Redefining Discipline

the interplay of willingness and consistency

Photo by Jason Rosewell on Unsplash

I was having dinner with a new friend the other night and, as we discussed my substack our goals and aspirations, he shared something that caught me off guard.

“Discipline isn’t what you think; it’s not about forcing yourself. It’s exactly what you do—it’s your willingness plus your consistency.”

I used to see discipline as a rigid, punitive force - something to be endured rather than embraced. The word, for me, conjured images of strict rules and harsh consequences. His remarks, however, shifted my perspective on its nature and purpose.

Consistency, as we know, is repetitive action that builds momentum. It’s about showing up every day, especially when we don’t feel like it, and making progress, however small, toward our goals. It’s the accumulation of small, steady efforts that compound over time to produce seemingly miraculous results.

Think about that successful person you admire. I guarantee you behind their achievements lies a foundation of consistent habits and practices. Whether it’s Simone Biles, Brene Brown or Mary Barra, consistency is the common denominator. It’s not about flashes of brilliance; it’s about doing the thing-—>repeatedly.

Consistency alone isn’t enough.

It needs to be paired with a deep-seated willingness—a willingness to do what it takes, even when it’s hard, uncomfortable, or inconvenient. Willingness is about embracing challenges that conspire to get in our way and viewing them as opportunities to grow. It’s the inner drive that gives us momentum, even when external circumstances aren’t favorable.

Willingness requires a mindset shift.

Instead of dreading the hard work, we begin to appreciate it for the strength and resilience it builds within us and for the fact it gets us where we say we want to go.

Willingness transforms consistency from mechanical routine into purposeful pursuit.

When consistency and willingness come together, they create discipline.

(if you know me you know that sentence started 'as ‘if consistency and willingness had a baby it would be discipline’)

Discipline is not punishment, but commitment and resolve. It's recognizing consistent small steps, taken with the right mindset, lead to our goals. Cultivating discipline requires patience and a mental shift. By prioritizing progress over instant results, we build a foundation of deep willingness that enhances all aspects of life.

Key strategies to cultivate and maintain discipline:

📌 Start small; build momentum

I need to not overwhelm myself with massive changes when building discipline. I focus on small, manageable actions I *know* I can do consistently. This approach allows me to gradually strengthen those self-discipline/consistency muscles without burning out.

Remember, as we build momentum through small acts of discipline it grows easier to stick to routines and increase our efforts over time. This is a skill that grows with practice—each seemingly small step re-enforces our ability to stay committed to our goals.

📌 Embrace challenges

Cultivating discipline means developing a willingness to face challenges head-on. Now when we encounter setbacks, we view them as tests of discipline rather than failures. When we maintain discipline in the face of adversity, we move closer to our goals and reinforce our commitment to our Future Selves. Challenges are inevitable—they're also opportunities for growth.

📌 Focus on process, not just outcome

Discipline is about committing to the process, not just the end goal.

FULL STOP.

Focus on what you can do daily to move closer to your target, and trust results will follow.

When willingness meets consistency discipline is created, shifting intention into action.

After the conversation with my friend, I realized I do possess more discipline than I’d realized. I've come to define discipline in a new light as the harmony between my intentions and consistent actions, coupled with unwavering dedication to my priorities.

I now know it’s not about forcing myself into a mold; it’s about creating a present and Future Self that reflect my values and aspirations.

Now you.

• Would you describe yourself as a disciplined human? Why or why not?