What makes people successful? Some would say it’s luck, while others believe that strong motivation is the key to success, but is that enough? Undoubtedly, these things do play a role in achieving big goals, but if you rely solely on them, you may give up very quickly when faced with the first obstacles. Only constant hard work, or in other words, discipline, can ensure long-term results.

Discipline isn’t some life hack or magic. Being disciplined is difficult because it means that you will go to the gym even when you just want to lie down and scroll through social media. Discipline is choosing healthy food over your favorite fast food, or making time to prepare for an important exam, even when you're feeling unmotivated. It doesn’t depend on your desire or mood and doesn’t require motivational coaches, because it comes from within.

The author of the book, Jocko Willink, first learned the power of discipline while serving in the military. Being a Navy SEAL, daily training was not entertainment or a whim, but a necessity that would help him survive in battle. Willink understood perfectly well that once he was on the battlefield, his enemy’s only goal would be to defeat him. That is why he refused to be unprepared for that moment. Later, his motivation to continue training was to honor the memory of his fallen comrades.

Once you learn about the importance of discipline, you may have a logical question: “How and when should I start?” The answer is simple: start right now. Discipline isn’t something you have to think about and prepare for. Have you been hesitating to start practicing yoga for a long time? Right now, find a studio, call them, and sign up for your first class. Have you been wanting to write a book for ages? Set everything aside, put your phone on silent mode, open your laptop, and start writing.

Remember that your strongest tool is your mind, which can often find excuses or reasons not to do something. Start controlling your mind and stop listening to the voices of laziness, apathy, and sadness. Every time you choose discipline over laziness, it’s like fighting a daily battle. But although this battle is difficult, it makes you much stronger.