Thinking of discipline as an on/off switch can be frustrating. If the switch is “on”, things feel possible and confidence flows. If the switch is “off”, things feel impossible and confidence is gone, replaced by doubt.
Flipping back and forth between these states of mind takes its toll. Obviously it’s frustrating. More than that it’s confusing and exhausting.
Something I hear frequently from good people is that even when their discipline is “on” they feel disappointed that it had been “off” last month when they really needed it. If it happens enough they use the experience as a reason to keep discipline “off” longer and longer, more and more because they doubt their ability to follow through.
The on/off view of discipline distorts a positive perspective and kills any sense of progress.
Instead, think of it as an investment into yourself and the things you value. Make deposits of discipline into your life. Invest yourself in things that don’t always win in the short-term, but never lose in the long-term.
Embrace the chase. Do the work.
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