O poder da autodisciplina: Como superar a procrastinação e distrações, e ter foco para alcançar seus objetivos na vida

by Giovanni Dienstmann, Laura Folgueira (Translator)

Qualquer que seja o desafio que você enfrenta ou a desculpa que está dando a si mesmo, a resposta para superá-los está aqui!

Já sentiu o dia inteiro passar sem você ter realizado nada? Tem impressão de que as outras pessoas produzem muito mais do que você durante o mesmo período? Se você já tentou outras abordagens e não obteve os resultados que procurava, então esta obra é para você.

Elaborado pelo professor de meditação e coach de autodisciplina Giovanni Dienstmann ― que já ajudou CEOs, empresários, artistas e atletas a conduzirem uma vida mais focada e disciplinada ―, este guia prático e eficiente te ensinará como ter autodisciplina e superar distrações, procrastinação, dúvidas e autossabotagem, maximizando o seu potencial de ser bem-sucedido.

Nesta obra, você encontrará:

Mais de 50 exercícios passo a passo.
Mais de 100 ilustrações e diagramas.
Links para os estudos científicos sobre cada tema.
Muitos, muitos exemplos – tudo para facilitar ao máximo a aplicação de todo esse conhecimento e transformar sua vida diária.
Agora você pode decidir quem você quer ser, e viver sua vida em harmonia com este propósito ― isso tudo de um modo mais pacífico e eficaz.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Productivity, Personal Growth, Psychology, Personal Development, Management

480 pages, Paperback

Published February 20, 2024

About the author

As a self-discipline coach, Giovanni Dienstmann has helped hedge fund managers, CEOs, entrepreneurs, ambitious professionals, artists and pro athletes to live a more focused and disciplined life. Since 2014 he has been successfully coaching people to overcome distractions, procrastination, self-doubt, fear, and other forms of self-sabotage.

Whatever self-discipline challenges you face, and whatever excuse you are telling yourself—Giovanni has seen it, and has developed a tool to deal with it.

Whether you need help building a consistent morning routine, breaking bad habits, finding your life purpose, increasing motivation and willpower, achieving your goals, or simply being more effective with your time and energy, his Higher Mind system can help.

As a meditation teacher, Giovanni runs LiveAndDare.com, which is one of the top five most visited meditation blogs on the web. His first book, Practical Meditation, is available in eight different languages and has popularly been called “the meditation Bible”. Giovanni has over 10,000 hours of personal meditation practice and is a sought-after consultant to award-winning meditation apps. His meditation programs have helped over 20,000 people start a daily meditation practice, improve their psychological well-being, and master their minds.

“Mindful Self-Discipline exists so that you can live life on your terms, and be the person you aspire to be. My purpose is to mentor and inspire you on this path. Will you join me?”

Reviews

[Danielle Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

'The ultimate self-discipline manual'

At first glance, I feel like this will read as one of those generic 5-star reviews of self-help books praising it as the best thing since sliced bread, but bear with me. Mindful Self-Discipline differs from all other books I've encountered on the topic in that, at its core, it emphasises mindfulness and awareness as a path to lasting change. I don't mean to write off other books on productivity, willpower, motivation or behaviour change; indeed, several of the most notable books on the subject are sources of inspiration for the author.

Giovanni brings a refreshing perspective to the way discipline is usually lauded by most self-help gurus. He describes this as 'martial self-discipline', an approach that pushes achieving goals we often have to do but don't want to, forcefully knocking down obstacles 'no matter what', and moving on to conquer the next thing. It is effective, sure, but Gio contrasts this with his model of mindful self-discipline, which aims to help persons create goals true to their intuitions and meet obstacles with openness to experience until they cease to become a problem.

Giovanni is a meditation teacher on the popular meditation app, Insight
Timer, where I first had the pleasure of meeting him in one of the site's Live Classes back in February 2021, where he holds weekly classes under the same name that essentially cover each chapter of the book.

If there were any self-help books I was glad to read this year, they are Mindful Self-Discipline (along with Atomic Habits by James Clear, which is the best book of behaviour change I've read and similar in its practical approach).

I'd recommend this to anyone who, especially like me, has read several self-help books that, while I've learned a lot from, I've struggled to implement due to an inability to overcome obstacles. Self-discipline is the journey of a lifetime, but I feel much better equipped to meet difficulties with this book as a primary guide. I believe Giovanni more than exceeds his goal of delivering 'the ultimate self-discipline manual'.

