The art of self-discipline: 5 habits of people who make their dreams a reality

Everyone dreams, but not everyone manages to turn their dreams into reality. What separates these two groups?

Well, the answer is often simpler than we like to believe: self-discipline.

Success isn’t only about talent or luck. More often than not, it’s about sticking to your goals and persisting through obstacles. It’s about making daily choices that will bring you closer to achieving what you aspire to. 

Today, we will explore some routine practices and mindsets of individuals who have mastered the art of self-discipline. These are the people who have learned how to harness their energy and focus on fulfilling their dreams. 

Maybe you’ll see yourself in some of these traits. If not, well, hey, you have something to aim for!

1) They break down large goals into manageable tasks

Imagine for a second that you want to write a book. It’s a daunting task, isn’t it? You might even feel overwhelmed just thinking about it. But what if you break it down? Instead of focusing on writing a whole book, what if you focus on writing a chapter, or even just a page each day?

This is another strategy that disciplined people use to achieve their dreams. They understand that large goals can feel intimidating and unattainable. But when you break them down into smaller, more manageable tasks, they suddenly become achievable.

Let’s stick with the book-writing example. If you write one page a day, you would have written 365 pages by the end of the year – that’s more than enough for a book!

Suddenly, what seemed impossible before is now within your reach.

Breaking down your goals makes them more manageable and less overwhelming. It also makes it easier to track your progress and stay motivated. 

2) They build Systems, not just goals

This is a huge one. Successful people with self-discipline understand that goals are the end result, but it’s the systems they build that drive consistent progress.

This is actually one of the core principles in Atomic Habits by James Clear (a great read by the way) is the idea of focusing on systems rather than goals.

Instead of solely fixating on a specific goal like losing weight or writing a book, they create daily or weekly routines that automatically lead them toward these outcomes. For example, someone who wants to get fit might not just set a goal to lose 20 pounds but instead create a habit of exercising for 30 minutes every morning. This daily practice is the system that supports their long-term goal.

This approach is powerful because it shifts the focus from a distant, sometimes overwhelming target to the daily actions that will eventually get you there. It’s the difference between saying, “I want to write a book” and committing to write 500 words every day. The latter is a system that, over time, ensures the former happens.

By building systems, disciplined people make success inevitable. They create environments and routines that minimize the need for constant decision-making and willpower, which are finite resources. Instead, their habits and systems take over, leading them towards their goals almost effortlessly.

In the end, while goals provide direction, it’s the systems that provide the path to get there. If you’re serious about turning your dreams into reality, think less about what you want to achieve and more about what you do daily to make it happen.

As James Clear puts it, “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”

So ask yourself: Are your daily habits setting you up for success, or are they holding you back?

3) They understand the art of delayed gratification

Have you ever been in a situation where you had to choose between instant pleasure and long-term benefits?

This is where the concept of delayed gratification comes into play. Disciplined people have mastered this art. They’re willing to put off immediate satisfaction in favor of bigger, future rewards.

Let me give you a personal example. A few years ago, I had a choice to make. I could either spend my hard-earned money on a luxurious vacation or invest it in a course that could help advance my career. The vacation offered immediate relaxation and enjoyment, while the course promised long-term career growth and potentially higher earnings. I chose the latter.

It wasn’t easy to see my friends posting pictures from exotic locations while I was burning the midnight oil, studying. But, fast forward to today, and I can confidently say that my decision paid off. My career has taken off, and those vacations that once seemed out of reach are now easily affordable.

Disciplined people understand that success often requires sacrifices in the present for benefits in the future. They resist the temptation of immediate pleasure because they know that their eyes are set on a more significant prize. 

4) They practice mindfulness

I know you might be thinking, “What does mindfulness have to do with discipline?” 

Well, it does have a relationship, as it turns out. Research has found that mindfulness is associated with increased focus and decreased mind-wandering.

Practicing mindfulness allows us to become more aware of our thoughts and actions, which, in turn, helps us make more conscious decisions. Instead of being on autopilot and falling into old habits, we start making choices that align with our goals.

Whether it’s through meditation, mindful eating, or simply taking a few minutes each day to pay attention to your surroundings – practicing mindfulness can help you stay focused on your journey towards achieving your dreams.

5) They embrace failure as learning

“Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better.” – Samuel Beckett

Let me take you back to a time when I was just starting my first business. Like any enthusiastic entrepreneur, I had big dreams and was ready to put in the work.

However, you guessed it. Despite my best efforts, my business failed.

It was a tough pill to swallow and for a moment, I thought about giving up.

However, instead of letting this failure define me, I chose to see it as a learning opportunity. I analyzed what went wrong, learned from my mistakes, and used this knowledge to start another business. This time, armed with lessons from my previous failure, I was successful.

This is a common trait among disciplined people who make their dreams a reality – they don’t fear failure; they embrace it as part of the process. They understand that failures are not setbacks but stepping stones on the path to success.

Instead of viewing failures as the end of the road, they see them as opportunities to learn, grow, and become better.

The Bottom Line

Achieving your dreams isn’t about luck or talent, it’s about hard work, dedication, and most importantly, self-discipline.

By embracing these habits, you’re equipping yourself with the tools to turn your dreams into reality. It won’t be easy, but remember – anything worth achieving rarely is.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on these habits. Have you tried any of them? Do you have any other habits that have helped you achieve your dreams?

Share your experiences and tips in the comments below. Let’s learn from each other and make our dreams a reality together.

What would Marcus Aurelius say?

Unsure what to do next in your career? Struggling to move on from a failed relationship? Searching for more meaning in life?

Marcus Aurelius can tell you how to face your challenges in a more Stoic way.

Simply ask your question, and Marcus Aurelius will answer.

Check it out here.

 

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