The Easy Way to Extreme Discipline: It’s Simpler Than You Think!

Let’s be real…the word discipline doesn’t exactly scream “fun.” It conjures up images of military drills, boring routines, and saying no to dessert (gasp!).

But here’s the twist: extreme discipline doesn’t have to feel like punishment. In fact, it can be ridiculously simple—dare I say, even enjoyable—if you approach it the right way.

Stick with me as we uncover the surprisingly easy path to becoming a disciplined ninja. It’s less about forcing yourself to grind and more about setting yourself up for effortless consistency.

There’s a Myth of Willpower: Why You’ve Been Doing It Wrong

Let’s clear up a big misconception: discipline isn’t about raw willpower. Shocking, right? Willpower is like a phone battery—it drains fast. Research from the American Psychological Association shows that willpower is a finite resource, and relying on it alone is a recipe for burnout.

So, if willpower won’t cut it, what will? Systems.

Discipline is less about self-control and more about self-design. When you create environments, habits, and routines that work for you, discipline becomes automatic. You are making progress and not having to think about it!

I’ve created a routine of splitting my day into 4 quarters. My first quarter, I wake up 4am, work out, pray, write, create content, and do a lot of deep work and thinking. This is my prime time of the day. I just do it. I don’t get caught up in thinking about being tired or not feeling like getting my day going. I just get going. Especially working out. I just do it. I don’t think about it. If I did, I would talk myself out of it. When you set up your life with a plan and stick to the script, you stop thinking about how you feel and your emotions behind it…you just do it.

Schedule everything including sleep and fun. Even if you need to put an alarm on your phone to remind you, do what you can to stay on schedule. It’s a little effort that will go a long way!

Let’s talk about A few steps that I have used to keep me on track and may help you too:

Step 1: Tiny Habits, Big Results

Want to know a secret? You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight to achieve extreme discipline. Start small—so small it feels laughable.

Take it from Stanford researcher BJ Fogg, who found that building habits works best when you start tiny. Want to exercise daily? Begin with one push-up. Yes, one. It’s not about the push-up itself—it’s about proving to yourself that you’re the kind of person who shows up.

Pro Tip: Pair a new habit with an existing one. For example:

• After brushing your teeth, do that one push-up.

• After pouring your coffee, write down one thing you’re grateful for.

This technique, called “habit stacking,” creates effortless consistency.

Step 2: Automate the Hard Stuff

Discipline becomes easy when you remove decision fatigue. I have a hard time making decisions sometimes. Studies show that adults make around 35,000 decisions per day, and every choice drains your mental energy.

Want to conserve that energy for what matters? Automate everything you can:

• Set up routines: Wear the same style of clothes like Steve Jobs or plan your meals for the week. I totally do this one. I wear very similar clothes each day and I eat the same thing every day. I know that sounds boring, but I save a ton of time, money and sanity trying to figure out what to wear and make for nourishment. I go with what makes my body feel best and be most confident.

• Use tools: Apps like Notion or even a good old-fashioned calendar can keep you on track without overthinking. I’ve put together a spreadsheet with weekly tabs to keep track of all of the important things I need to accomplish. This is where I place my 1-3 key tasks per day that are necessary to get accomplished and get out of that crazy to do list!

• Limit temptations: If you don’t want to eat junk food, don’t buy it in the first place. I only buy the items I eat every day. I know what foods work for me and I only buy those items. I know I’m addicted to sugar which I’ve eliminated from my life. It’s a tough one for me. I’m sure many of you can relate.

When I’m shopping, although I’m often tempted. I basically tell myself “No” like a child and walk on. If it doesn’t go home with me, then I can overcome anything. Once it’s in my possession and in my cabinet. It’s a trigger a BIG Trigger that I have a tough time fighting.

By eliminating unnecessary decisions, you’ll have more energy to focus on your goals.

Step 3: The 80/20 Rule of Discipline

Did you know that 80% of your results come from just 20% of your efforts? This is the Pareto Principle in action, and it’s a game-changer for discipline.

Identify the handful of habits that give you the biggest return on investment. For example:

• In fitness: Focus on compound exercises (like squats or deadlifts) instead of endless bicep curls.

• In productivity: Spend your best energy on deep work, not busywork. Busywork is your enemy. 

When you zero in on the habits that move the needle, discipline feels less overwhelming.

Step 4: Reward Yourself (Yes, Really!)

Contrary to popular belief, discipline isn’t about being a joyless robot. Rewarding yourself is actually a critical part of staying consistent.

Why? Because rewards create positive reinforcement. Neuroscience shows that dopamine spikes when you anticipate a reward, making you more likely to repeat the behavior.

Here’s how to make rewards work for you:

• Micro-rewards: After finishing a task, take a 5-minute break or enjoy a treat.

• Macro-rewards: Hit a big milestone? Treat yourself to something meaningful, like a spa day or a fancy dinner.

Step 5: Embrace the Boring Days

Let’s face it: some days, discipline feels meh. You’re not motivated, the task feels dull, and skipping it is oh-so-tempting. But here’s the thing:
Discipline is about showing up, especially when it’s boring.

Elite performers know this. NBA superstar Kobe Bryant once said, “I don’t get bored with the basics.” Whether it’s shooting free throws or practicing scales on a piano, mastery comes from embracing repetition.

Here’s a mental trick: Instead of thinking, I have to do this, switch to I get to do this. Reframing tasks as opportunities can make even the mundane feel meaningful.

Let’s hit pause to look at some Surprising Stats About Discipline

1. 92% of people fail to keep their New Year’s resolutions (University of Scranton). The problem? They focus on goals instead of systems.

2. People with high self-discipline are 24% happier because they focus on long-term rewards (Journal of Personality).

3. Habits account for up to 45% of our daily actions, meaning they’re a huge part of whether we succeed or fail (Duke University).

The Secret Sauce is Identity-Based Discipline

Here’s where the magic happens: Instead of focusing on what you want to do, focus on who you want to become.

James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, explains it this way:

• Don’t say, “I want to run a marathon.” Say, “I am a runner.”

• Don’t say, “I want to save money.” Say, “I am financially responsible.”

When your actions align with your identity, discipline feels effortless because it’s simply who you are.

Final Thoughts: Discipline Made Easy

Extreme discipline isn’t about gritting your teeth and powering through life. It’s about making small, intentional changes that add up over time.

• Design systems, not goals.

• Start small and celebrate often.

• Embrace boring days as part of the process.

Remember: Discipline isn’t a punishment—it’s a gift you give to your future self. So, what small step will you take today? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to cheer you on!

If you find this content valuable, please consider subscribing!

Three things to ALWAYS remember:

Be CONFIDENT!

Be EMPATHETIC!

AND ALWAYS HAVE PASSION!!!!

Sources:

• American Psychological Association, “The Science of Willpower”

• BJ Fogg, Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything

• James Clear, Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

• Duke University, “Habits and Decision-Making”