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I agree with this, with one caveat: I think 'discipline' is a misleading word for what you're describing. That's what's so counter-intuitive -- once you build

I agree with this, with one caveat: I think 'discipline' is a misleading word for what you're describing. That's what's so counter-intuitive -- once you build the habits of excellence, then executing on those habits is actually trivial, and requires almost no effort. Talking about 'discipline' makes it sound like you're bearing down and getting on with the heroic business of self-denial, when the real trick is to burn in these beneficial behaviors to the point where it would be nearly as hard to not do them as to do them. I guess that's a kind of discipline (maybe discipline-in-outcome), but the usual idiomatic sense seems to be more discipline-in-exhibited effort. Two very different things.

sn9 10y ago
'Habit' is definitely a better word. The Power of Habit is actually a great book that pretty much articulates its title. Willpower/discipline is better used to build individual habits. "Good habits" will build on each other and give you huge returns in productivity, time management, and psychological well-being.
ramblerman 10y ago
You paint a pretty picture of life once you have attained "habits of excellence". I've been going to the gym 4+ times a week for the last 5 years. And yes it has gotten easier, and 80% of the time really I enjoy it. But there are days where I am tired, or just don't feel like it. Those days are where discipline is the most important. The ability to do that which you must, wether you want to or not. tldr: I think real success is a balance of both, good habits and the discipline to stay the course.