[Panagiotis Papaioannou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Until very recently, I would encourage people who want to move forward in their life, if they only have time to read one book, to read Stephen Covey's the "Seven habits of highly effective people". Having read Giovanni's "Mindful Self-Discipline", I encourage people who only have time for one book, to read both of them. The "Seven habits", eye-opening as they were, did not manage to spur me into action the way "Mindful Self-Discipline" did.

If you trust it, let go of any reluctance, take a deep breath and start implementing the simple and very realistic steps the book takes you through, I can guarantee that it will be a life changing experience.

The funny thing is that for me, MSD worked equally effectively on the conscious level (with me following the methodology laid out in the book) and subconsciously (where I realized at some point that I had taken up things that I had put of or neglected forever, without having first decided on them consciously).

Although Giovanni is a spiritual person (in the sense that he is a meditation and mindfulness teacher, a writer, life coach etc.) his approach in this book is very technocratic and managerial (if I can put it that way). The book is both efficient AND effective, it is very well structured and the teachings are rendered in a very effective, relevant and realistic way.

I think that Giovanni's success lies mainly in that his book renders and objections, fears and limiting beliefs one may hold invalid, by means of very simple but very solid arguments.

Having read the book, you have no excuse not to move forward to where you want to go.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have felt there was no purpose for me. Hopeless and feeling helpless. I skimmed first b/c I don't want anymore regrets! Now hunkering down from the beginning! If you are at all like I have been-full of regrets, procrastination, never following things thru,bad habits and choices. I know this book covers it all! From the beginning, I have felt hopeful and grateful to discover my defects and redirect my brain pathways to a more positive, serene life. Life is a gift. I should treat it as such. Happy Journey😊

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is hands down one of the best ones I have read in this field! Absolutely excellent!!

[Jung · Rating 5 out of 5]

A myth-busting guide to self-discipline.

Picture yourself on a serene lakeside, holding a small pebble in your hand. With a swift flick of your wrist, you send it skimming across the surface. The pebble jumps, skips, and eventually sinks into the depths. Each skip it makes creates a ripple, spreading across the surface of the lake, affecting everything in its path.

Life is a lot like that lake; the pebble symbolizes our daily actions, and the ripples represent the impact of those actions on the world around us. Often, we underestimate the magnitude of these ripples, brushing off small actions as inconsequential. But each of these actions, no matter how tiny, stems from a profound source – self-discipline.

Mindful Self-Discipline debunks the old notion of self-discipline as a punitive measure. Instead, it is presented as a tool for empowerment, a means to harness your inner strength, and a path to achieving your grandest dreams and aspirations.

So, if you find yourself continuously battling distractions, feeling enslaved by your impulses, or falling short of your dreams and goals, this transformative book is for you.

-

Live the life you truly desire

Let’s talk about self-discipline. It’s an old idea that people often get wrong. Self-discipline isn’t about feeling bad about yourself, or denying yourself everything, or living by strict rules. It’s not some mean force making you do things you don’t want to do. No, self-discipline is about living your life in a way that matches your big dreams and goals. It’s about being able to handle all sorts of challenges and obstacles, and being committed to what really matters to you.

The cool thing about self-discipline is that it makes you feel stronger. The Greek word for self-discipline is enkrateia, and the "-krat" part actually means “power.” So every time you practice self-discipline, you’re building up your personal power. It gives you this great feeling of knowing you’re doing your best, which helps you live without regrets or those nagging thoughts of “What if?” or “I should have.”

When you forget about your goals and let yourself be distracted, or give in to the desire for immediate pleasure, it’s like letting a bit of your power slip away.

Now, here’s the thing. We all have self-discipline. It’s not some mysterious concept that only a few people can understand or possess. We show it in the simple things we do every day – like brushing our teeth after we eat, showing up to work on weekdays, or taking care of a child when we’re exhausted. These actions, though they might seem trivial, are actually super important. Without them, well, we’d end up with no teeth, no job, and no kids.

What self-discipline really does is free us from being controlled by our base instincts and immediate desires. It lets us follow our higher goals. It’s about being your own boss, designing your own life, deciding what you’ll do and won’t do.

Think about it like using a TV remote. When you hit the power button, the TV turns on, right? If it didn’t, we’d say the remote is broken. The point is, it’s up to you whether you want to turn on the TV or not. But once you’ve made up your mind to hit that button, the TV should come on. That’s like self-discipline. It helps you follow through on the promises you make to yourself. This isn’t about being rigid – it’s about having control over your life.

Getting better at self-discipline doesn’t just change you. It changes how you see and interact with the world. It’s not about cutting out all the fun or freedom from your life. It’s about giving you the control to choose what’s best for you. It’s not about being trapped, but freeing yourself from urges and short-term pleasures that could obscure your real goals.

