There’s a stark contrast between highly disciplined people and everyone else.
This distinction isn’t about having superior skills or being born with a high IQ. It’s about how they behave daily, and trust me, it’s subtle.
As the founder of Hack Spirit, I’ve spent a lot of time trying to understand what makes someone disciplined. It’s not as obvious as you might think.
In this piece, I’ll reveal 8 understated behaviors that set these individuals apart.
By adopting these habits, you too can join the ranks of the highly disciplined. So, shall we dive in?
1) Early risers
You wouldn’t believe how much difference a few hours make.
Highly disciplined people typically start their day earlier than most of us.
And it’s not just about making the most out of their mornings, but about setting the tone for the rest of the day.
Waking up early gives them ample time to plan, reflect, and gear up for the day ahead.
They can work on their goals without interruptions, which is not always possible once the day’s hustle begins.
This habit is subtle, yet powerful. It simply involves shifting your sleep cycle and committing to it. It might not be easy initially, but the payoff is immense.
After all, as Benjamin Franklin famously said, “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” And as a highly disciplined person, they live this truth daily.
2) They embrace discomfort
Highly disciplined people don’t shy away from discomfort. Instead, they see it as a stepping stone to growth.
While most of us would choose the easy path, these individuals willingly step out of their comfort zones.
They take on challenging tasks, face their fears, and push their boundaries.
This doesn’t mean they’re reckless or enjoy suffering. It just means they understand that growth often comes from discomfort.
By persistently facing challenges, they build mental strength and resilience, which in turn, enhances their discipline.
3) They prioritize health
I’ve noticed one common thread among highly disciplined people I’ve met – they all prioritize their health.
Whether it’s daily exercise, a balanced diet, or regular mental wellness practices, these individuals understand that a healthy body and mind form the foundation of discipline.
They don’t view these habits as chores or optional activities. Instead, they’re integrated parts of their lifestyles.
And it’s not just about looking good or fitting into societal norms, it’s about feeling good and functioning at their best.
This commitment to health is an integral part of their discipline and ultimately contributes to their success in other areas of life.
4) They cultivate mental toughness
A key characteristic of highly disciplined people is their mental toughness. They’re not easily swayed by setbacks or failures. Instead, they see these as opportunities to learn and grow.
In my book, The Art of Resilience: A Practical Guide to Developing Mental Toughness, I talk about how mental toughness isn’t something you’re born with, but rather a trait you can develop.
Highly disciplined people understand this. They constantly work on building their resilience, whether it’s by facing their fears, challenging their limits, or maintaining a positive mindset in the face of adversity.
This mental toughness allows them to stay focused on their goals and persevere, even when things get tough. It’s what sets them apart and fuels their discipline.
5) They’re not perfectionists
This might sound surprising, but highly disciplined people are not perfectionists.
While they strive for excellence and put in their best efforts, they understand that perfection is an illusion.
Instead of getting hung up on making everything flawless, they focus on making consistent progress.
They set realistic goals and celebrate small victories along the way. They learn from their mistakes rather than beating themselves up over them.
This approach allows them to maintain momentum and sustain their discipline over time, without getting derailed by unattainable standards of perfection.
6) They practice mindfulness
Highly disciplined people are often very mindful.
They understand the importance of being present in the moment, not just physically, but mentally too.
They avoid multitasking and instead focus on one task at a time. This allows them to give their full attention to what they’re doing, leading to higher quality work and fewer mistakes.
Mindfulness also helps them keep their emotions in check, preventing impulsive decisions that could derail their discipline.
By regularly practicing mindfulness, they enhance their self-control and ability to stick to their goals.
7) They value their time
One thing I’ve learned from interacting with highly disciplined people is their high regard for time.
They treat it as their most valuable resource.
Unlike money or possessions, time is non-renewable. Once spent, it cannot be regained.
Recognizing this, disciplined individuals are meticulous about how they spend their time.
They plan their days, avoid time-wasting activities, and focus on tasks that align with their goals.
They understand that every minute counts and don’t take their time for granted.
This respect for time is a cornerstone of their discipline and a key factor in their ability to achieve their goals.
8) They maintain a positive attitude
Last but not least, highly disciplined people keep a positive attitude.
They understand that setbacks and challenges are part of the journey. Instead of succumbing to negativity or self-pity, they choose to stay positive and keep moving forward.
They view challenges as opportunities for growth and learning, which helps them maintain their motivation and discipline.
Maintaining a positive attitude isn’t about ignoring reality or pretending that everything is perfect.
It’s about choosing to focus on the positives and believing in their ability to overcome obstacles. This mindset sets them apart and fuels their discipline, helping them achieve their goals.
There you have it – the subtle behaviors that set highly disciplined people apart.
From waking up early to maintaining a positive attitude, these habits may seem small, but they’re fundamental to building and maintaining discipline.
It’s important to remember that discipline is not an overnight achievement, but a journey. It involves consistent practice and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone.
If you’re interested in developing mental toughness—a key aspect of discipline—I invite you to check out my book, The Art of Resilience: A Practical Guide to Developing Mental Toughness. It’s packed with practical strategies to help you build resilience and discipline.
Remember, it’s the small, consistent steps we take every day that lead to big changes. So why not start today?
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