7 Discipline-Mastering Practices

Babauta argues that mastering discipline uses the same ingredients as mastering a craft: repeated practice, single-minded devotion to the purpose, continual learning, and care. He then lists practices that train people to act despite discomfort, keep showing up, and find value in the activity itself.

Reading notes

#

• Do the task even when not in the mood, instead of waiting for the feeling to change.
• Exercise even when you really do not want to, treating it as basic care for the body.
• Sit with a little hunger to see that discomfort does not have to lead to immediate eating.
• Talk to someone about something uncomfortable in a gentle, compassionate way and look for a solution that works for both people.
• Stick to one small habit for two months, do it five minutes a day, and track it on a calendar or log.
• Turn toward the problem instead of avoiding it, and use the obstacle as the path.
• See the good in the activity itself so the activity becomes the reward.
• Meditate for two minutes by sitting still, focusing on the breath, and noticing urges without acting on them.