expectations.

How does discipline relate to self-love?

Discipline can be seen as an act of self-love because when you truly respect yourself, you make choices that benefit your future self, such as avoiding harmful habits and doing hard but rewarding tasks.

How does comparing discipline to a buffet scenario help us understand it?

The buffet analogy shows how indulging in easier, more pleasurable tasks (like scrolling TikTok) makes harder tasks (like studying or exercising) seem less appealing. By starting with hard tasks, you train your brain to tolerate discomfort and make harder tasks feel easier.