How to Build Self-Discipline: The Mindset Method

1. Reframe discipline as a function of self-love.
2. Make discipline part of your identity.
3. Reflect this identity in your environment.
4. Internalize the threat of not doing this.
5. Have a good system to start things.
6. Have a good method to sustain things.
7. At some point, the only true path is to just do it (discomfort training).

Even though we may practice self-discipline, it would be often short-lived especially for people who think being disciplined is being an obedient robot. To efficiently build self-discipline, as Struthless puts it, one should reframe his/her mindset that discipline, instead of being a form of obedience, should be a form of self-love.

Example:

Instead of: I should start studying because I don't want to fail. (Sounds like a punishment and looks very enforcing)

Do this: I wanted to be achieve my dreams and I wanted to become ... therefore I'll start studying now. (Looks more positive and encouraging)

An act of self-love eventually results to discipline. An act of discipline will result to self-love and self-respect, and as you may have observe it, is an endless spiral. 

"By acting like somebody you respect, you naturally respect yourself."

Often, we align our actions towards our identity right now, which makes it difficult for new habits to form, rather make these ideas part of your identity. Behavioral change based on identity is the most effective method in forming these habits. Create a new identity that would align with your goals and think of having this identity as inevitable.

Example:

Instead of: I will start exercising today (Introduces a new habit that is not aligned with your identity, making it harder for you to stick with the habit).

Do this: I am an athlete, therefore I will exercise today (Aligns with your goals).

Here are some of the guide questions to consider on identifying your ideal (disciplined) self:

• What does their day look like?
• Where do they live?
• Where do they eat?
• What do they wear?
• What does their week look like?
• What do they do for work?
• Who are they surrounded by?
• What do they think and feel?
• What do they say yes or no to?

Our environment plays a big role as "cues" in developing our habits and actions as it helps us remind in doing things associated with the environment. For example, your environment filled with books and reviewers may encourage you to study. While noisy or distracting environment paired with dim lighting would discourage you to do productive tasks.

This, however, could be put into your advantage by changing your current physical environment into something your disciplined you would look like.

Example:

To prepare for workout tomorrow, I prepare my equipments to encourage me to exercise.

Loss aversion is more effective in gaining self-discipline than gaining something. This is because those things that we lose if we didn't do something are parts of us, and not doing so will provoke one's sense of threat. That is why we have the tendency to do what it takes to prevent ourselves from losing something.

We could use our loss-averse human nature to develop habits that if not done, would lead to a loss or a small punishment.

Example:

If I didn't study for 3 hours today, I will give my friend $10. 

Starting habits is often seen as the difficult part of habit formation. In order to form habits, you could either create a better system for forming habits or eliminating frictions that prevents you from forming your habit.

1. Try starting the habit for at least 5-10 minutes. Although short, as long as you're consistent in doing these habits, you'll more likely to stick with these habits. You could adjust it to longer periods once you got used to it.
2. Integrate the new habit to similar, existing habits for it to easily stick. You could start working out while watching your favorite videos.
3. Make the process enjoyable by rewarding yourself. This helps in prevent yourself from burning out while achieving your goals.
4. Create a cue related to the habit. E.g., you want to study tomorrow, prepare your reviewers today.

Although starting habits play a good role in habit formation, maintaining habits are good in the long term. In this phase, the key is consistency, not perfection. It is better to find sustainable routines aligned with your schedule and time to avoid yourself being burnt out.

1. Focus on identity, not the outcome. Instead of saying "I want to win.", say "I am a winner!", this will help you motivate in maintaining your habits.
2. Celebrate small wins. Although these wins may look very small, but once you constantly progress and go on with your journey, you'll most likely achieve success in maintaining your habits.
3. Focus on consistency, not on perfection.
4. Don't be too hard on yourself. Although it is quite tempting to focus all-day long to a habit assuming that this would drastically improve from it, note that you'll immediately burn out from it. 

For you to form self-discipline in forming habits, you'll just have to do it. Try doing discomfort training where you have to start doing uncomfortable things until you get used to it. 

At the end of the day, what to do on all of this info about self-discipline depends on your hands. All it takes for you to achieve self-discipline and success is to act not tomorrow, not later, but ACT NOW! Every day, you'll have to endure hardships either way, from inaction in your goals or persevering hard for your dreams. Take note, the pain of discipline is lesser than the pain of regret.

One day, all of your blood, sweat, and tears will be worth it and your past and future you will be proud for acting now. They will be waiting for you!