-

Find your “why”

Chasing self-discipline is all about having a big dream, a “why” that makes you get up and act. Without this sense of aspiration, trying to build self-discipline can feel like you’re climbing a steep hill. It can make the habits you’re trying to create feel forced. But when these habits are tied to a deeper dream, they become stepping stones to a happier life. This dream is like fuel, helping you get over all sorts of roadblocks like unforeseen problems, negative comments, self-doubt, procrastination, or feeling lost. As the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche once said, “He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.”

So how do you find your “why” – your aspiration? Often, while your goals may be clear, it’s tough to understand your dreams. In such situations, start with the goal and try to dig up the underlying intention. Ask yourself, “Why is this goal important to me?” Keep asking “why” as many times as you need to uncover your deeper wishes. For example, if your goal is to lose weight, you might ask yourself:

Why do I want to lose weight? Because I want to be fit.

Why do I want to be fit? So I feel good about my body.

Why do I want to feel good about my body? To have more confidence.

Why do I want more confidence? To feel empowered.

Here, feeling confident and strong is the core value or dream powering the fitness goal. Discovering this link not only makes the goal more meaningful but also helps you think of other ways to satisfy that core need or desire.

This step is especially important if your current goals are focused on outer values like money, fame, looks, and power. By digging deeper, you can expose the inner values beneath these surface-level goals, leading to a more genuine and satisfying chase.

In the big picture, the “why” is critical in your journey of self-discipline. Your actions come from a plan that is powered by your goals, and these goals are fired up by your deeper dreams. Asking “why?” is thus a powerful way to find out what’s driving your choices and desires, and helps align your actions, plans, and goals with your deepest dreams. It’s a vital step toward building mindful self-discipline that truly serves your higher purpose, helps personal growth, and leads to a life of satisfaction, rather than regret.

-

Clarify your aspirations

Think of aspiration, self-discipline, and self-awareness as the three pillars that support a purposeful life. Self-awareness is like a mirror showing you what’s going on inside. It’s like having a personal mindfulness coach.

Without self-awareness, life can be something that just happens to you. You react rather than act, and tomorrow is just a repeat of yesterday. But when you’re self-aware, you can make choices. There’s a gap between what happens to you and how you respond, and the bigger this gap, the more control you have over your life.

One key part of self-awareness is being radically honest with yourself. This means facing up to the truth, however uncomfortable, and not trying to dodge it. It’s about telling yourself exactly what’s going on, without letting yourself off the hook. Let’s say you’ve made a promise to avoid sweets for a month, and you’re at a party, eyeing the dessert table. You might tell yourself:

“I promised I wouldn’t eat sweets for 30 days because that’s my goal. But here I am, about to break that promise just because I’m at a party and they’ve got my favorite ice cream. I really want to give in.”

By admitting to yourself what’s happening, you’re more likely to resist temptation and stick to your goal. Even if you do give in, at least you’re not fooling yourself. You know you’ve made a choice.

Being radically honest with yourself means catching yourself when you’re procrastinating, making excuses, sabotaging yourself, or giving up on your goals. It means admitting that sometimes you might not really want what you say you do. But being aware of this doesn’t mean you give up – it means you see the reality, accept it, and then decide what to do next.

Here’s a quick task for you: think about three times in the past week or month when you lied to yourself to justify doing something you knew wasn’t right for you. Promise yourself that you’ll catch yourself next time.

Self-awareness, then, along with aspiration and self-discipline, put you in charge of your life. With radical honesty, you’re not just reacting to what life throws at you, or following your impulses. Instead, you’re consciously designing your future, creating a life that reflects your deepest values and goals.

-

Bolster your commitment to your goals

So we know aspiration and self-discipline are the main building blocks for a life with purpose. But the third key element, self-awareness, is just as important. It keeps everything balanced and steady. One important part of self-awareness is neutrality – being able to look at your experiences objectively, like a scientist observing an experiment.

By looking at things with a neutral eye, you can avoid getting too attached to your experiences. This helps you see things clearly, without feeling shame or guilt or criticizing yourself. All these negative feelings do is push you farther away from your goals, causing stress and pain. This often leads to what researchers Janet Polivy and C. Peter Herman called the what-the-hell effect, where you give up on your goals and choose quick, feel-good actions instead.

But what if you replaced self-criticism with awareness? You’d simply observe what happened, give yourself a pat on the back for being aware, and then make a choice. You can either give up on your goal because you don’t think you’re worthy, or you can confirm your commitment to it.

You might worry that without self-criticism, you’ll become lazy or complacent. But the research shows that’s not true. If your aspiration is strong and clear, that’s all the motivation you need. You can leave shame and guilt out of the equation.

