How to turn expert productivity advice into everyday discipline

Without action, even the best insights shared in this newsletter are just idle words.

That's precisely why today's focus is so vital.

How do you transform top-tier productivity advice into disciplined daily practice?

In this issue, we dive into the art of self-discipline and the power of honouring commitments to ourselves.

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Before we begin: Here’s what you might have missed last week

Big idea #1: Examine your why & expectations.

Discipline = WHY + expectations

1. Build a why-stack:

   
   • Why do you want to achieve it?

   • Why is it beneficial for you/others?

   • Why is it important now vs. later?

   
   

   The longer your list of reasons to stick to the habit, the better.

   The more compelling those reasons are, the better.
   
   

2. Choose the right amount of challenge.

   
   If you expect your discipline won’t pay off, you won’t do it.
   
   That’s why, exercise is the best way to build self-discipline.

   
   It is as challenging as it is rewarding.
   
   You notice the change in the way you feel within days and the way you look within months.

   
   Remember, the pain of self-discipline will never be as great as the pain of regret.

Big idea #2: Own your weaknesses.

We all have areas where we don’t require much discipline: our strengths, things we love doing, and our healthy non-negotiable habits.

How to turn a weakness into a strength? Discipline.

1. Self-awareness first: What are your weaknesses?
   
   

2. If these are trivial things which you can eliminate or delegate forever, do it.
   
   

3. But if it’s holding you back in life (e.g. lack of energy or patience, poor communication), make sure to adopt a growth mindset and work on improving these.
   

Big idea #3: Remove temptations.

People with the best self-control spend the least time resisting temptation.

Because they put systems in place not to be exposed to temptation to begin with.

Set up your environment distraction and temptation-free.

E.g., If you want to improve your discipline regarding a healthy diet, here are a few ways to eliminate temptations:

• Don’t keep unhealthy food in the house. Simply don’t buy it.

• If you find it hard to resist putting certain foods in your cart, consider opting for grocery delivery. This way, you won't be tempted by unhealthy options you come across in-store.

• If you are accustomed to buying coffee at a café near work, where freshly baked scones are too tempting, think about how to avoid going there. Investing in a high-quality coffee machine and a thermos mug will allow you to enjoy great coffee made at home and taken to work.

Feel free to brainstorm more ideas.

One thing is clear, you always have the power to reduce the temptations and distractions.

Get creative.

Big idea #4: Plan for contingencies.

1. Identify potential scenarios:
   

   List possible situations that can knock you off your progress.
   
   E.g. Staying disciplined in not drinking alcohol.  
   
   A: Going out for dinners/parties/concerts.
   B: Being invited to a wine-tasting trip.
   C: Someone challenging/shaming my choice not to drink.
   
   
   

2. Prepare response plans:

   
   For each scenario, decide on a corresponding action.

   
   If [scenario happens], I will [response plan].

   
   E.g.:
   
   

   A: If I go out for dinner/party/concert, I will opt for sparkling water with lemon. (Pro tip: research the best bars and restaurants in your area with a decent selection of mocktails which you can get excited about.)
   
   

   B: If I am invited for a wine-tasting trip, I will politely say that I appreciate the invite but unfortunately can't come, and then invite them for brunch the following weekend instead.

   
   

   C: If someone challenges my choice not to drink, I will let them know that I'm conducting a social experiment to see how many people are shocked when someone says they don't want alcohol. “Your entry has been submitted.”

This prepares your mindset & self-control, saving energy and preventing impulsive emotional decisions.

This is not overthinking.

In the moment of a challenge, if not prepared, you will resort to an easier way out which is usually an undesired behaviour.

Big idea #5: Leverage coaches and mentors.

Self-discipline is hard.

While books and podcasts may offer knowledge, coaches and mentors help navigate unseen barriers for tangible progress.

In the end, it is all about mindset.

A high-performance coach will help you master your psychology: your choices, your will, and your mind.

Tiny habit: Never skip it two days in a row. 

Matt D'Avella champions what he calls the two-day rule.

Never skip the activity you are committed to more than one day in a row.

To prevent the weeks and months of slacking off, show up to do your chosen activity at least every other day.

E.g., It could be as straightforward as reading 10 pages daily.

Some days, you might genuinely forget or be too occupied.

There's no need for self-criticism or blaming your circumstances.

Just make sure to show up tomorrow.

And remember, never skip more than one day in a row.

The Productivist Question

Here’s one thing you didn’t expect me to tell you today…

When you are building self-discipline, it’s crucial to learn to forgive yourself for every time you don’t come through on your word.

Don’t use this as an excuse to slack, but also never resort to shaming yourself. Self-shaming is the worst choice you can make.

So here’s my question to you:

For what do you find it most difficult to forgive yourself? 

How would your behaviour and attitude change if you were to give yourself grace and let go of that?

Give yourself grace. You need it. You deserve it.

Stay disciplined at bringing joy this week!

Valeriya