Day 8: Become more disciplined

Starting a damn path is a cakewalk, but hanging onto it is where the real kick in the pants comes in. It takes some hardcore discipline to keep your butt in gear and do the dirty work to reach a freaking goal. And discipline, you might think it sounds as exciting as watching paint dry, but let me tell you, it's the sauce that sets us free to think outside the damn box.

Ryan Holiday, in his book "Discipline is Destiny," drops this truth bomb:

The person who wakes up whenever, wakes up and does whatever, orders their day however? This is a person who will never have enough time, who will always be behind. But the more disciplined person, the Toni Morrison, who gets up when they ought to; the person like William Stafford, who tackles the hard projects first; who, like Booker T. Washington, says no to what is not essential? This is a person who makes full use of their time.

Now, if you're living life all willy-nilly, doing whatever your heart desires whenever the mood strikes, you're not just a slave to your emotions, you're cruising on a one-way ticket to nowhere. You're also at the mercy of your own fickle feelings. But flip the script, embrace that dirty discipline, and you'll unlock the real deal freedom. You'll break free from your own mental shackles and go all-out on your mission.

Discipline is that killer quality that lets you boss up, stay the course, and give it your all, even when it sucks big time or seems like a total pain in the rear. Discipline means you can tell temptation to take a hike, dodge those annoying distractions, and keep your eyes laser-focused on the long game.

Essential tips on how to maintain discipline

1. Set Clear Goals: Discipline becomes much easier to maintain when you have clear, well-defined goals. Knowing what you're working toward provides motivation and direction. Break your goals down into smaller, manageable steps, making them less overwhelming and more achievable.

2. Create a Routine: Establishing a daily or weekly routine can help embed discipline into your everyday life. When certain actions become habitual, you're more likely to stick to them. Plan your day or week in advance, allocating specific time slots for tasks related to your goals.

3. Accountability Partners: Share your goals with someone you trust, like a friend, family member, or mentor. Having an accountability partner can provide external motivation and support. Regular check-ins or progress updates with them can help keep you on track.

4. Practice Self-Compassion: Discipline doesn't mean being excessively harsh on yourself. Acknowledge that everyone has off days or setbacks. Instead of dwelling on failures, use them as opportunities to learn and improve. Cultivate self-compassion and treat yourself with kindness, especially when you face challenges.

Remember, maintaining discipline is a skill that can be developed over time. It may take practice and effort, but the rewards in terms of personal growth and goal achievement are well worth it.