Studies have found that trying to repress thoughts and urges actually makes them stronger. For example, one study asked people to ring a bell every time they thought of a white bear. The people who were told not to think about a white bear ended up ringing the bell more often than those who were allowed to think about it. Another study found that smokers who tried to suppress thoughts about smoking ended up smoking more in the long run than those who were allowed to think about it. The lesson here is that the more you resist something, the stronger it becomes. It sticks around and silently shapes your life.

Instead of trying to suppress your thoughts, you can adopt a neutral, accepting awareness. This means observing your thoughts, feelings, and urges without trying to repress them. It’s like sitting by a river, watching the water flow by, without trying to change its course.

So now that we understand how important self-awareness is and what it looks like, how do we develop it? That’s what we’ll explore next.

-

Build new habits

Boosting self-discipline and self-awareness is a great start, but the real shift happens when you put these into action, making positive changes in your life. It’s time to move forward, shaping and following new habits.

To live a life aligned with your goals and values, you need to cultivate habits that correspond with those goals and values. But how long does it take to make a habit stick? You’ll hear a range of answers, from 21 days to over 250. No matter how long it takes, the best part about a habit is that once it’s in place, it becomes automatic. It takes less self-control or willpower to keep it up. In this way, habits are a kind of shortcut to self-discipline.

But while many are quick to work on creating habits, they often forget the equally important task of keeping them going. Some actions, like handling relationship issues or braving a cold shower in winter, can’t be automated and need willpower – relationships, after all, are dynamic and ever-changing, and the body is programmed to avoid icy water. Also, even well-established habits can fade with changes in environment or life circumstances. If you ignore your disciplined mindset, just like if you ignore keeping clean or taking care of a relationship, it can lose its sharpness and drive. The quality of your life is a reflection of your regular thoughts and actions, so developing the right habits is key.

But how do you develop new habits? Start by picking a trigger or cue to remind you. Use your environment to help. Link your new habit with something you already do regularly. This could involve time-based cues like alarms or calendar events, or situational cues based on a location, a person, or a feeling. The method is simple: "When X happens, I will do Y." For example, when your alarm goes off at 10 p.m., it’s time for your nighttime routine. Or when you see your kids at the end of the day, it’s time for a hug and some quality time together.

Using cues helps you avoid having to make too many decisions, because you’ve already decided what to do when the trigger happens. Now, every time the trigger comes up, your action becomes almost automatic. You don’t have to make a new decision. But for this to work, your cue has to be dependable and directly connected to your desired habit. For daily habits, find daily cues. If your habit is linked to a specific place or person, tie your cue to them. If it’s a reaction to a certain emotion, connect it to that feeling.

The more specific and reliable your cue, the easier it becomes to do the desired action. Many experts recommend using an existing habit as the anchor for your new habit, a method also known as habit stacking. This piggybacking of habits leverages the consistency of your existing routine, giving a stable base for your new habit.

The order of habits in your routine can also be important. If the new habit is hard or not very fun, try to schedule it right after something you enjoy or make it a requirement for an activity you like. This strategy ensures your willpower will be at its strongest when you need it most.

In this journey toward self-discipline, remember – creating habits is just the first part. Keeping them going is where the real work, and long-term benefits, are. So start today, create a new habit, and make a meaningful change in your life.

-

Self-discipline is a powerful tool, not a harsh constraint. It empowers us to live in harmony with our long-term goals, facing challenges head-on and deriving strength from our commitment to what truly matters. It is ingrained in our daily routines, allowing us to master our base instincts and pursue our higher aspirations. Coupled with aspiration and self-awareness, self-discipline puts us in the driver’s seat of our own lives, giving us the power to make mindful choices and enabling us to tread a path of personal growth and satisfaction.

[Elena · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's worth more than 1 star, but the high rating of this book is extremely suspect and needs to be offset. TBH I feel a little scammed by the high rating.

I'm not finished yet and might change my rating but so far this book is fine but not goodreads>4.4 blow-your-mind (4.48 at time of writing, orly).

Ironically the content of this book is surprisingly undisciplined, it's a bit all over the place and there's so much cruft. This book is definitely too long.

Giovanni, mate, your ego is a lot. It shears througth the book. Telling me how good you are and how good everyone who knows you says you are is gross. I'm happy for you to prove it but just telling me straight up at the beginning is wasting my time. Time in which I could be meditating or something. I just keep thinking like a loop: this is so undisciplined, where was his editor? Oh, this is a book about discipline, lol.

If your extreme getting-up-at-2am-having-a-cold-shower disciplinarianism was so awesome your impact on the world could potentially be less egocentric. No you don't get up at 4am or even 3am like a scrub, you remind us repeatedly it's 2am. And a cold shower. In your case it seems to be the end in itself. Are you _really_ doing it for you?

Buddy, you're a meditation teacher, you're not a hardworking medical professional or a scientist saving lives and the world, or even a teacher of our young. You can probably calm tone down your claims. Also how on earth do you get enough sleep and genuinely help your wife?

---

[edit 1:] Haha, no wait this is for people who have never even heard of the marshmellow experiment before. I'd rather be re-reading Sapolsky's Behave, a proper mind-blowing 4.4.

---

[edit 2:] Stewing further, it'd be interesting if Jonny here spent some time thinking about prioritisation and outcomes, maybe he talks about these in the 20 chapters I didn't read (Note the format is many many many short chapters and I couldn't bear it).

Also comparing to Sapolsky, spending decades year on year living by himself in a remote part of the world to collect (the hard way) chimp poo and study its hormonal composition, fastidiously documenting and verifying his work, updating science in the process, and then teaching countless people about, that is a vastly superior "discipline" than just prioritising a waking time. And nb bloke, I get up insanely early too, I'm not telling you at what time because it's none of your business and you know what: _I don't even use an alarm_. sigh. and I don't think I'm special and most people who know me don't know I get up early and I'm really happy this way -- this time is for me alone.

I was reading this as it was so highly reviewed and there are 1 or 2 small disciplines I'm still working on, but it is implausible to me that the broad generalisations and formulaic meme presentations in this book will be what helps me resolves these. I recommend this book to no one. Nah I take it back: I recommend this book only to people who are new here. So frustrating.

[Rahul Yadav · Rating 5 out of 5]

The power of Self-Discipline very well described by quote of Napoleon Hill:
“Self-disciplined begins with the mastery of your thoughts. If you don’t control what you think, you can’t control what you do. Simply, self-discipline enables you to think first and act afterward.”
This book by Giovanni Dienstmann can be of great help in developing self-discipline through a simple but effective tools provided in the book.
The book is very well written without using very fancy language that means you don't need to sit with dictionary.
This book can act as guide in dealing with day to day challenges and can help you in defining your priorities to achieve your goals in life.
Highly recommended self-help book.

[Samantha Ae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not finished the book yet, but for what I have red so far this book delivers valuable information on every single page. There is no fluff, just actionable advice and practical suggestions. It feels didactic, compassionate and "it makes sense" ( to me). It spurs you into action, and yet it feels like you came up with the idea, and this makes it very sustainable in the long run. Thank you!
Ps I do recommend this book wholeheartedly!

[Hanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am definitely considering this as one of the best manual on how to focus and be self-disciplined.

[Maria Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Giovanni Dienstmann’s new book titled ‘Mindful Self-Discipline’ is one of the most powerful and practical books which I have come across on this topic! The author’s dedication and commitment to spreading and sharing his profound knowledge on this important subject can be felt throughout his literature. Its content is well researched and validated. I was very lucky to obtain a review copy from the author to read prior the launch, hence my early review on Amazon. I shall be buying my hardback edition as soon as it is made available!

Our world needs Giovanni Dienstmann to educate the humankind about life without Mindful Self-Discipline (MSD) is a world of chaos and upheavals! This is where I see our world today as an individual, mother and grandmother!

Investing in a copy of this amazing book will be money well spent. It is full of life-changing theories, examples, inspirational quotes, diagrams, activities and so much more to help each reader understand this skill, practise self-awareness, how to achieve their aspirations, the setting up of goals and become fully committed to living a purposeful life. This book teaches all of this.

The money invested in this epic book shall reap lifetime awards in the years to come to those who want to live a more meaningful life. It is written in a very honest and a humble life-changing manner. One of Giovanni’s profound quote is “I’ve put my soul into it“.

This incredible book has the potential to offer each one of us a life of fulfilment, focus and calmness. I endorse all of this as I am a mindfulness meditator who is a student studying Giovanni’s Limitless Life online course on the LiveAndDare website. It has opened up a new world for me. I am calmer, have clarity, improved well-being (a chronic pain sufferer), finding inner peace, self-awareness and progressing steadily towards my highest goals! I also attend the author's online ‘LIVE’ Mindful Self Discipline (MSD) sessions on InsightTimer app every Sunday night. It is the best thing which has happened to me for a very long time.

I can honestly say that his teachings has made a major impact to my life! I practise daily ‘Mindfulness Meditation’ and stay focussed on my aspirations, habits and set goals in order to live a purposeful and happy life! Giovanni is an exceptional meditation teacher, best selling author, self-discipline coach, public speaker and his new book is equally outstanding.

Giovanni said and I quote ‘.....we need a more self-disciplined world’. I strongly agree as we are living in a world full of devastation and adversity. ‘Mindful Self-Discipline’ living is the only prosperous strategy there is, to help society progress into a peaceful, respectful, happy, loving, successful and calmer existence.
I am one of Giovanni Dienstmann’s disciples and am fully committed to support the ‘Mindful Self-Discipline’ journey and keeping his extraordinary legend alive. The MSD book is my holy grail and it is kept by my side to use as and when needed!

I highly recommend this life-changing book as the benefits can be immense for those who are seeking a purposeful, fulfilling and contentful life. It is an easy read and each chapter (40 chapters in total) can be read individually. The book can be used as a reference guidebook which is another reason why this book is first-rate!

✨Giovanni's mission is to accomplish ONE MILLION people learning and practising Mindful Self-Discipline.

I make a very confident start - so there is 999,999 left to go...

Please join Giovanni’s Dienstmann’s movement as I did, and you will thrive and grow happily ✨

[Subjuntivo Subjuntivo · Rating 1 out of 5]

This guy is a freak.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to improve your Life Performance read Giovanni’s Mindful Self-Discipline, become focused and do it.
To quote “for those that are focused shall inherit the Earth”
Mindful Self Discipline is easy to read and understand, a perfect Life Pathway Guide and resource book helping us to become focused on our own Life Performance; as we are all performance artists in this world.
We all have duties to perform during the course of each day, either for our own survival or as part of our engagement with life. How we perform those duties is what determines the quality of our life and the quality of those around us and those depending on us.
Giovanni’s Mindful Self Disciple provides a simple framework to enable us to perform to the highest standard, whether we are perusing our own ultimate dream, fulfilling our employment or engagement duties, being a student, good citizen or family member.
Mindful Self Discipline is full of simple techniques and resources, guiding you how to maximise your personal capacity in order to achieve your best Life Performance by having focused faith in yourself and to love the Pathway of Life you walk.

[Rajesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is remarkable. It goes to the fundamentals of what it really takes to achieve your goals, how you can be more mindful in your daily decisions and the process that you need to follow to get there. There are few books like this one. Giovanni has clearly read and reflected extensively - the book reflects his lived experience with the topic. You will possibly dwell on the many pearls of wisdom he offers in every chapter of this book, and get really curious about understanding the whys behind your daily decisions - that increased self knowledge and reflection alone is more than worth your time and money spent on this book. He's also immensely practical - its not a philosophical treatise, but a modern day superpower/beacon of sorts to get you focusing on the right things in an age of endless distractions. I highly recommend this one.

[Susan Dimopoulos · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a start, I never write reviews on books. But I had to make an exception for this book, because it is so much more than a book and people need to know that this treasure exists. that it is possible to develop self discipline in a mindful, compassionate way.
Mindful Self Discipline is both a guide and a companion on the journey of Life. That's "Life" with a capital L, because this guide shines a light on the various steps and practices that will enable you to follow and express the light within you - your true North, whatever that is...
It is lovingly steeped in Giovanni's deep personal experience and professional work as a coach and meditation teacher. It is practical and supportive. Note however, that reading it will mean you can never unsee the truth that "We must all suffer one of two things: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret or disappointment". (Jim Rohn)

[Dianne Schiissler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read book. I want to rush through it but know that this is the type of book that one must read slowly to absorb and put into practice. There are good resources that go with it at no additional cost. If a person has ever procrastinated, been non-motivated, unable to stick to a goal or plan, feels to busy to start or continue with a goal or any other reason that makes goals unattainable then this is the book for you. It is an easily understood read, has a clear and concise approach. This is the best source I have ever found to make my vision of myself clearer and focused. I've done parts of the recommendations before but this is the first time I have had it put all together. Giovanni's wisdom and knowledge is vast.

[Rifa Coolheart · Rating 3 out of 5]

The main takeaway from Mindful Self-Discipline by Giovanni Deinsmann is that self-discipline is a powerful tool, not a harsh constraint. It empowers us to live in harmony with our long-term goals, facing challenges head-on, and deriving strength from our commitment to what truly matters. It is ingrained in our daily routines, allowing us to master our base instincts and pursue our higher aspirations. Coupled with aspiration and self-awareness, self-discipline puts us in the driver's seat of our own lives, giving us the power to make mindful choices and enabling us to tread a path of personal growth and satisfaction.

[Luana Felber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mindful Self Discipline is written in plain English, is easy to follow and to put into practice. In conjunction with Giovani Dienstmann's Live and Dare website, there are tools to support the practice of self discipline. The beauty of this book is there are many suggested options to achieve the one goal of mindful self discipline.
Giovanni has done the hard work of laboriously trying out different modalities and presents choices in a positive and readable form. The blend of narrative and diagrams helps reinforce the message.
This is a brilliant read.

[Shyam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must-read for anyone who is trying to change their lives for the better good. The author has effectively covered the basics of self-discipline, and the three pillars that open doors to self-reflection and personal growth. Also, Mindful Self-Discipline has enabled me to accelerate my professional growth as the teachings have increased my productivity and the ability to manage time effectively.

[Surjit · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is said that some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, but very few to be chewed and digested. This book definitely falls in the last category. it is simply a classic. I started highlighting/underlining the texts that were motivating or appealing but soon felt that more than 90% of them will be done. It is replete with useful tips to make improvements in every walk of life. This book is for anybody who aspires to perfection or excellence.

[Aleksandra Jacunska · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Giovanni for sharing this book with the world.
I needed this more than ever. I feel growth, direction and most importantly self love for practicing mindful self-discipline. The app is also amazing! It feels like your cheering and supporting buddy when you are struggling to stay on your life's mission.

Thank you again.

Peace and love.

Aleksandra

[Laura Sukalski · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book took me way too long to read and was nearly 400 pages of repetition that could’ve been cut down to less than 200 pages. The ideas in this book were good, but they were written in such a drawn out way that they were hard to comprehend or draw value from. Overall, I would choose to read a different “self help” book on a topic like discipline as I know there are many good ones out there.

[Sonja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes, a small thing can make a big change, like a book in a life. This book is the tool to discover your inner power for any change you want to do. It's great to know that you yourself can get to be how you want to be, no one else, you, your mind, your will. It's worth it.

[H · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book helps with finding answers to some everyday challenges that we face. Also, it suggests practical steps to tackle some of our misunderstandings regarding what it means to take control of ones own life.

[Arlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the only self-help books I have read twice. Enough said.

[Sonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re only going to purchase one book to help you achieve your goals in life, make sure it’s this one.

This is, in short, a brilliant book. When it comes to books on clarifying your values, finding your purpose, identifying and committing to your goals, different methods and habits to help you achieve them, cultivating the correct mindset, etc. I’ve probably read most of the popular ones. This book is by far the best of the bunch. Somehow, unlike most “self-help” titles, the author manages to inspire you to take total responsibility for your life, without any of the accompanying self-blame or shame that so often comes with these sorts of titles.

The book is very clearly written and structured and progresses logically and easily from one section to the next. There’s step by step instructions for the recommendations throughout, so you know exactly how you can take action, and don’t get stuck in "analysis paralysis." There’s also lots of helpful diagrams throughout for more visual learners, and a summary of the key points at the end of each chapter, so it’s easy to go back and revise the main concepts.

I've made a lot of positive changes in my personal and professional life since I purchased this book a few months ago, and have already achieved some goals that I’d been struggling to achieve for years. I'm a health care practitioner and have also purchased a copy of the book for my clinic and used a lot of the concepts in my work with my clients, with excellent success so far.

I really can’t recommend this book highly enough. I’m about to buy my third copy as a gift for a friend. I would buy a copy for everyone I know if I could! If you've been struggling and you want to finally make progress on your goals, buy yourself a copy right away, and check out the author’s website too, for a copy of the accompanying workbook. The author also very generously appears live on Insight Timer every week, so you can follow him there and it’s like having a bonus coaching session to support your work through the book - very motivating.

[Magnus Vinding · Rating 2 out of 5]

A lot of good stuff in this book, but also a lot of less good stuff, in my opinion.

I feel that the book lacks nuance in many places, and it also doesn't seem so reliable in terms of the research it cites (e.g. it cites a study that found that self-control is more important than IQ for predicting academic success, but a quick googling reveals that a replication study found just the opposite: https://www.researchgate.net/publicat...).

The book also makes strong claims about what our “intuitions already know”. Specifically, the author writes: “Something inside of you already knows exactly who you are, and who you want to become”. There is no attempt to justify this extremely strong and striking claim, which is a rather glaring omission, since the 'who you want to become' aspect is key to the whole approach of the book — and also, of course, because there are strong reasons to doubt this 'something inside of you already knows' claim, and to doubt that it is the best way to approach reflection on one's goals.

It likewise didn't add to the credibility of the book when something akin to the Pygmalion effect was speculated to be caused by quantum entanglement. (To be fair, the author was merely speculating here, but even so.) Perhaps most disappointing for me was the penultimate chapter on spirituality, as it defined spirituality in terms that seemed to exclude a purely naturalist spirituality.

The author also seems keen to sell his coaching services, and toward the end of the book, he writes, “If we work together [as coach and coachee] you are bound to succeed.” This strikes me as dishonest and overly salesy, since no one is ever bound to succeed, obviously. I think statements like this make the author's talk of following integrity and higher values ring a bit hollow.

[John McPhee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mindful Self-Discipline is an easy and enjoyable read. That is a good summary of all the best practices that are in other books also. Is simply written and is a good reminder for all of us of what’s possible. These seven bullet points on the Internet I think are a good summary of what it says.

1. Set Clear and Meaningful Goals: Define specific, actionable goals that align with your values and purpose. Clear goals provide direction and motivation, making it easier to stay committed.

2. Cultivate Self-Awareness: Practice mindfulness to become more aware of your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Self-awareness helps you recognize patterns that hinder your progress and allows you to make conscious choices.

3. Develop a Daily Routine: Establish a consistent daily routine that includes time for important activities such as exercise, meditation, and focused work. A structured routine helps build momentum and reinforce positive habits.

4. Practice Delayed Gratification: Strengthen your ability to delay immediate rewards in favor of long-term benefits. This practice helps you stay focused on your goals and resist short-term temptations.

5. Break Tasks into Smaller Steps: Divide larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps. This makes daunting projects more approachable and reduces procrastination by providing a clear path forward.

6. Use Positive Reinforcement: Reward yourself for making progress and achieving milestones. Positive reinforcement reinforces good habits and keeps you motivated to continue your efforts.

7. Maintain Accountability: Share your goals with a trusted friend, mentor, or support group. Accountability partners can provide encouragement, feedback, and help you stay on track when challenges arise.

[Igor Quint · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am currently reading this book the 2nd time, straight after the first read. This is in fact the first book which I'm reading twice in a row, because I resonate so much with the contents that I want to really take all wisdom in.

This book might not be for everyone. But if you're ambitious, acknowledge that your willpower muscle might not be fully trained and are open to really soulsearch for lasting change (beyond the just do it approach), this is your book.

I have read multiple books on self discipline. There are books which are just full of stories about people who are disciplined and why it is important. But this is not really practical advice. Then there is your more classical self-help book that is mainly advocating for making a plan, eating right and sleeping on time. But these are just some of the ingredients, not all. Then there is mindful self discipline that really employs a holistic approach where you can help yourself to really chase your aspirations and make your chase watertight. Meaning; you can really systemically plan for moments of weakness and how to handle those.

One of my biggest weaknesses is the all or nothing approach, which is specifically adressed by the book. The feeling of once I cross a given line (e.g. failing your diet once by overeating on a given day) I indulge all the way. The book really takes this idea and gives practical tips and guidance of overcoming this. Never seen that anywhere else.

So again, might not be for everyone, but if you are very serious about this topic and willing to question yourself, open-up: definitely Jump in!

[Sarah Cupitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This guide is a prelude to Atomic Habits and every mainstream self-help book, but it's the one you should read first. The exercises and diagrams set the book apart from the rest, in addition to a gentle approach to finding your roots and living a life of purpose.

Takeaways:
- The Greek word for self-discipline is enkrateia, the krat part meaning power (you are building your personal power)
- Self-awareness puts us in the driver's seat of our own lives
- We all have self-discipline, but it is more challenging without a core desire, dream, why or aspiration
- Start with a goal to find your underlying intentions and wishes - ask questions to get to the root cause
- Don't try resisting or suppressing your thoughts; adopt a neutral, accepting awareness
- Once habits are in place, they become automatic; some, however, need willpower, and even strong habits can fade with time/sharpness/drive
in the chapter

Favourite quotes:
- "In the twenty-first century, survival of the fittest means survival of the focused."-
"In this world of distractions and instant gratification, even a little bit of it goes a long way. Everything around you is designed to break your self-discipline. And now you have a choice: to continue letting that happen, or to take control of your life so you can live more on purpose and achieve your goals."

[Stoyan Topchiyski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mindful Self-Discipline by Giovanni Dienstmann is a truly outstanding book that has helped me to re-think my approach to self-discipline and has provided me with a powerful set of tools to help me achieve my goals. This book is one of the best books I have ever listened to and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking to develop a deeper understanding of self-discipline and how to cultivate it in their own life.

The quote "In the twenty-first century, survival of the fittest means survival of the focused" serves as a reminder that the ability to maintain focus and self-discipline is a crucial skill for success. This book provides valuable insights and inspiration for developing these skills and thriving in today's world.