Mastery: The Ultimate Tool For Self-Discipline

Issue No. 22 | May 29th, 2023 | Read Time: 3 Minutes

Happy Monday Everyone!

And more importantly, happy Memorial Day!

Today is a time where we stop to honor and mourn those who have fallen while serving in the United States military. Freedom comes at a cost, and it's our duty to recognize those who have fought and died to protect it.

This morning, I was pondering pretty heavily on what exactly I'd write about in this weeks newsletter and I couldn't help but keep thinking about our Armed Forces and about how disciplined and motivated these service members are.

It's something we should all strive to achieve in our own personal lives because self-discipline is ultimately the defining factor for success.

Frankly, motivation doesn't always come when we want it to, so we have to rely on self-discipline in order to get us through those moments where we don't feel like doing it. 

One thing I've noticed that service members regularly practice is the art of having a daily routine. Having a routine is pretty much an automated habit that you stick to in order to get more done.

I think we can learn from those in the military and recognize how important a daily routine is. As I said before, motivation isn't something you can just randomly summon, you have to work for it.

And so what happens is that the moment someone doesn't feel the motivation to wake up early or make that social media post, they simple wait until it does.

When in all actuality, you need to take action

first

in order to become motivated. 

Motivation doesn't come to you, you have to go to it.

And in order to take action without motivation, you need a routine. This is the secret to becoming self-disciplined.

If you can create a daily routine that works for you, that'll eventually be all the motivation you need to take action whenever the time comes. 

And don't just say you're going to wake up at 6:00 AM and go to the gym at 6:30 AM. I recommend writing/typing down your routine and carrying it with you wherever you go.

I personally use Notion to help track my days, but there is a plethora of digital apps you can download that you can carry with you on your phone to help you refer back to your routine whenever the need arises.

As Jordan Peterson says,

"you cannot be mentally healthy without a routine."

Because without one, you'll be stuck waiting for motivation to swing, when in reality, you have to throw the ball first.

So create a routine that is tailored to you, and make the conscious decision to stick with it. Because once you do, the motivation to continue isn't too far behind.

Until next time,

Isaiah Taylor

Dive Deeper

What I'm Currently Reading - I'm now reading Writing Tools by Roy Peter Clark, a book on actionable strategies that every writer should implement into their craft.

• If you'd like to see my notes pertaining to any of the other books I have previously read, then check out my website isaiahctaylor.com to view my entire library of notes and summaries.

Quote Of The Week

• "The best way to predict the future is to create it." — Abraham Lincoln