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Neuro-Discipline: Everyday Neuroscience for Self-Discipline, Focus, and Defeating Your Brain's Impulsive and Distracted Nature
Control your brain so it doesn't control you. A science-based approach to getting things done and avoiding laziness and procrastination.
Our brains are not wired for goal achievement. They are wired only for speed, survival, and the present moment. It's time to defeat this primal tendency and make self-discipline your new normal.
Stop leaving tasks unstarted and/or unfinished. You're better than that.
Neuro-Discipline tells the tale of two battling brains, and why we are predisposed to laziness and energy conservation. Time after time, we take the path of least resistance to our detriment. The key to beating this is understanding the brain's imperatives and working with them. Neuro-Discipline is your layperson's guide to self-discipline success - just enough biology and psychology to give important context, while ensuring that you don't get stuck in the minutiae.
This isn't a textbook; it has over 20 actionable tips you can use TODAY.
Peter Hollins has studied psychology and peak human performance for over a dozen years and is a bestselling author. He has worked with dozens of individuals to unlock their potential and path towards success. His writing draws on his academic, coaching, and research experience.
Learn to beat your temptations, excuses, and weaknesses.
-Learn about the two brains and the two versions of you that are always locked in battle.
-How to trick the brain for action and productivity without working against it.
-The role of dopamine and how we can simulate it for our own purposes.
-How to talk to yourself and design your environment to stay on track.
-Reframing excuses and dissecting your emotional reactions.
-How to create a calm mind for ruthless execution.
Discomfort, boredom, frustration, and laziness are temporary. Self-discipline is forever.
Our brains are not wired for goal achievement. They are wired only for speed, survival, and the present moment. It's time to defeat this primal tendency and make self-discipline your new normal.
Stop leaving tasks unstarted and/or unfinished. You're better than that.
Neuro-Discipline tells the tale of two battling brains, and why we are predisposed to laziness and energy conservation. Time after time, we take the path of least resistance to our detriment. The key to beating this is understanding the brain's imperatives and working with them. Neuro-Discipline is your layperson's guide to self-discipline success - just enough biology and psychology to give important context, while ensuring that you don't get stuck in the minutiae.
This isn't a textbook; it has over 20 actionable tips you can use TODAY.
Peter Hollins has studied psychology and peak human performance for over a dozen years and is a bestselling author. He has worked with dozens of individuals to unlock their potential and path towards success. His writing draws on his academic, coaching, and research experience.
Learn to beat your temptations, excuses, and weaknesses.
-Learn about the two brains and the two versions of you that are always locked in battle.
-How to trick the brain for action and productivity without working against it.
-The role of dopamine and how we can simulate it for our own purposes.
-How to talk to yourself and design your environment to stay on track.
-Reframing excuses and dissecting your emotional reactions.
-How to create a calm mind for ruthless execution.
Discomfort, boredom, frustration, and laziness are temporary. Self-discipline is forever.
228 pages, Hardcover
Published November 25, 2019
448 people are currently reading
1309 people want to read
About the author
Peter Hollins
155 books373 followersPeter Hollins is a bestselling author, human psychology researcher, and a student of the human condition. He possesses a BS in psychology and a graduate degree.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 15, 2020
Even though most of the concepts occur on similar productivity books, what makes this book different is the scientific aspects of it. How discipline is linked to brain activity such as neural pathways. I commend it for that and other further explanation for discipline. It's very well written. This is the type off a book I enjoy reading.
November 6, 2021
This book is excellent because it provides neurological background to habits, why some parts of the brain work against being disciplined and how to overcome it.
I think this, together with the book "atomic habits", could be the ultimate introduction to creating habits and becoming more disciplined.
Thus, I can recommend the book to everyone.
I think this, together with the book "atomic habits", could be the ultimate introduction to creating habits and becoming more disciplined.
Thus, I can recommend the book to everyone.
February 17, 2020
Ανθυποκαλούτσικο. Σα να το'χω ξαναδιαβάσει όμως.
December 21, 2020
Much of what is in here is obvious or relatively basic to people who have read a lot in the personal development field. The author does an excellent job of sticking to the point and not going down the over-written rabbit-holes that most authors do. A really good place to start if you're looking to go down the personal development route - and I hope you are.
