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Daily Self-Discipline: Everyday Habits and Exercises to Build Self-Discipline and Achieve Your Goals
Do you make goals, yet get discouraged when your plans don’t work? We all know that person who seemingly was born to succeed. Fitness, health, business, they achieve all their goals. You want that success, and know you can get it... but how? Everywhere you turn, there are obstacles that block your path. Being successful doesn’t mean avoiding them, it means meeting those obstacles head-on and pushing through. You need the self-discipline and willpower to see you through to the end. You need the tools that will enable you to have that self-discipline and willpower. Daily Self-Discipline has those tools. Inside, you’ll learn methods - develop powerful self-discipline by building a fit body and mind, - thrive in face of adversity, cravings, temptations and discomfort and feel good about it, - develop key self-awareness skills to push yourself through to your goal, - gain a clear vision of how self-discipline works that will inspire you to carry on no matter what, - keep pushing when nothing seems to work and you’re on the verge of giving up. Each page of this book is designed to help you build the self-discipline that leads to the resiliency and mental strength you need on a daily basis. Simple everyday exercises and habit-forming practices will teach you the skills you need to overcome obstacles and have confidence in yourself and your path to success.
148 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2015
976 people are currently reading
1680 people want to read
About the author
Martin Meadows
48 books224 followersMartin Meadows is the pen name of an author who has dedicated his life to personal growth. He constantly reinvents himself by making drastic changes in his life. Over the years, he has: regularly fasted for over 40 hours, taught himself two foreign languages, lost over 30 pounds in 12 weeks, ran several businesses in various industries, took ice-cold showers and baths, lived on a small tropical island in a foreign country for several months, and wrote 400-page long novel's worth of short stories in one month.
Yet, self-torture is not his passion. Martin likes to test his boundaries to discover how far his comfort zone goes. His findings (based both on his personal experience and scientific studies) help him improve his life. If you're interested in pushing your limits and learning how to become the best version of yourself, you'll love Martin's works.
Yet, self-torture is not his passion. Martin likes to test his boundaries to discover how far his comfort zone goes. His findings (based both on his personal experience and scientific studies) help him improve his life. If you're interested in pushing your limits and learning how to become the best version of yourself, you'll love Martin's works.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
August 25, 2021
Actual rating 3.5/5 stars.
Exactly as the title suggests, this short non-fiction details ways in which an individual can bring self-discipline into their everyday life. It covers a multitude of topics and each section also comes complete with easy exercises and a neat recap at the end.
Whilst I did find this an interesting read, I also found not all the contents were suited to me, personally. It was a little too regimented and restrictive in approach to some certain areas. That's completely okay though, of course, as self-improvement is such an personal journey and so it only stands to reason that the many books on the topic will differ with the advice they provide.
Exactly as the title suggests, this short non-fiction details ways in which an individual can bring self-discipline into their everyday life. It covers a multitude of topics and each section also comes complete with easy exercises and a neat recap at the end.
Whilst I did find this an interesting read, I also found not all the contents were suited to me, personally. It was a little too regimented and restrictive in approach to some certain areas. That's completely okay though, of course, as self-improvement is such an personal journey and so it only stands to reason that the many books on the topic will differ with the advice they provide.
August 21, 2016
Inspiring - 6/10
Entertaining - 2/10
Educational - 2/10
This is a quick read with lots of "Oh, that's a great idea!"
What the author lacks in material he makes up for in unique, practical ideas on how to have more discipline.
Here are my unedited notes.
- Committing and believing is what matters. If you believe a diet will work and you stick to it the data shows it will work, regardless of what the diet is (reasonably).
- Handling adversity - "And this too shall pass"
- Find patterns that have worked for thousands of people.
- Physical activity is a keystone habit, meaning it will introduce other habits as a result of the change.
- Build physical excellence by following a workout plan religiously.
- Stick to a plan no matter what.
- Distract yourself to avoid temptation
- The time you wake up is dependent on personal preference.
- Discomfort builds character
- Get comfortable with cold temperatures. Do 5 minutes of a cold shower a day.
- Everyone goes through difficulties. Greatness has self control in discomfort.
- Pretend you don't have any money to spend. Now do you really need that item?
- Learn to handle anxiety and rejection through practice. Talk to strangers, barter for lower prices, etc.. Overtime you will no longer feel shy.
