Ever find yourself struggling to stick to your goals, only to watch in awe as others seem to glide effortlessly toward success?
We’ve all been there, but the key difference between those who achieve their dreams and those who don’t often comes down to one powerful word: discipline.
Discipline has the potential to unlock incredible levels of success in every aspect of your life. And as much as it’s about the good habits you develop, it’s also about the bad habits you need to ditch.
So if this is an area you struggle with, you’re in luck! In this article, I’ll reveal the top 10 things disciplined people never do.
Let’s get into it!
1) Hitting snooze on the alarm clock
I’ll begin with something most of us have to deal with first thing in the morning – the mighty snooze button.
The snooze button has the power to start your day right…or get you off on the wrong foot.
No, let me correct that – YOU have the power. You can choose to snooze or not!
Disciplined folks know that hitting the snooze button does two things: 1) it messes with your sleep cycle, and 2) it makes you feel groggy and unproductive.
That’s no way to start your day!
So, practice discipline the minute you open your eyes. Say goodbye to that snooze button and hello to an energized morning routine!
2) Procrastinating like there’s no tomorrow
Here’s another bad habit that plays around with time and makes use of it really poorly.
Putting off tasks until the last minute is a common habit. I know – I used to be a major procrastinator.
But as I grew older and became more serious about my goals in life, I realized that procrastination was a big hurdle I had to overcome.
It’s a big no-no for disciplined people. So how do they break free from it?
It’s simple – they tackle projects head-on and break them down into manageable chunks.
By prioritizing tasks and getting them done, they stay ahead of the game and avoid the stress of deadlines.
3) Getting distracted by social media
Speaking of procrastination, social media is really effective for NOT getting things done.
While social media has its perks, it’s absolutely a time-waster.
So, disciplined people don’t let it consume their time. They limit their daily usage and focus on more important tasks at hand.
If this is something you need to work on, try this: next time you reach for your phone, consider setting a timer to keep your scrolling in check.
4) Binge-watching TV shows
Ah, here’s another one I’ve been guilty of. And I’m sure lots of people around the world agree with me that binge-watching is one of the most addicting things ever!
Even disciplined people would agree, which is why it’s on their list of don’ts.
As tempting as it is to watch just one more episode, disciplined individuals understand the importance of setting limits.
They prioritize their time wisely and save TV time for when they’ve accomplished their goals.
Trust me, your favorite shows will be that much sweeter when you’ve earned them!
5) Ignoring exercise
We all know that exercise is good for us, but when it comes to actual practice, we tend to shove it aside.
Because exercise takes time and effort, and it takes tremendous discipline to keep doing it regularly. Especially if you’ve never had to follow a set routine to keep yourself healthy!
But let’s face it, exercise might be painful, but it’s necessary to keep thriving.
A healthy body supports a healthy mind, and disciplined people know this all too well. They make time for regular exercise, whether it’s hitting the gym, going for a run, or even just taking a brisk walk.
Not only does it help them stay fit, but it also boosts their mood and energy levels. It gives them that upbeat attitude to keep driving for success!
6) Eating junk food on the regular
Just like exercise, it’s also important to pay attention to what we eat. Again, this is something that’s easier said than done.
While the occasional treat is perfectly fine, disciplined people don’t make a habit of indulging in junk food.
They understand the impact of nutrition on their overall well-being and performance, so they opt for balanced meals that fuel their bodies and minds.
And just like with TV shows, when you do allow yourself the occasional indulgence, it feels even more precious and satisfying!
7) Neglecting self-care
See, those two points above form a major part of self-care.
Self-care is essential, and disciplined people know it. And it’s not just about the physical, it’s also about our mental and emotional well-being.
They make time for themselves, whether that’s unwinding with a good book, meditating, or enjoying a relaxing bath. By taking care of themselves, they maintain a balanced and happy life.
8) Letting emotions rule their decisions
Do you have a habit of reacting to things based on how you feel? Do you treat people well when you’re in a good mood, and rudely when you’ve had a rough day?
Those are signs that you let your emotions cloud your judgment.
Disciplined people don’t do that. Instead, they approach situations with a clear and rational mindset, ensuring they make the best possible decisions.
So, take a deep breath, count to ten, and think before you act!
9) Saying “yes” to everything
Ah, the dreaded “yes.” You might not think this belongs to a list like this, but it absolutely does.
You see, when you say “yes” to everything, that also shows a lack of discipline. It shows you don’t know when to stop and enforce boundaries.
Knowing when to say “no” is a crucial skill that disciplined people master. They understand the importance of setting boundaries and not overcommitting to tasks or events.
Remember, it’s okay to say no – you’ll thank yourself later when you’re not overwhelmed with obligations.
10) Forgetting the power of routine
Finally, disciplined people recognize the importance of routine in maintaining productivity and balance.
Real talk – we can’t stay motivated all the time. None of us, not even the disciplined folks.
That’s where routine comes in. It serves as a reliable structure that keeps us going even when we don’t feel like it.
By establishing daily habits, disciplined people set themselves up for success and make their goals more attainable.
I, for one, rely on my routine (largely made up of to-do lists, time blocking, and lots of coffee) to keep me working even on my blah days.
If you aren’t doing this yet, start small and build your routine – you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.
Conclusion
And there you have it – the top 10 things disciplined people never ever do.
No one ever said that being disciplined is easy, but with consistency and practice, ditching these habits and being productive will feel like second nature to you.
By avoiding these habits and adopting a more disciplined lifestyle, you’ll be on your way to unlocking your full potential!
