I’ve always admired highly disciplined people. They seem to have a certain rhythm to their lives that I crave. And I’ve noticed that much of their success comes down to their evening habits.
Psychology tells us that our evening behaviors play a significant role in our overall discipline. And it seems like the most disciplined amongst us have cracked the code.
So, I thought, why not delve into these behaviors? Let’s explore the seven evening habits of highly disciplined people, as backed by psychology.
Put on your comfy slippers, grab a cup of tea (or wine!), and join me in discovering how to end our days productively and wake up ready to conquer the world. Who knows, maybe we can pick up a few tips along the way.
Let’s dive in.
1) They prioritize winding down
One of the most striking things about highly disciplined people is how they prioritize their evenings. It’s not all about hustling till midnight. Nope, they understand the importance of winding down.
Psychology supports this too. Quality downtime in the evening is vital for a good night’s sleep and overall well-being. It’s our body’s time to recharge and prepare for the next day.
These disciplined individuals might engage in calming activities like reading, meditating, or listening to soothing music. The goal is simple: transition from the hustle of the day to a restful evening.
But remember, it’s not about copying someone else’s routine verbatim. It’s about finding what works best for you. So, experiment with different ways of winding down until you find your sweet spot.
After all, the secret to becoming highly disciplined isn’t just about working hard, but also knowing when to slow down.
2) They plan for the next day
Let me share a little habit of mine. Every evening before I go to bed, I take out my planner and jot down what I want to achieve the following day. It started as an experiment but soon became a ritual.
Guess what? I found out that highly disciplined people do something similar.
Planning the night before gives these high-achievers a headstart on the next day. It’s like laying out the roadmap for tomorrow today. When they wake up, they already know their priorities and can dive right into productive work.
Psychology backs this up too, suggesting that planning can reduce stress and increase productivity. It helps us focus on what’s important and ignore distractions.
If you’re looking to boost your discipline, consider planning your day the night before. You might be surprised at how much more smoothly your days run. Trust me, it works!
3) They avoid screens before bed
This one might sting a bit, especially for us night owls who love to binge-watch our favorite shows or endlessly scroll social media before hitting the sack. But here’s the deal: highly disciplined people often avoid screens before bed.
You see, our electronic devices emit what’s known as blue light. This type of light messes with our circadian rhythm – our body’s internal clock that tells us when to sleep and when to wake up.
In fact, exposure to blue light in the evening can trick our brains into thinking it’s still daytime, making it harder for us to wind down and fall asleep.
These disciplined folks understand this and make a conscious effort to swap screens for more sleep-friendly activities. Maybe it’s time we followed suit?
4) They maintain a regular sleep schedule
Discipline isn’t just about what you do, but also about when you do it. Highly disciplined people understand the importance of a consistent routine, especially when it comes to sleep.
Having a regular sleep schedule is like setting an internal clock. You go to bed at the same time, wake up at the same time, and your body loves the predictability. It knows when to wind down and when to gear up for the day.
Psychology suggests that maintaining a regular sleep schedule can lead to better quality sleep, improved mood, and increased productivity.
If you’re looking to up your discipline game, you might want to consider setting (and sticking to) a regular sleep schedule. It might just be the ticket to waking up refreshed and ready to seize the day.
5) They practice gratitude
I have to be honest, there were times in my life when I felt overwhelmed by the weight of the world. It felt like everything was going wrong and I was stuck in a never-ending spiral of negativity.
Then, I started practicing gratitude.
Each evening, I would write down three things that I was thankful for that day. Some days, it was as simple as a good cup of coffee or a chat with an old friend. On other days, it was something bigger like achieving a personal goal or receiving good news.
And here’s the thing: highly disciplined people often have a similar habit. They take time every evening to reflect on their day and express gratitude. It could be through journaling, meditation, or simply taking a few moments to think about what went well.
Psychology tells us that practicing gratitude can boost our overall happiness, reduce stress, and even improve our sleep.
It’s a small habit with big benefits. And who knows? It might just make your life a little brighter too.
6) They keep their environment tidy
Ever walked into a cluttered room and felt your stress levels rise? You’re not alone. Messy surroundings can be a significant cause of stress and distraction.
Highly disciplined people often keep their environment tidy, especially their workspace or the areas where they spend most of their evening time. A clean space is not just visually appealing; it also helps them focus better and feel more relaxed.
In fact, psychology supports this too. Studies indicate that a clean and organized space can improve our mood, productivity, and even our sleep quality.
If you’re aiming for high discipline, consider tidying up as part of your evening routine. You might just wake up feeling more refreshed and ready to conquer the day.
7) They take care of their physical health
At the end of the day, everything we’ve talked about comes down to one fundamental thing: taking care of our physical health.
Highly disciplined people understand this. They prioritize healthy behaviors like regular exercise, balanced meals, and sufficient sleep. They know that their body is their most important asset, and they treat it with the respect it deserves.
Psychology backs this up, linking good physical health with better mental performance, improved mood, and yes, higher levels of discipline.
If there’s one thing you take away from this, let it be this: Your physical health is crucial. Nurture it, respect it, and prioritise it. Your discipline – and overall well-being – depends on it.
Final thoughts: It’s about balance
In understanding the behaviors of highly disciplined people, we’re reminded that the essence of discipline isn’t about rigidity or deprivation. It’s about balance.
The evening habits we’ve explored serve as a testament to this balance. It’s not just about productivity and planning; it’s also about rest, reflection, and self-care.
Psychology, in its exploration of human behavior and habits, continually emphasizes the importance of a balanced approach to life. A balance between work and rest, solitude and socialization, activity and relaxation.
As we journey towards becoming more disciplined, let’s remember to strive for balance. Because at the end of the day, true discipline is about maintaining a healthy rhythm that supports our overall well-being.
Becoming highly disciplined doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process, a journey. So take these habits one at a time, experiment with them, and find the right balance that works for you.
After all, the journey to discipline is as personal as it is universal.
