The 5 Rules Of Discipline

How do I stay disciplined?
Let’s see how I apply the 5 Rules of Discipline.

And why I don’t watch Netflix

1.    Practice Self-Restraint

Yes, we live in a society that’s all about instant gratification.
But that doesn’t mean we have to follow along.

Accountability is a great tool, right?

So, instead of doing what society pushes us to do, let’s try this:
→    Say no to distractions
→    Say no to cravings
→    Say no to… Netflix, sometimes — like I do

It’s all about resisting what pulls you away from your true path.
When we say no even when we don’t have to, it’s easier to say no when we do.

2.    Stay Mindful

When we dwell on the past, it’s hard to stay disciplined.
When we’re hyper-focused on the future, it’s the same.
So let’s try to focus on the present moment.
When your mind wanders, gently guide it back to what’s happening now.
Is that easy?
Nope! That’s why I practice Zen meditation.
Just 20 minutes a day.
It’s all about practicing deep focus.

3.    Commit to Practice

This third rule aligns with the previous one.
To stay mindful, we need practice.
So, let’s commit to our mindfulness practice regularly.
And that doesn’t mean we have to meditate.

Mindfulness can be:
→    Praying
→    Self-reflection
→    Mindful eating
→    Mindful walking
→    Paying attention to your environment
→    Talking to yourself out loud (like I do)
→    Spending time in nature and being aware of its sounds and colors
Just make sure to practice regularly.

4.    Embrace Change

The only thing that won’t change is the process of change.
Right?
So, let’s accept that change is inevitable.
When things get tough, remember that it’s just part of the journey.
Use radical acceptance — just accept it.
It’s liberating.
And it makes you more disciplined.
Why?
Because you don’t have to think about other stuff.
You just do it!

5.    Find Your Balance

Let’s remember:
→    “Find YOUR balance”
not
→    “Find balance”

Balance is subjective, right?
If I tell you my “balance”, it’s probably quite different from yours 🙂
Even though we probably have similar values.
We have similar values, right?
Anyway, I love speed — and patience.

My balance is often based on two ingredients:
→    Daily speed
→    Long-term impatience

That’s what makes me disciplined.
And what about you?
What makes you disciplined?