There’s a huge gap between being lazy and being highly disciplined.
The gap is bridged by choice. Being lazy is easy, comfortable, but often unproductive. On the flipside, being disciplined requires effort and commitment, but the rewards can be immense.
The good news is that discipline isn’t a trait you’re born with or without. It’s a habit that anyone can cultivate, even the laziest among us.
I’ve noticed that those who make the leap from laziness to discipline often practice some simple habits. You might find these habits surprisingly straightforward, but don’t be fooled – their simplicity is what makes them powerful.
Let’s dive into these 10 simple habits that transform lazy individuals into highly disciplined achievers.
1) Start small
Transforming from laziness to discipline isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon.
And marathons are won by pacing, not speed.
It’s not about making huge, drastic changes all at once. That’s a surefire way to burnout, and ultimately, failure.
Instead, it’s about making small, manageable changes that gradually build on each other.
This is the concept of micro habits. They are tiny actions that require minimal effort and time. They might seem insignificant in isolation, but with repetition, they can lead to major changes.
Consider the act of flossing. Flossing one tooth a day takes no time at all. But once you’re there with the floss in your hand and in your mouth, you’re likely to floss more teeth. Eventually, you’ll be flossing all your teeth daily without even thinking about it.
Starting with small habits like this can help ease the transition from laziness to discipline. It’s less intimidating, more feasible, and more sustainable.
2) The power of routine
Routine and discipline are two sides of the same coin.
I’ve found in my own life that having a daily routine helps me stay on track, even on days when I’m feeling particularly lazy.
For example, I’ve started a simple morning routine where I get up, make my bed, and then do a quick 10-minute meditation. It might not seem like a lot, but these small actions set the tone for my entire day. They give me a sense of accomplishment first thing in the morning, which then motivates me to tackle other tasks throughout the day.
It’s like a domino effect – once you knock down one small task, it’s easier to knock down the next one, and the next one. Before you know it, you’ve accomplished a lot more than you initially thought possible.
The trick is to make your routine habitual – something you do automatically without even thinking about it. That way, even on your laziest days, you’ll still be able to maintain your discipline.
3) Embrace the discomfort
It’s in our human nature to avoid discomfort. We’re wired to seek out pleasure and safety.
But becoming disciplined often means stepping out of our comfort zones. It involves doing things we don’t necessarily want to do, but know we need to do.
This is where the “Pomodoro Technique” comes in. It’s a time management method developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s. The technique uses a timer to break down work into intervals, traditionally 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks.
The name comes from the Italian word for tomato, after the tomato-shaped kitchen timer that Cirillo used as a university student.
It’s an effective way to manage discomfort because it allows your brain to focus intensely for a short period, knowing there’s a break coming up. This can help you conquer the inertia of starting a task you’re not particularly excited about.
4) Practice mindfulness
Discipline is often seen as a matter of willpower. But there’s more to it than that.
Mindfulness, the practice of being fully present and engaged in the current moment, can be a powerful tool for cultivating discipline.
When we’re mindful, we’re aware of our thoughts, feelings, and actions. We’re not just going through the motions or letting our habits dictate our behavior.
This awareness allows us to make conscious choices about how we spend our time and energy. It also helps us recognize when we’re veering off course and gives us the opportunity to redirect our actions.
Incorporating mindfulness into your daily life doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be as simple as taking a few minutes each day to sit quietly and focus on your breath.
5) Set clear goals
Discipline without direction can feel like running on a treadmill. You’re putting in the effort, but not going anywhere.
That’s where goal setting comes in.
Having clear, specific goals gives your efforts a direction. It gives you something to aim for and keeps you motivated even when the going gets tough.
But not all goals are created equal. The most effective goals are SMART – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
For example, instead of setting a vague goal like “I want to get fit”, a SMART goal would be “I want to run a 5k in under 30 minutes by the end of the year”.
By setting clear and specific goals, you give your discipline a purpose. This makes it easier to stay committed and keep pushing forward even when you don’t feel like it.
6) Be kind to yourself
Discipline is not about punishing yourself or being rigid. It’s about creating structures that help you reach your goals and live the life you want.
And sometimes, life happens. You might miss a workout, eat junk food, or procrastinate on an important task. It’s easy to beat yourself up in these moments, but that’s not what discipline is about.
Remember, discipline is a journey, not a destination. It’s about progress, not perfection.
When you stumble – and you will because we all do – be kind to yourself. Acknowledge your misstep, learn from it, and then let it go.
Beating yourself up over a mistake doesn’t fix the mistake; it just adds more negative energy into the mix. Instead, show yourself some compassion, dust yourself off and get back on track.
Discipline is not about never falling; it’s about always getting back up. So be kind to yourself on this journey. You’re doing the best you can, and that’s all anyone can ask for.
7) Find your ‘why’
Discipline can be tough to maintain, especially when you’re feeling tired or unmotivated. But what keeps you going is your ‘why’.
Your ‘why’ is the reason behind your actions. It’s the deeper purpose that drives you.
For me, I’ve always wanted to write a book. But writing a book is a daunting task. There were days when I felt overwhelmed, days when I doubted myself, days when I just wanted to give up.
But what kept me going was my ‘why’. I wanted to share my experiences, to connect with others, to create something that could potentially make a difference in someone’s life.
Whenever I felt like giving up, I reminded myself of my ‘why’. It rekindled my motivation and gave me the strength to keep going.
Finding your ‘why’ can be a game-changer when it comes to discipline. It gives your actions a sense of purpose and meaning that goes beyond the immediate task at hand.
8) Embrace boredom
In a world filled with endless distractions, boredom has become something we avoid at all costs. We’re constantly scrolling, clicking, and swiping to keep ourselves entertained.
But when it comes to discipline, boredom can actually be your ally.
You see, many of the tasks that require discipline aren’t necessarily exciting. They might be repetitive, mundane, or just plain boring. But they’re important.
Whether it’s practicing a musical instrument, studying for an exam or working out, these tasks require us to sit with our discomfort and push through the boredom.
By embracing boredom, we’re training ourselves to stay focused and committed even when things aren’t exciting or easy. This is a key aspect of discipline.
9) Get a good night’s sleep
It might seem obvious, but it’s often overlooked: a good night’s sleep is crucial for discipline.
Think about it. When you’re tired, it’s much harder to make good decisions or stay focused. Your willpower is depleted, and you’re more likely to give in to temptations or distractions.
But when you’re well-rested, you’re more alert and focused. You can think clearly and make better decisions. You’re also more likely to stick to your routines and follow through on your commitments.
10) Persistence pays off
The road to discipline is not a smooth one. There will be bumps, detours, and roadblocks along the way.
But the key to becoming more disciplined isn’t about avoiding these challenges. It’s about persisting in spite of them.
Persistence is about keeping going when things get tough. It’s about staying committed to your goals and your habits, even when you don’t see immediate results.
It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. Because the truth is, discipline is less about talent or intelligence and more about persistence.