January 23, 2022
Полнейшая банальщина, ничего нового или интересного. Все гораздо лучше описано в других книгах. Сами советы разумные и рабочие
January 4, 2025
If a 130 page book can change the course of your life this is it.
Our brains are inherently in conflict with one another (we have two brains - pre frontal cortex and the limbic system)
Since dopamine can be created by real or perceived events we can trick the brain to become more disciplined and achieve any goal.
Go for it.
Our brains are inherently in conflict with one another (we have two brains - pre frontal cortex and the limbic system)
Since dopamine can be created by real or perceived events we can trick the brain to become more disciplined and achieve any goal.
Go for it.
November 15, 2019
Lots of helpful tips and suggestions
August 19, 2022
Robert Mercier
June 30, 2023
Easy to read, but didn't have something new to offer.
January 23, 2023
Rating: 8/10
Neuro-Discpline is a brief insight into the neuroscience behind discipline and habits, with tools and resources that are easily applicable to help shape your self-discipline.
The book is an overall good read, offering really valuable concepts, ideas, and resources to help readers shape their self-discipline from a neurological standpoint. All the concepts are explained simply, making them easier to understand, which I think makes the book a great introduction to neuroscience.
I also really appreciate that the book doesn't suffer from information overload and gets straight to the point (the digital version is only about 124 pages). There's a healthy amount of science and research so it's not overbearing or difficult to read.
However, like most self-help books, I think that Neuro-Discipline lacks originality in concepts and ideas. It doesn't make it a bad book necessarily, but that's definitely something that I look for in all the books that I read. Neuro-Discipline just felt like a really long article; Hollins did the research, handpicked the important information, cut the fluff, summarized it, and put it in a book. Again, not a bad thing, I just would've liked more (ex. research of his own or new ideas and concepts).
Neuro-Discpline is a brief insight into the neuroscience behind discipline and habits, with tools and resources that are easily applicable to help shape your self-discipline.
The book is an overall good read, offering really valuable concepts, ideas, and resources to help readers shape their self-discipline from a neurological standpoint. All the concepts are explained simply, making them easier to understand, which I think makes the book a great introduction to neuroscience.
I also really appreciate that the book doesn't suffer from information overload and gets straight to the point (the digital version is only about 124 pages). There's a healthy amount of science and research so it's not overbearing or difficult to read.
However, like most self-help books, I think that Neuro-Discipline lacks originality in concepts and ideas. It doesn't make it a bad book necessarily, but that's definitely something that I look for in all the books that I read. Neuro-Discipline just felt like a really long article; Hollins did the research, handpicked the important information, cut the fluff, summarized it, and put it in a book. Again, not a bad thing, I just would've liked more (ex. research of his own or new ideas and concepts).
February 7, 2021
A good insight into why we do what we do, and how we can change it
It’s a quick read and not as in-depth as some books about neuroscience and neuroplasticity, but goes some way to explaining how our neural networks are created and then govern our behaviours, as well numerous ways humans are naturally inclined towards safety and expending the least effort possible to get a desired result... ...even if the result become more of a compromise because it’s easier!
It gives some strategies to be able to achieve more and compromise less while keeping the low effort, expedient brain on side, with enough variety that most people will find some useful tools within, (presuming they muster up the will to engage them!).
It’s more entry level than expert, so if you’re well versed it’s probably not be the book for you, but it’s a good intro for someone looking for a bit of insight and practical tips on how to redirect your energy from avoidance to achievement.
It’s written in an engaging way, too... ...an enjoyable read.
It’s a quick read and not as in-depth as some books about neuroscience and neuroplasticity, but goes some way to explaining how our neural networks are created and then govern our behaviours, as well numerous ways humans are naturally inclined towards safety and expending the least effort possible to get a desired result... ...even if the result become more of a compromise because it’s easier!
It gives some strategies to be able to achieve more and compromise less while keeping the low effort, expedient brain on side, with enough variety that most people will find some useful tools within, (presuming they muster up the will to engage them!).
It’s more entry level than expert, so if you’re well versed it’s probably not be the book for you, but it’s a good intro for someone looking for a bit of insight and practical tips on how to redirect your energy from avoidance to achievement.
It’s written in an engaging way, too... ...an enjoyable read.
June 6, 2025
It's one of those books that, if you read it in 2025, tells you essentially all you've already heard a dozen times, except in one book. Which is nice and makes it a really good intro to self discipline.
My own personal -1 star point: most examples are on weight loss. Which I logically understand, a lot of people can relate to and if it does make click, it can be very helpful. But there are so many other things like starting a hobby you've wanted to try for years, painting the living room, switching jobs, learning a new skill. If you've reached the level of first world problems to read this book, you have enough first world excuses to apply this to.
My own personal -1 star point: most examples are on weight loss. Which I logically understand, a lot of people can relate to and if it does make click, it can be very helpful. But there are so many other things like starting a hobby you've wanted to try for years, painting the living room, switching jobs, learning a new skill. If you've reached the level of first world problems to read this book, you have enough first world excuses to apply this to.
September 4, 2021
Well laid out book with theories on self discipline and ideas about how to exercise your own. I particularly enjoyed the summaries at the end of each chapter and compilation of them at the end of the book that serve as a quick reference guide to remind yourself of the main points of each section. I'll probably read this again.
December 8, 2019
Good book to read.. it links between neuroscience and the art of organizing and planning. I find it very useful and informative. Although the book is focusing mostly in art of achieving and planning, it provides solid evidence to support each claim.
May 19, 2020
Another banger
Some very solid advice, with valid neuroscience evidence to back it. The concept of "two brains" is particularly useful and shows the conflict between our rational, well meaning brain and our hedonistic one.
Some very solid advice, with valid neuroscience evidence to back it. The concept of "two brains" is particularly useful and shows the conflict between our rational, well meaning brain and our hedonistic one.
March 26, 2020
A good brief on all things self-development and applied psychology in 2020, but nothing new or innovative.
May 9, 2025
🧠Dzisiaj przychodzę do was z polecajką troszkę ambitniejszego tytułu, a więc będzie to coś z mojej działki zawodowej: „Inżynieria mózgu. Jak trenować swój mózg i odblokować jego prawdziwy potencjał” Petera Hollinsa.
🧠Często dbamy o siebie od strony zewnętrznej, ale ta książka pozwoli nam znaleźć sposoby jak zadbać o siebie od środka. Mózg jest niezwykle tajemniczym i skomplikowanym organem i tak jak wszystkie narządy starzeje się, zmienia swoją objętość. Nie ma co się od razu spuścić, bo mózg jednoczesńe jest bardzo plastyczny i swoją ciężką pracą jesteśmy w stanie poprawić jego funkcjonowanie. Dzięki tej krótkiej lekturze dowiesz się jak stymulować rozrost neuronów i poprawić kondycję umysłową, jak odpoczywać we właściwy sposób, czym jest nerw błędny i wiele wiele więcej.
🧠Z reguły nie sięgam po poradniki, ale ze względu na to, że jestem studentką psychologii to lubię poszerzać swoją wiedzę w tym zakresie. Dużym plusem dla mnie w tej książęce jest poparcie swoich też przez autora badaniami naukowymi, które są niezmiernie ważne dla psychologów. Całą książkę czytało mi się niezmiernie szybko, ale czułam wielki niesmak po jej zakończeniu, wolałbym aby była dłuższa. Co nie zmienia faktu, że obejmuje ona istotne i treściwe informacje, a po jej lekturze czułam się niezmiernie zmobilizowana i zmotywowana.
🧠Często dbamy o siebie od strony zewnętrznej, ale ta książka pozwoli nam znaleźć sposoby jak zadbać o siebie od środka. Mózg jest niezwykle tajemniczym i skomplikowanym organem i tak jak wszystkie narządy starzeje się, zmienia swoją objętość. Nie ma co się od razu spuścić, bo mózg jednoczesńe jest bardzo plastyczny i swoją ciężką pracą jesteśmy w stanie poprawić jego funkcjonowanie. Dzięki tej krótkiej lekturze dowiesz się jak stymulować rozrost neuronów i poprawić kondycję umysłową, jak odpoczywać we właściwy sposób, czym jest nerw błędny i wiele wiele więcej.
🧠Z reguły nie sięgam po poradniki, ale ze względu na to, że jestem studentką psychologii to lubię poszerzać swoją wiedzę w tym zakresie. Dużym plusem dla mnie w tej książęce jest poparcie swoich też przez autora badaniami naukowymi, które są niezmiernie ważne dla psychologów. Całą książkę czytało mi się niezmiernie szybko, ale czułam wielki niesmak po jej zakończeniu, wolałbym aby była dłuższa. Co nie zmienia faktu, że obejmuje ona istotne i treściwe informacje, a po jej lekturze czułam się niezmiernie zmobilizowana i zmotywowana.
July 8, 2021
I would like to thank the author for this book because it really opened my eyes. The way he explained the brainy functional things simply clicked me to be aware about how we the humans work!
His explanation and tactics about how to balance emotional and logical part of brain is very crystal clear!!
It's like the particular thing is infront of you and yet you're so absent-minded that you don't notice it. You've eyes and yet you're blind. ;-)
His explanation and tactics about how to balance emotional and logical part of brain is very crystal clear!!
It's like the particular thing is infront of you and yet you're so absent-minded that you don't notice it. You've eyes and yet you're blind. ;-)
November 4, 2021
Straight to the point, no bs book, explain the reasons behind our decisions in everyday life. The science explains very well and how it influences our thoughts, decisions. Even though the science is complicated, this book condensed the information to a easy-to-read form. It offers tips to increase our disciplines and help to maintain it. Life is full of decisions and the small decision you make is important.
January 16, 2024
This is a great book with a few little techniques that will help bolster and strengthen your self discipline. For me the key takeaways were probably thinking more about my future self and not shitting over him, reducing temptations where possible and using if-them statements when I have to meet certain temptations head on.
I like this book and I will no doubt use some of the techniques that the author details.
I like this book and I will no doubt use some of the techniques that the author details.
August 15, 2022
"a lack of self-discipline is where good intentions go to die" period
Fun, quick and very engaging read sprinkled with some easy science. Notes taken. Can't wait to get onto super learning.
And remember: "Traffic and weather might happen to you, but that doesn’t mean you can’t account for them yourself." Take responsibility, kiddos.
Fun, quick and very engaging read sprinkled with some easy science. Notes taken. Can't wait to get onto super learning.
And remember: "Traffic and weather might happen to you, but that doesn’t mean you can’t account for them yourself." Take responsibility, kiddos.
January 29, 2020
Really helpful
Though simple and straightforward in its approach, Neuro-Discipline proved helpful with some new approaches to self control and reaching goals. Knowing the “why” behind behaviors helps to do better at controlling them. This book helped do that.
Though simple and straightforward in its approach, Neuro-Discipline proved helpful with some new approaches to self control and reaching goals. Knowing the “why” behind behaviors helps to do better at controlling them. This book helped do that.
June 7, 2020
Great Book!
I loved the book. It have solid information and tools on how to become better self disciplined.
I would recommend this going I anyone looking to gain discipline in order to achieve huge goals.
I loved the book. It have solid information and tools on how to become better self disciplined.
I would recommend this going I anyone looking to gain discipline in order to achieve huge goals.
January 21, 2021
Another “how to” book of stuff most of us already know like the importance of disciple and benefits of meditation. A few good tactical tips.
Also very annoying how the author asks multiple times at end of kindle to review them.
Also very annoying how the author asks multiple times at end of kindle to review them.
June 1, 2021
Really good read to understanding how the different parts of the brain work and how easy we can fall into traps because if it. Self discipline is the most important thing you can have in order to achieve success. This book will help you understand how to achieve you own self-discipline
June 24, 2024
Great mixture of practical and theoretical
Great mixture of practical and theoretical, strategies and cold, hard truths. The chapter summaries and final full summary are also helpful. Highly recommend.
Great mixture of practical and theoretical, strategies and cold, hard truths. The chapter summaries and final full summary are also helpful. Highly recommend.
July 31, 2024
This book answer a lot of questions about my behaviour toward myself and why i do one or another choice instead of heading to do required tasks. It explains how to build self-descipline habits and stop inpulsive actions.
May 29, 2025
What a great book, it will take time to read and understand what the author is trying to convey and put those discipline techniques in daily life but it is worth reading. Great book. It shows why we have childish and often do things against our wisdom and will. Great insight again
January 11, 2020
Review of this book
Concise, direct, informative, and valuable. The author is a thoughtful and proactive writer. Understanding the brain is vital to success.
Concise, direct, informative, and valuable. The author is a thoughtful and proactive writer. Understanding the brain is vital to success.
February 19, 2020
This book is excellent it teaches you the discipline needed
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews