How I Make Self-Discipline Extremely Easy And Enjoyable With Total Living (And How You Can Too) — Deep Dive

It might sound controversial but I will state it again: if done correctly, self-discipline is not hard at all.

How do I know this? Because I am a very disciplined person.

Every morning, I wake up at 4:30 AM (even on weekends), write a new article, record a new podcast episode, and spend two hours working on my next book projects, while having a full-time job. I weight-lift three times a week, run twice a week, and meditate for 2+ hours daily. In addition, I don’t consume candy, soda, meat, alcohol, and even coffee (except for half-marathons).

Yet, I enjoy my “disciplined” life without the slightest need for willpower.

Why the classic definition of self-discipline is deeply flawed

In this beautiful article, author Mark Manson presents how society normally views self-discipline:

Self-Discipline = Willpower = Self-Denial = Good Person

This belief stems back to ancient times, as restraint was highly valued for a potential after-life. Although the interpretations vary, you can derive this conclusion from all the major religions today, as well as puritan cultures like Western society.

If we view my daily life from this definition of self-discipline, I would be perceived to do nothing else than torture myself. Exerting tons of willpower, power-posing and denying my inner needs, sacrificing what I have for a potentially better future. I am not allowed to enjoy anything in the moment.

But this definition of self-discipline is deeply flawed and goes totally counter to the total living lifestyle

Why?

Because by denying yourself, you are constantly telling yourself that you are not good. That you do not deserve to relax and always need to be on edge. You are inducing shame for your current existence unless you follow this rigid plan to validate yourself.

Even worse, the future will never come, just like the present moment. If you reach a certain destination, the future is still distant, while you are feeding misery all the time. Thus no…