The Discipline Expert: The 4 Surprising & Easy Habits ALL High Achievers Have! (Based On 2,000 Years Of Research) - Ryan Holiday

Philosophy is not just something to consume, but a discourse and conversation that can make us better individuals. Ryan Holiday explains that by engaging in dialogue, writing, and researching philosophical ideas, we can apply them to our lives and improve ourselves. He focuses on the practical philosophy of Stoicism, which asks questions about how to live a good life and navigate challenges such as fear or obligations to others. Additionally, Holiday redefines Discipline as a virtue of self-discipline, where individuals set their own standards and strive to live up to them without imposing them on others. He emphasizes the importance of adaptability and acceptance, finding the good in others and adjusting ourselves rather than forcing them to conform.

Discipline is not just about physical exertion or rigid restrictions, but rather about gaining control over ourselves and our desires. True freedom comes from being in command of our thoughts, emotions, and actions. We may have wealth, power, or influence, but if we're constantly chasing the next accomplishment or running from one thing to another, we're not truly free. By creating structure and rules, we're actually gaining a freedom that many people have never experienced. Keeping commitments to ourselves, no matter how small, plays a crucial role in shaping our self-esteem and the story we believe about ourselves. It's important to remember that breaking small promises can lead to breaking bigger ones.

Discipline is about keeping promises to yourself, even when no one else is watching. It's about building the muscle that says, "I do what I say, I keep the commitments that I make." Whether it's waking up early, writing, or doing something challenging, discipline is about pushing through the excuses and doing what needs to be done. Even when the rewards are not immediate or certain, cultivating the ability to do hard things that we don't want to do is what leads to success in various aspects of life. And when we do make mistakes or fall off course, it's important to remember that we can always get back on track and continue our journey towards becoming the person we want to be.

Our progress and self-worth should not be defined by all or nothing thinking. Instead of spiraling into self-doubt and worthlessness when we face setbacks or have unproductive periods, we should focus on taking small actions to get back on track. Ryan Holiday emphasizes the importance of doing the verb rather than trying to be the noun. We should concentrate on the actions we take and the choices we make on a daily basis. By making positive contributions and focusing on what we control, we can make meaningful progress towards our goals. It's about consistently taking small steps forward rather than fixating on the outcome or external validation.

Success should be measured by our own standards and not solely by external factors such as sales, reception, or approval from others. Ryan Holiday emphasizes the importance of staying rooted in our own sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. While commercial success and external recognition are nice, they should be seen as extras rather than the ultimate determinants of our worth. By focusing on doing our best and aligning our work with our own values and goals, we are more likely to find happiness and satisfaction. It is also essential to take care of ourselves physically and emotionally, as a strong mind and body go hand in hand in achieving overall well-being and success.

Having a daily win is an underrated philosophical hack. It's about making a promise to yourself and keeping that promise, regardless of how the rest of your day or life is going. It's about finding something that you can be proud of every day, something that gives you a sense of accomplishment and improves your well-being. This daily win could be as simple as going for a run, swim, or bike ride, or engaging in any activity that brings you joy and takes you away from screens and work. By doing this, you cultivate discipline, perseverance, and the ability to confront your ego. It's through these struggles and challenges that true growth and clarity can be achieved. So, listen to the whispers of life and find the daily win that brings you fulfillment and pushes you to become better.

Reflection, evaluation, and adjustment are crucial for personal growth and success. Ryan Holiday emphasizes the importance of writing as a tool for clarifying thoughts, generating ideas, and solving problems. Writing forces individuals to articulate their ideas in a structured manner, leading to a deeper understanding of the subject matter. It also helps in planning and organizing projects by forcing individuals to think through the entire process. Holiday believes that writing is a powerful medium for expressing complex ideas and synthesizing knowledge. The process of daily writing has been transformative for him personally, regardless of whether it is published or not. This highlights the value of persistence and discipline in pursuing personal development. Overall, writing serves as a means of self-reflection, learning, and growth.

Stoicism teaches us that while we cannot control what happens to us, we have full control over how we respond to those situations. The Stoic philosophy emphasizes the notion that obstacles and challenges are inherent to life, and instead of being paralyzed by fear or complaining about the situation, we should focus our energy on finding opportunities within those obstacles. By shifting our perspective and embracing adversity as an opportunity for growth, we can develop resilience and the ability to navigate through crises effectively. It's not about denying the reality of the situation or pretending everything is fine, but rather about using our energy on what we can control and taking action to overcome the challenges we face.

