Introduction

A short book by Curtis Leone talks about the reasons most of lack the self-discipline needed to achieve our goals and steps to be taken in order to improve it. This book can be found here.

Summary

  • self-discipline is the control you have over your emotions, behaviours, etc.
  • willpower is your ability to decide and start on the course towards your goal.
  • willpower helps you get started, whereas self-discipline keeps you on the course.
  • some points about self-discipline:
    • it is not something your born with, but have developed through practice and hardwork.
    • bad experiences in our past prohibit us from thinking positively and shape negative behaviours in us
    • fear of failing often keeps us from taking initiatives, which keeps us from developing self-discipline
    • having low self-esteem and self-confidence will make you unaware of your strengths in getting things done
    • lack of purpose or a goal in life can also make you lose self-discipline
  • make sure you:
    • have a good reason for developing self-discipline (helps you keep going)
    • know what you want and why you want it
  • don't wait for the "right time" to get started on something
    • in order to break an old habit and make a new one, we need to actively start using our decision making ability
    • stop making excuses to delaying tasks
    • when you are making excuses, try to first find the real reason behind them
  • prepare an action plan detailing the steps needed to achieve your goal
    • anticipate potential roadblocks and strategies to overcome them
    • keep tracking your progress and make amendments to the plan if necessary
    • if mistakes are made don't blame yourself. Instead, look at how to learn from your mistakes
  • work on overcoming your temptations
    • detach from the attractions
    • envision yourself resisting the temptations
    • compare immediate gratification against long-term benefits of not giving into them
  • motivate and nurture yourself
    • reward yourself with something else when you don't give in to the temptations
    • take care of your health
    • reduce stress in your life