The SECRET about self-discipline

There is a lot of talk about self-discipline these days. 

And I understand why.  

Nearly ALL of our modern ailments--obesity, alcoholism, tech addiction, diabetes, and stress--are diseases of excess, not lack. 

So the answer has to be self-discipline, right?  

Maybe. 

Influencers sure say so.

No pain no gain. Just do it. Rise and grind.

And they aren't necessarily wrong. Results require action.

BUT...the real question is why do so many of us struggle with self-discipline?

2 Simple factors:

1. There are more distractions, options, coping mechanism & entertainment than ever before in human history. It's important to realize, but since you can't change this fact, I'll focus on the next one.... 

2. When you are already in a state of dysfunction, self-discipline is really, REALLY difficult. 

Dave Wood is a stress performance coach in New Zealand who specializes in working with special forces, MMA fighters and professional athletes--crazy fit, crazy high performers.

This is a formula he uses with all his clients:

Stress + RECOVERY = growth

If there is no recovery, then you do not get growth, you get dysfunction.

A stressor, (ie. high intensity exercise, cold plunges, Wim Hoff breathing) can be beneficial for one person and yet harmful for you depending on the baseline health of your nervous system, hormones and mitochondria.  

When you are depleted, your body may respond to that "healthy" stressor as a threat--a challenge for your precious energetic resources.

That's why a one-size-fits-all approach to health doesn't work.

Is something good for YOU?  It depends.

And so let me connect the dots to a VERY common pattern.

When you grow up, you get more responsibilities and therefore less free time. 

Many people get married, have kids and then have even less free time PLUS your sleep gets completely disrupted. 

So you get tired, worn down and as a result you might workout less, be a bit stressed, eat a bit more, have a bit less leisure time. 

Then one day you wake up and notice, hmm...I'm exhausted.  I've gained a little weight. I have a little brain fog. I need to snap out of this! 

And what's the FIRST thing you do to fix it? 

Almost always, you try to get "disciplined."

You try to run more, diet, wake up at 4am to fit it all in even though you are already at a deficit.

You add "healthy" stress without adding recovery.

Stress - Recovery = Dysfunction

And so after a few days or weeks, the momentum of life takes control and you eventually "give up."

But it wasn't a lack of self-discipline--you were fixing the problem backwards.

Your ability to push yourself is capped by your ability to rest and recover.  

So if you aren't recovering and resting FIRST or at least at the same time as you are pushing yourself, your discipline will inevitably fade. 

This isn't moral failing, it's your body screaming at you to stop wasting your resources.

So if you or someone you love find yourselves struggling to stick with health, fitness, work, or relationship goal, you may find MUCH more success understanding and improving the root cause of the issue, rather than beating yourself up for not having self-discipline.

If any of this resonates with you, I'd be happy to connect and support you on your journey towards sustainable growth.

My name is Kevin and I want to help you live an intentional, resilient life.