Summary

The article outlines five introspective questions to help individuals cultivate discipline and take action towards their goals despite a lack of motivation.

Abstract

The article emphasizes the importance of discipline over motivation, noting that many people struggle with consistently following through on their intentions, such as starting healthy habits. It suggests that asking oneself specific questions can provide the necessary push to act. These questions include considering one's purpose, potential regrets, the gratitude of one's future self, alignment with personal aspirations, and the consequences of inaction. By reflecting on these points, individuals can foster self-discipline and make choices that contribute to their long-term success and well-being.

Opinions

The author believes that discipline, not motivation, is the key to maintaining consistent action towards one's goals.
It is suggested that reminders of one's purpose and the natural human inclination towards productive activity can combat laziness.
The article posits that reflecting on potential regrets can deter actions that provide instant pleasure but are ultimately detrimental.
Considering whether one's future self would appreciate current actions is presented as a powerful motivator for making beneficial choices.
Aligning daily actions with the vision of one's desired self is seen as crucial for personal development and achieving long-term goals.
The author points out that understanding the negative consequences of not following through on tasks can prevent procrastination and promote discipline.
The text implies that success is largely determined by an individual's ability to discipline themselves and resist the temptation of immediate gratification.

5 Questions To Ask Yourself When You Lack The Discipline To Do Something

Forget about motivation, you need discipline.

How many times have you told yourself you will do something and ended up postponing the action for the next day?

I know many people who tell themselves they will start eating healthy by new year. Yet most of them end up eating junk every single day until December. It’s a story that’s not unheard of. People want to start healthy habits but can’t begin because they lack the discipline to be consistent.

This is what you deserve. You could be good today. But instead, you choose tomorrow.

— Marcus Aurelius

I get those days a lot too. Here are some of the questions I ask myself to help me make the better choice — to get up and start working:

Is this what I am meant to do?

When you have trouble getting out of bed in the morning, remember that your defining characteristic — what defines a human being — is to work with others. Even animals know how to sleep. And it’s the characteristic activity that’s the more natural one — more innate and more satisfying.

Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

When you know you have to do something but choose to laze around instead, ask yourself if you were created to just exist — to not do anything or always choose the easier thing. You will feel guilty about it, and this will force you not to delay anything. Remind yourself that you are meant to do good things.

Will I regret this later on?

You go to bed on time but without giving it much thought, you grab your phone and scroll through your social media timeline. The next thing you know, it’s 3 AM and you’re only getting 5 hours of sleep.

It might seem like a small act, but had you asked yourself before grabbing your phone and mindlessly scrolling on Facebook, “Am I going to regret this in the morning?” The answer is obvious. Always avoid instant pleasure.

Is this something my future self will be glad about?

We all have a good vision of our future selves, so whenever you are to do something or not, ask yourself if this is something your future self will thank you for.

Whenever I feel lazy about meditating, I ask myself this question because I know the benefits of regular meditation. It gives me the discipline I need to spend a few minutes on something that will benefit me in the future.

Does this help me become the person I want to be?

It’s much easier to stay in bed all day than choose to go to the gym for an hour. But if your goal is to become fit, working out will be the thing that will help you become the person you want to become. Tell yourself that a fit person will exercise every day and resist staying in bed.

If you want to be a smart person, would watching Korean series on Netflix help you become that kind of individual? No. But reading would. So get yourself off the warm covers, turn off your TV, and learn something instead.

What are the consequences of not doing this?

The consequences of any unproductive thing you do can have a domino effect. If I miss a day in writing, I make sure that I can write the next day because missing two times in a row will make me lose momentum.

Something is satisfying about creating a streak, which is why habit trackers can be so effective. The same thing goes for the 21-day challenges, 1-month challenges, and so on.

If you don’t perform the task you gave yourself to do, you know for sure what are the consequences of not doing it. Almost unconsciously, you want to do the right thing.

It would be easy to succeed if everyone knew how to discipline themselves. But only those who work hard make it to the top.