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Why Self-Discipline is so Hard
Self-discipline and habits
To change a habit, both we and the environment have to change, and that's why self-discipline is so hard.
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Key Ideas
The virtue of self-control
Defining self-discipline
We associate this process with some sort of "will" or "willpower", though what these really mean is not that obvious.
Making decisions
The difficulty thus lies in delaying gratification.
Behind decision-making
But the most immediate cause of any of our actions can be traced back to our brain activity.
The role of dopamine
Some specific cues found in our environment hint to a potential reward and dopamine starts to raise anticipation. So dopamine is the one responsible to make us take action towards a specific goal.
Dopamine and rewards
Self-discipline and habits
To change a habit, both we and the environment have to change, and that's why self-discipline is so hard.
The role of education
An individual can be changed through education.
We have so little control over the biology that determines our desires. But the part of our biology that is more malleable is our brain.
The product of our environment
By acknowledging this, we can start finding alternative opportunities for learning and for satisfying our needs.
SIMILAR ARTICLES & IDEAS:
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Key Ideas
First Principles
Not A New Idea
For example, Aristotle believed that you could not possess true knowledge without first understanding the first principles. He thought that everything could be divided into categories and sub-categories (the smallest of them being the equivalent for first principles).
Reason And Experience
An empiricist is a person that believed all true knowledge is based and obtained through experience.
The process of seeking knowledge through experience and making use of reason to give it structure it how we can find the first principles of a subject.
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Key Idea
Why you should plan to plan ahead for retirement.
- Getting stuck in the savings mindset. Saving should be formed as a habit. The amount saved can be increased over time.
- Medical emergencies. With increasing age comes...
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Key Ideas
Trouble following social distance
The likely reason we find it difficult to follow social distancing or stay-at-home orders may be "action bias."
When we need to solve problems, we tend to take action in order to feel in ...
Doing something or doing nothing
When we are faced with a decision, we often make the wrong choice.
For instance, during uncertain times, investments experts remind us that we should either buy or hold, but not sell. Yet most investors sell out of fear that they'll lose more money.
Celebrate inaction
Our cultural values tend to reinforce action bias. If we do nothing, we might be criticized for inaction, while doing something seems like you are at least trying.
We should learn to value inaction when it's appropriate. If you feel compelled to do something, make it a virtual something. Donate to an organization that provides relief, host a webinar, or watch TV.