Going through challenges one step at a time can lead to personal growth and the realization of one's capabilities. Ryan Holiday emphasizes that while facing the difficulties of a pandemic, it may seem overwhelming to think about enduring it for three years. However, by adapting and adjusting to each obstacle along the way, individuals can become stronger and recognize their own resilience. This teaches us that our capacities and capabilities are often greater than we initially believe. Moreover, asking meaningful questions, such as "Does this matter?" or seeking perspective, can help us navigate various aspects of life, including relationships and insecurities. Ultimately, it is important to focus on personal growth and finding balance in our actions, rather than prioritizing being right or winning arguments.

We often voluntarily seek out conflict and things to be upset about, especially on social media platforms like Twitter. Ryan Holiday and Steven Bartlett discuss how consuming outrage-inducing content on our phones distracts us from what truly matters, such as spending time with loved ones or focusing on our work. They highlight the negative impact of these platforms on our happiness and overall well-being. Both individuals opt for creating boundaries by removing these apps from their phones and prioritizing their mental and emotional well-being. Instead, they emphasize the value of reading and exploring different perspectives to gain wisdom and live a good life. They also emphasize the importance of focusing on what's within our control rather than wasting energy on things that aren't. Additionally, they highlight the benefits of spending time in nature and practicing stillness to find peace and inspiration. By creating distance from social media and cultivating a sense of calm, we can better protect and prioritize our own mental space.

Incorporating simple activities like taking a walk, swimming, or doing something physically challenging can have profound effects on our well-being. These actions help us slow down, be present, and promote deep thinking. They allow us to tap into our primal nature and connect with our surroundings. By engaging in activities that challenge us physically, we cultivate not only a strong body but also a strong mind. Additionally, the conversation highlights the importance of service and contributing to the common good. Leaving a positive impact on others and the collective is the true meaning and purpose of life. Ultimately, we are designed to embrace struggle and seek growth through physical and mental challenges.

We should embrace the struggles and challenges in our lives. We are descendants of individuals who overcame immense obstacles and hardships, and we carry their resilience within us. We often take for granted the abundance of modern technology and comforts, complaining about insignificant inconveniences like the temperature or our phone not working properly. However, we need to remember that life is short and unpredictable. We all have a terminal diagnosis from the moment we are born, and living in denial of this reality only leads to wasted time and missed opportunities. Instead, we should prioritize what truly matters and make the most of every moment.

Stoicism teaches us to understand and process our emotions without being controlled by them. The Stoics themselves struggled with frustration and challenges, just like us. What matters is how we deal with these situations. Stoicism is a practice that allows us to recognize that we don't need everything to be a certain way. We can adapt and adjust. Wanting things to be a certain way only sets us up for tension and problems. The path to peace lies in accepting things the way they are, rather than wanting them to be a certain way. We can thrive in any situation, but it's okay to have preferences as long as we don't become dependent on them.

The time we have is precious and finite. The reminder to make the most of our lives and cherish each day is crucial. We should focus on the things that truly matter, like love, relationships, personal growth, and contributing positively to the world. It is important to prioritize what brings us joy and fulfillment and not get caught up in societal expectations or constantly striving for more. Expressing love and appreciation to our loved ones is something we should do regularly, without conditions or expectations. Furthermore, finding meaning in our lives is a personal journey, and it may not always come from external factors but from within ourselves. Finally, despite the rise of advanced AI and language models, the unique perspectives and creativity of human writers and knowledge seekers will always be valuable and irreplaceable.

Change is inevitable, and it is our role as individuals to adapt and make the most of it. Ryan Holiday discusses how he asked someone to write a daily Stoic email on the subject of change, but he had to edit and refine it to make it better. This highlights the importance of intentionality and the role of human input in the process of change. Ryan also mentions how technological advancements, like Google Books, have replaced traditional methods, but it is up to us to use these tools without being used by them. The conversation emphasizes the need to embrace change, utilize new tools, and find ways to make them work for us rather than against us.