- Master your thoughts through meditation and mindfulness. There are numerous ways to meditate, including writing in a journal, thinking of things you are grateful for, waking in nature, and so forth.
- Separate "yourself" from what you are thinking. You are not your thoughts. Your thoughts are like smells, sights, and sounds that come and go.
- Visualization. Imagine yourself in the future. Who are you? Write a letter from your future self to your current self to be motivated.
- Prioritize sustainability over quick wins. Schedule break times and "free days" where you are deliberately lazy.
- Positive reappraisal. Spin the negativity into a positive.
Entertaining - 2/10
Educational - 2/10
This is a quick read with lots of "Oh, that's a great idea!"
What the author lacks in material he makes up for in unique, practical ideas on how to have more discipline.
Here are my unedited notes.
- Committing and believing is what matters. If you believe a diet will work and you stick to it the data shows it will work, regardless of what the diet is (reasonably).
- Handling adversity - "And this too shall pass"
- Find patterns that have worked for thousands of people.
- Physical activity is a keystone habit, meaning it will introduce other habits as a result of the change.
- Build physical excellence by following a workout plan religiously.
- Stick to a plan no matter what.
- Distract yourself to avoid temptation
- The time you wake up is dependent on personal preference.
- Discomfort builds character
- Get comfortable with cold temperatures. Do 5 minutes of a cold shower a day.
- Everyone goes through difficulties. Greatness has self control in discomfort.
- Pretend you don't have any money to spend. Now do you really need that item?
- Learn to handle anxiety and rejection through practice. Talk to strangers, barter for lower prices, etc.. Overtime you will no longer feel shy.
- Master your thoughts through meditation and mindfulness. There are numerous ways to meditate, including writing in a journal, thinking of things you are grateful for, waking in nature, and so forth.
- Separate "yourself" from what you are thinking. You are not your thoughts. Your thoughts are like smells, sights, and sounds that come and go.
- Visualization. Imagine yourself in the future. Who are you? Write a letter from your future self to your current self to be motivated.
- Prioritize sustainability over quick wins. Schedule break times and "free days" where you are deliberately lazy.
- Positive reappraisal. Spin the negativity into a positive.
February 8, 2017
This book was okay..... just okay. While listening to the audible - I started to wonder about the author. He has practiced at times EXTREME self-discipline. I am not sure I would want to be friends with him, and I may be even a little worried about his mental state. I can picture the author as his own version of a monk. So, he provided the information in the book - but my mind continued to wander and wonder about the author himself.
August 14, 2017
I found it a bit preachy and sanctimonius. Not inspiring.
April 30, 2016
I really enjoyed this book, it was a very easy read and had lots of simple, practical tips some of which I am already acting on. The usual problem I have with books of this type is they tend to waffle on and not offer any practical tips and I only end up more confused, but this title is much more straightforward with plans of action and exercises to try.
It has tips on everything from building an exercise habit, dealing with discomfort, staying motivated, reducing negative thoughts and staying calm in stressful situations.
I'm glad I read it and will certainly return to it in the near future.
It has tips on everything from building an exercise habit, dealing with discomfort, staying motivated, reducing negative thoughts and staying calm in stressful situations.
I'm glad I read it and will certainly return to it in the near future.
November 19, 2018
Practical!
This was a quick initial read, although I intend to comb through again slowly to glean all the book has to offer. Achieving goals in life is in one way or another what all people strive for whether it be personal, professional, emotional, spiritual, etc. Realizing goals is a source of personal satisfaction and general happiness in my life, and the author gives many different ways to approach them while building discipline and mental toughness. If you’re a person who enjoys learning, and challenges that lead to personal growth and happiness, then you’ll enjoy and benefit from the ideas in this book.
This was a quick initial read, although I intend to comb through again slowly to glean all the book has to offer. Achieving goals in life is in one way or another what all people strive for whether it be personal, professional, emotional, spiritual, etc. Realizing goals is a source of personal satisfaction and general happiness in my life, and the author gives many different ways to approach them while building discipline and mental toughness. If you’re a person who enjoys learning, and challenges that lead to personal growth and happiness, then you’ll enjoy and benefit from the ideas in this book.
September 29, 2021
Un excelente complemento para cualquier libro de desarrollo personal que va orientado a entender la dinámica de la autodisciplina como instrumento necesario para lograr las metas.
Un elemento destacable es que la disciplina no está orientada simplemente a la productividad y al hacer muchas cosas, sino que va directamente orientada a la realización personal, a una vida con sentido y, a la postre, a lograr la felicidad auténtica. Por eso siempre se trata como un medio, como una herramienta personal, que como cualquier otra, hay que mantenerla, hay que quererla y hay que cuidarla, hay que darle trabajo y descanso, hay que enamorarse de ella.
Un elemento destacable es que la disciplina no está orientada simplemente a la productividad y al hacer muchas cosas, sino que va directamente orientada a la realización personal, a una vida con sentido y, a la postre, a lograr la felicidad auténtica. Por eso siempre se trata como un medio, como una herramienta personal, que como cualquier otra, hay que mantenerla, hay que quererla y hay que cuidarla, hay que darle trabajo y descanso, hay que enamorarse de ella.
March 2, 2021
Tomo muy en cuenta la investigación que el autor realizó y el que sus consejos en realidad fueran bastante buenos.
El punto positivo es este y el que abordara el tema del último capítulo cuando normalmente muchos autores no lo toman en cuenta, causando que nos sobreexplotemos.
Pero, por el lado malo en los primeros tres capítulos del libro sentí que sobraban muchas hojas, repetía de una manera diferente el mismo primer y/o segundo parráfo a lo largo de varías hojas.
En general es bueno si dejamos pasar lo repetitivo, podemos tomar muchas recomendaciones para aplicarlas en nuestra vida.
El punto positivo es este y el que abordara el tema del último capítulo cuando normalmente muchos autores no lo toman en cuenta, causando que nos sobreexplotemos.
Pero, por el lado malo en los primeros tres capítulos del libro sentí que sobraban muchas hojas, repetía de una manera diferente el mismo primer y/o segundo parráfo a lo largo de varías hojas.
En general es bueno si dejamos pasar lo repetitivo, podemos tomar muchas recomendaciones para aplicarlas en nuestra vida.
February 7, 2018
Easy read
Suggested path to discipline is quite pratical to follow. Helped me get out of a funk and actually finish a lot of long term pending projects.
Suggested path to discipline is quite pratical to follow. Helped me get out of a funk and actually finish a lot of long term pending projects.
February 9, 2018
Been an awesome reminder of many things one can for self improvement. Loved the content and loved the way it is such a short, summarized read.
March 19, 2018
Not bad. There are redundant parts written even outside of the end-of-chapter reviews. The proposed exercises seem a little weird. Case in point: Going 21 Days without a complaint.
Good luck with that especially when you have to file complaints with HR or a company who sold you a faulty product.
However, I like some of his following tips:
•one cheat meal a week
•positive mindset is key to self-discipline
•list of things to make a negative situation feel more positive
•guilt makes failures feel worse and should never be thought of
•negative self-talks have to go
•studies show that what is done in a 70+ hour workaholic’s week can be done in 55 hours
•gratitude must be the focal point after a loss, NOT GUILT
•without rest you can’t master new skills
Overall, the title seems catchy and there were some tips that I did need. Except I think that the tips that the author proposes our tips that you could find almost anywhere. Hopefully some the things that I learned from him can improve my daily life in addition to the new things that I already learned.
Good luck with that especially when you have to file complaints with HR or a company who sold you a faulty product.
However, I like some of his following tips:
•one cheat meal a week
•positive mindset is key to self-discipline
•list of things to make a negative situation feel more positive
•guilt makes failures feel worse and should never be thought of
•negative self-talks have to go
•studies show that what is done in a 70+ hour workaholic’s week can be done in 55 hours
•gratitude must be the focal point after a loss, NOT GUILT
•without rest you can’t master new skills
Overall, the title seems catchy and there were some tips that I did need. Except I think that the tips that the author proposes our tips that you could find almost anywhere. Hopefully some the things that I learned from him can improve my daily life in addition to the new things that I already learned.
January 1, 2019
This book has helped me be more focused on what I try to accomplish, It was very helpful without wasting any of your time. Love this book! Definitely recommend it. I have extracted from the book some paragraphs that I like best in order to introduce this good book to the readers. You can read these interesting quotes prior to making a decision to read the whole book....!
"The outer world follows your inner world...."
"Few things can limit your chances of success more than shyness."
Thanks and Wish you and your family health and success.
"The outer world follows your inner world...."
"Few things can limit your chances of success more than shyness."
Thanks and Wish you and your family health and success.
November 26, 2021
Do you make goals, yet get discouraged when your plans don’t work? We all know that person who seemingly was born to succeed. Fitness, health, business, they achieve all their goals. You want that success, and know you can get it... but how?
Everywhere you turn, there are obstacles that block your path. Being successful doesn’t mean avoiding them, it means meeting those obstacles head-on and pushing through. You need the self-discipline and willpower to see you through to the end. You need the tools that will enable you to have that self-discipline and willpower. Daily Self-Discipline has those tools.
Everywhere you turn, there are obstacles that block your path. Being successful doesn’t mean avoiding them, it means meeting those obstacles head-on and pushing through. You need the self-discipline and willpower to see you through to the end. You need the tools that will enable you to have that self-discipline and willpower. Daily Self-Discipline has those tools.
January 9, 2022
Daily Self-Discipline is the second book by Meadows I read. Like the book How to Build Self-Discipline, it consists of some (basic) but interesting suggestions regarding self-discipline, such as depersonalizing cravings/negative thoughts. Considering I already read one of Martin's books, the overlap of ideas is evident. Also, the examples mentioned usually had something to do with dieting and working out. Although these are so-called "keystone habits", I think it would've been more beneficial to have more examples outside these broad categories. However, I did enjoy some of the more practical examples addressed in the book.
May 5, 2017
There is some good advice here mixed in with some suggestions I would call misguided. Tying in such a large portion of mental health and self-discipline to physical practices seems a little over-weighted in my opinion, especially in its encouragement of team sports which build more self-indulgent and negative competitive instincts rather than a more wholesome virtuous self-discipline. Still there are some good ideas mixed in and some with which I am less familiar and may consider trying, like rejection therapy. A short read.
January 8, 2019
The positives:
+ This book was short, sweet, and to the point
+ There were some good practical tips to try
The negatives:
- Some of the tips were, in my opinion, dumb. I don't think an ice cold shower or walking outside with clothing not equitable to the weather is at all practicing self-discipline....it just seems like it would be miserable.
- While there were some good tips, they weren't new or fresh....just reminders of practical things to add to the to-do list.
I rated this as an "okay" book because I did manage to finish it.
+ This book was short, sweet, and to the point
+ There were some good practical tips to try
The negatives:
- Some of the tips were, in my opinion, dumb. I don't think an ice cold shower or walking outside with clothing not equitable to the weather is at all practicing self-discipline....it just seems like it would be miserable.
- While there were some good tips, they weren't new or fresh....just reminders of practical things to add to the to-do list.
I rated this as an "okay" book because I did manage to finish it.
September 15, 2019
A quick overview of stoic philosophy + habit building, Martin Meadows is clearly summarizing what he's read on his own road to self-mastery. In essence its a "tertiary source" -- someone who's read the popular overviews of scientific research or ancient philosophy, and summarized it based on his own personal experience. So, it's a good place to start for someone who's never explored Stoicism or habit-building... for the same reason reading the Cliff's notes is a good place to start. And, as they say, getting started is half the battle, right?
May 9, 2019
It's worth a read if this subject of personal development is new to you or your just starting to look into it. It's a quick and easy read that gets straight to the point and helps open doors to other subjects/books you may want to look at, if self-help/personal development is the subject.
If your looking for something more then look else where, basically if this book is free then read it not worth more than £1. You get what you pay for.
If your looking for something more then look else where, basically if this book is free then read it not worth more than £1. You get what you pay for.
May 10, 2021
An excellent book to read for the person who lacks the appropriate self-discipline to persevere or needs a boost in honoring his or her personal plans, goals and dreams. It is full of ideas and suggestions on acquiring self-discipline and maintaining it. I enjoyed reading this book for its clarity of the language and straightforward approach as well as for the fact that one can always return to the book in order to review the concepts which speak to him/her the most.
April 5, 2024
Clear-cut, honest, life changing advice!
Love how inspiring and informative this book is! It’s organized in a clear and concise manner with real life examples, and concrete usable applications for every day life. Quick and easy read so you can start applying the wisdom to your daily practice right away. I bought the audio book as well so I can share it with my husband on an upcoming car trip.
Love how inspiring and informative this book is! It’s organized in a clear and concise manner with real life examples, and concrete usable applications for every day life. Quick and easy read so you can start applying the wisdom to your daily practice right away. I bought the audio book as well so I can share it with my husband on an upcoming car trip.
March 21, 2017
The author did a great job breaking down the branches of self discipline in a clear and descriptive way. I'm not a huge fan of self help books, but this one was a quick and blunt read. One of the main reason why I don't like self help books is that authors often times speak to you as opposed to speaking as an example. However, in Daily Self-Discipline: Everyday Habits and Exercises to Build Self-Discipline and Achieve Your Goals, Martin Meadows does a great job with following up every exercise with an example of a time that he's used his techniques in his personal life. You get the sense that the author is talking from experience and not from what 'sounds good'.
May 1, 2018
Definitely a book for people who struggle with discipline. I didn't really learn anything new from this book. I actually do the majority of strategies / tips shared in this book. It was actually pretty satisfying to read the things I do on a regular basis. Highly recommend for anyone struggling in that department. Good read.
October 12, 2019
Straight to the Point
Really good read. Lots of ideas and strategies that work. I totally agree everything about discipline starts with health and fitness. Martin carefully crafts techniques around attitudinal change. Very practical. Long enough to add value - short enough to be practical.
Really good read. Lots of ideas and strategies that work. I totally agree everything about discipline starts with health and fitness. Martin carefully crafts techniques around attitudinal change. Very practical. Long enough to add value - short enough to be practical.
December 18, 2019
Straight forward
I'm not sure this book had any new information, but what it did have was a straightforward approach and a conversational tone. There were exercises after each section to help improve discipline which ranged from fairly easy to something to really work at. Interesting read. I'm def going to put into practice.
I'm not sure this book had any new information, but what it did have was a straightforward approach and a conversational tone. There were exercises after each section to help improve discipline which ranged from fairly easy to something to really work at. Interesting read. I'm def going to put into practice.
February 22, 2020
VERY HAPPY THAT I READ IT
I bought this book completely by chance not knowing what it would be like and I must say that it was a very happy stroke of luck. The book is easy to read, goes directly to the point, you will not find here “ultra profound philosophy “ but instead many “common sense” advice. I like much
I bought this book completely by chance not knowing what it would be like and I must say that it was a very happy stroke of luck. The book is easy to read, goes directly to the point, you will not find here “ultra profound philosophy “ but instead many “common sense” advice. I like much
December 15, 2020
Short, crisp and concise; the author gives the reader a no bs approach to getting out of a funk and getting started. He challenges us to get out of our comfort zone (while respecting the limits of our body) and having and trying to achieve long term rewards (instead of short term ones). Really inspiring and lucid, great book!
December 30, 2022
3/5
Actionable step: Have a compass of your personal values. Without a clearly defined set of priorities in life, it’s easy to stray off the course and do things that don’t reflect what you believe in. Periodically reminding yourself of what’s most important to you can help you make changes to regain self-control and fix the crucial things you’ve neglected.
Actionable step: Have a compass of your personal values. Without a clearly defined set of priorities in life, it’s easy to stray off the course and do things that don’t reflect what you believe in. Periodically reminding yourself of what’s most important to you can help you make changes to regain self-control and fix the crucial things you’ve neglected.
September 29, 2017
I read this book several months ago and thought the premise is excellent. It did help me with small habits which lead to bigger ones. The author is one of my favorite motivational writers. I look forward to more of his books.
December 29, 2019
Easy to read
I found this book very easy to read. I like how the author had a “recap” at the end of each chapter. While I don’t agree with all of the author’s suggestions for developing discipline, he does offer some worthwhile techniques.
I found this book very easy to read. I like how the author had a “recap” at the end of each chapter. While I don’t agree with all of the author’s suggestions for developing discipline, he does offer some worthwhile techniques.
May 30, 2021
Se centra demasiado en el tema de ejercitarse y la dieta, repitiéndose a lo largo de todo el libro que, por otro lado, es cortísimo, dificultando la profundidad de ciertas ideas bastante interesantes. Le falta chicha y le sobra morralla. Léetelo si no tienes nada que hacer una tarde de domingo.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews