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Self-Discipline: a guide to taking control of your mind, your time, and your life
33 pages, ebook
About the author
Mark Manson
112 books19.2k followersMark Manson (born 1984) is a professional blogger, entrepreneur, and former dating coach. Since 2007, he's been helping people with their emotional and relationship problems. He has worked with thousands of people from over 30 different countries.
He regularly writes and updates his blog at: www.markmanson.net
He regularly writes and updates his blog at: www.markmanson.net
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 6, 2021
Recommended again! :D
I really liked this book; it helps you (practically and without bluffing -_-) on your path towards building good habits. I also recommend reading it alongside another book (more like a free pdf) by the same author called: All about Habits: A Guide To Change Your Life One Step At A Time
...
Also, you may want to check out this related jump link (about a 13-minute read) in the book: Fuck Your Feelings
I really liked this book; it helps you (practically and without bluffing -_-) on your path towards building good habits. I also recommend reading it alongside another book (more like a free pdf) by the same author called: All about Habits: A Guide To Change Your Life One Step At A Time
" With habits, on the other hand, there’s no single endpoint that must be reached. The only goal of habits is that the goal is never over, it’s a simple daily or weekly repetition that one does until muscle memory and brain chemistry kick in and you’re now performing the desired action on autopilot. With goals, every day you go back to the gym feels harder. With habits, after a while, it feels harder to not go to the gym than it does to go.
Therefore, it is a better investment of one’s finite energy and discipline to focus on building habits. It’s fine to still have goals. Hell, I’d like to lose 20 lbs by summer. But that’s not what my mind will focus on this year.
Instead, I will look at the habits that underlie that goal, that would make that goal an inevitability— eating better, walking more often instead of taking an Uber, developing a workout plan—and then focus on those. The weight loss then naturally occurs as a side effect. "
...
"In my experience, it’s the regular heartbeat of pursuing and nailing small win after small win that eventually leads to the big ones. In fact, I’ve often found that becoming so intent on the small simple daily victories often causes one to not even realize one of the big goals has occurred until it’s already passed you by. This, too, is a habit. And I would argue it’s an incredibly compounding one at that."
Also, you may want to check out this related jump link (about a 13-minute read) in the book: Fuck Your Feelings
October 4, 2023
Well, this is the second 5 star-rating that I have given to these self-help books on my bookshelf so far. The first 5 star-rating and also my very first ebook on Kindle, no doubt is “Atomic Habits”. I enjoyed that book so, so much that even switched to the Vietnamese version right after the English version, which I never done until now.
There are several points that I’d like to bring into:
1- It is a typical self-help book that you can find everywhere. The difference is it is not that popular and well-known to everyone, as a self-help book and was written by Mark Mansion. That might be because Mark has forgotten to put “F*uck” in the title, like “Self-f*cking Displine” 🤣. We all know Mark Mansion’s best seller and well-known book is “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck”. Though, they might not know anything about the book I’m talking about.
2- It is SHORT. Self-help books never need to be boring long. The book-length is just PERFECT to me! He stops at where I think it needs to be put an end. What could you say after giving all the facts, mentioning issues with key information from many researchers then providing clear strategies (including benefits and how-to-do for each type of important habit).
3- It is ENOUGH! Full of information I love to hear. What do people usually expect when they find a self-help book in their hand? Personally, I don’t like reading one point mentioned once and over and over again. I already got that point, could we please move to the next point? So, I love to read the key points, such as *What are my problems? Why do I still have these problems? What should I do to fix all of these problems or How to it in the easiest and quick way?*
4- It is EASY TO UNDERSTAND and PRACTICE. The book seems like a big slap on my face, though I know it is the RIGHT SELF-HELP BOOK about DISCIPLINE & HABITS that I’ve searching for these days.
Ok then, a big thanks from me to Mark Mansion! <3
There are several points that I’d like to bring into:
1- It is a typical self-help book that you can find everywhere. The difference is it is not that popular and well-known to everyone, as a self-help book and was written by Mark Mansion. That might be because Mark has forgotten to put “F*uck” in the title, like “Self-f*cking Displine” 🤣. We all know Mark Mansion’s best seller and well-known book is “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck”. Though, they might not know anything about the book I’m talking about.
2- It is SHORT. Self-help books never need to be boring long. The book-length is just PERFECT to me! He stops at where I think it needs to be put an end. What could you say after giving all the facts, mentioning issues with key information from many researchers then providing clear strategies (including benefits and how-to-do for each type of important habit).
3- It is ENOUGH! Full of information I love to hear. What do people usually expect when they find a self-help book in their hand? Personally, I don’t like reading one point mentioned once and over and over again. I already got that point, could we please move to the next point? So, I love to read the key points, such as *What are my problems? Why do I still have these problems? What should I do to fix all of these problems or How to it in the easiest and quick way?*
4- It is EASY TO UNDERSTAND and PRACTICE. The book seems like a big slap on my face, though I know it is the RIGHT SELF-HELP BOOK about DISCIPLINE & HABITS that I’ve searching for these days.
Ok then, a big thanks from me to Mark Mansion! <3
October 9, 2022
Some excerpts:
"If self-discipline feels difficult, then you're doing it wrong"
"Self-discipline based on self-denial cannot be sustained in the long-run. It only breeds greater dysfunction, and ultimately results in self-destruction.
... You can will yourself to go to the gym if you don’t feel like it for a few days. But unless the gym ends up feeling good in some way, you will eventually lose motivation, run out of willpower and stop going.
You can will yourself to stop drinking for a day or a week, but unless you feel the reward of not drinking, then you will eventually go back to it...
Any emotionally healthy approach to self-discipline must work with your emotions, rather than against them."
"Once you resolve much of your shame, and once you’ve created situations to provide greater emotional benefits from doing the desired behavior than not doing it, what you end up with is the
appearance of airtight self-discipline, without actually putting forth any effort. You end up with discipline without willpower.
You wake up early because it feels good to wake up early.
You eat kale instead of smoking crack because it feels good to eat the kale and feels bad to smoke crack.
You stop lying because it feels worse to lie than to say an important truth.
You exercise because it feels better to exercise than it does to sit around, covering yourself in a thin layer of Cheeto dust."
"If self-discipline feels difficult, then you're doing it wrong"
"Self-discipline based on self-denial cannot be sustained in the long-run. It only breeds greater dysfunction, and ultimately results in self-destruction.
... You can will yourself to go to the gym if you don’t feel like it for a few days. But unless the gym ends up feeling good in some way, you will eventually lose motivation, run out of willpower and stop going.
You can will yourself to stop drinking for a day or a week, but unless you feel the reward of not drinking, then you will eventually go back to it...
Any emotionally healthy approach to self-discipline must work with your emotions, rather than against them."
"Once you resolve much of your shame, and once you’ve created situations to provide greater emotional benefits from doing the desired behavior than not doing it, what you end up with is the
appearance of airtight self-discipline, without actually putting forth any effort. You end up with discipline without willpower.
You wake up early because it feels good to wake up early.
You eat kale instead of smoking crack because it feels good to eat the kale and feels bad to smoke crack.
You stop lying because it feels worse to lie than to say an important truth.
You exercise because it feels better to exercise than it does to sit around, covering yourself in a thin layer of Cheeto dust."
March 10, 2024
I read this because I have really liked what I have read of Mark Manson so far. He nails a lot of what is required for good mental health and shows you do not need a PhD to do this. He is a good and readable writer and the core of what he argues is reflected in the knowledge we have around mental wellness. This is like a ‘bootleg’ of your favourite artist. A relatively short essay on the nature of self discipline.
I think he gets the nature of what is required for self discipline correct. He argues that self discipline is less about will power and more about habit and ties in with James Clear’s ‘Atomic Habits’. He poses two questions that I am going to borrow in my practice going forward:
What habits would you like to change, cultivate, or improve to better yourself and move you towards the person you aspire to become?
What habits would you like to cease that are preventing you becoming the person you aspire to become?
He gives six ‘hacks’ that are relatively easy to do in improving your mental health: Exercise; Cooking; Meditation; Reading; Writing; and Socialising. They are similar to my 5 important pillars of mental health: Sleep; Diet; Activity; Relationships; and a Confident. I like this and have discovered he has written a number of these essays which I intent to read over time.
I think he gets the nature of what is required for self discipline correct. He argues that self discipline is less about will power and more about habit and ties in with James Clear’s ‘Atomic Habits’. He poses two questions that I am going to borrow in my practice going forward:
What habits would you like to change, cultivate, or improve to better yourself and move you towards the person you aspire to become?
What habits would you like to cease that are preventing you becoming the person you aspire to become?
He gives six ‘hacks’ that are relatively easy to do in improving your mental health: Exercise; Cooking; Meditation; Reading; Writing; and Socialising. They are similar to my 5 important pillars of mental health: Sleep; Diet; Activity; Relationships; and a Confident. I like this and have discovered he has written a number of these essays which I intent to read over time.
March 28, 2022
This book has good advice backed by some research. A lot of this is already in Manson's blog, markmanson.net, but just gathered for an easier read.
This short book talks about goals vs habits, and ends with 6 Fundamental Daily Habits which are:
1. Exercising
2. Cooking
3. Meditating
4. Reading
5. Writing
6. Socializing
That last part of the book is great since there's also advice on how to turn those 6 into habits.
I'd recommend this to those who want a refresher or just a short read about habits, but would highly recommend the sources in the footnotes for more in-depth reads, like The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg.
And this is me practicing habit 5, writing.
This short book talks about goals vs habits, and ends with 6 Fundamental Daily Habits which are:
1. Exercising
2. Cooking
3. Meditating
4. Reading
5. Writing
6. Socializing
That last part of the book is great since there's also advice on how to turn those 6 into habits.
I'd recommend this to those who want a refresher or just a short read about habits, but would highly recommend the sources in the footnotes for more in-depth reads, like The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg.
And this is me practicing habit 5, writing.
July 7, 2022
Mark Manson goes into great detail on what develops self-discipline as well as what destroys them in his PDF e-book Self-Discipline. Willpower and self-acceptance are two key pillars that either support or destroy discipline, according to him. Additionally, he listed 6 fundamental daily routines that might raise someone's quality of life. I discovered that, unlike what most people believe, the foundation of self-discipline is self-acceptance rather than shame or willpower. I also discovered that shame leaves you fucked up and really drags you down. Therefore, both are actually ineffective. Additionally, I discovered that developing strong discipline requires developing a systematic working habit rather than just setting an end goal in mind. Last but not least, I realized that some of these routines—exercising, cooking, meditating, reading, writing, etc.—can significantly boost a person's quality of life in terms of oneself, spirituality, and socially.
August 1, 2021
Self-Discipline Mark Manson
Thank you,
Very enjoyable picture resolution and choice of front.
Looking forward to reading something of substance.
Just joking, I appreciate the shout out to lifting weights and 30-day challenges. I heard your book, was enjoyable and I would buy it, if only to more subtly not give a fuck (I can be a little too obvious).
Summary:
Exercise, cooking, meditation (understand and accept emotions), reading, writing, socialising.
Theories:
Self-Denial = Emotional Dysfunction = Self-Destruction = Reduced Self-Discipline
? new book: Read and enjoy the first 10% or first chapter.
Thank you,
Very enjoyable picture resolution and choice of front.
Looking forward to reading something of substance.
Just joking, I appreciate the shout out to lifting weights and 30-day challenges. I heard your book, was enjoyable and I would buy it, if only to more subtly not give a fuck (I can be a little too obvious).
Summary:
Exercise, cooking, meditation (understand and accept emotions), reading, writing, socialising.
Theories:
Self-Denial = Emotional Dysfunction = Self-Destruction = Reduced Self-Discipline
? new book: Read and enjoy the first 10% or first chapter.
September 6, 2021
I skimmed through this one and it immediately made me feel better. He's an entertaining writer and got a few chuckles out of me in a short period of time. I already more or less follow the six habits (Exercise, Cooking, Meditation, Reading, Writing, Socializing) yet the prelude about "SHAME" was quite eye-opening. Also he hints that it's important to "invest" in one self rather than accumulate/spend. Also, "start small" so as not to be overwhelmed by humungous tasks that would make one feel shamed/embarrassed/abhorring. Oh finally, instead of thinking "yearly resolutions," think "30 day challenges." Lately I've gone for for 22-day challenges and agree.
January 10, 2022
Self-discipline has been on my mind - per typical New Years, but this year I've found a stronger focus in years past as I think I've finally landed on what my keystone habit needs to be (and it's not an easy one!).
This is a super short but impactful read I anticipate I'll be going back to in the future.
This is a super short but impactful read I anticipate I'll be going back to in the future.
April 17, 2020
Short and sweet, covering the basics of discipline and why habits are a better way to obtain self discipline.
Goes through how to form habits, how to stick to them and some fundamental habits Mark believes you could work on.
Goes through how to form habits, how to stick to them and some fundamental habits Mark believes you could work on.
Read
May 1, 2024Mark Manson has shown how effective are habits over goals, big goals. And he has cracked how self discipline is different for everyone and you should enjoy and love it rather than being in pain and struggle.
July 1, 2020
Short, simple, and seemingly effective piece of advice.
Read
August 8, 2020Self discipline starts with self acceptance.
Building good habits starts with small actions, rather than big goal
Building good habits starts with small actions, rather than big goal
May 22, 2021
Don't judge a book by the number of pages. This book is amazing and provides clear and useful information and it makes it very easy to absorb.
August 24, 2021
Simply wonderful for everyday life 💗
November 7, 2021
Очень круто для бесплатной книжки на 50 страниц. Можно почитать блог Мэнсона вместо нее, но это займет гораздо больше времени.
January 14, 2025
a lot of helpful stuff for a shorter book, im happy Mark left this as a short guide instead of packing it into hundreds of pages of filler!
April 20, 2025
good short lead magnet
August 31, 2026
Enjoy suffering. So that you don't have to work a day in your life. At least until the end, so you get the delayed gratification.
August 4, 2020
I haven't read many self-help books, but I have noticed in the ones I read that they have a lot of useless fluff. This one is short and straight to the point. It tells you how habits form, how to discipline yourself and what 6 habits are important for you to be balanced and healthy: physically, psychologically, emotionally and socially.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews