Make no mistake—there is no single shortcut, easy route, or life hack that will lead to overnight self-discipline. However, there are strategies that can make discipline easier to build and sustain, and this is one of my favourites.
Why Is Self-Discipline So Difficult?
One of the biggest challenges of self-discipline is that long-term goals always seem to pale in comparison to short-term desires. It’s like being pulled in opposing directions—one part of you wants to do what’s right, while the other craves immediate comfort.
This internal tug-of-war is exhausting. Eventually, you fall back into default mode—reverting to old habits, skipping workouts, procrastinating, or failing to follow through on your commitments.
Why?
Because the future feels abstract. It’s not concrete. It doesn’t feel real.
But you know what does feel real?
Your warm bed on a cold morning
The stiffness in your legs telling you to hit snooze
The instant comfort of skipping that workout
Meanwhile, the vision of your stronger, healthier, more successful self feels like a distant idea—one that’s easy to push aside when faced with immediate temptation.
So, how do you overcome this?
The Simple Mindset Shift That Changes Everything
Instead of viewing your future self as an abstract version of yourself, imagine them as a real person—someone completely separate from who you are right now. Not just anyone, but your best friend.
Someone you would do anything for.
Someone whose well-being matters to you deeply.
Someone you would never intentionally let down.
Now, throughout the day, talk to this future version of yourself. (Maybe not out loud—unless you want some strange looks.)
Every time you make a decision, ask yourself:
Would future me thank me for this?
What can I do to make his life easier?
And whenever you do something productive or positive, reinforce it:
Future me is going to love this.
That will make future me proud.
Why This Works
This trick works because humans are social creatures. Helping others is hardwired into us—it makes us feel good, purposeful, and connected.
By picturing your future self as someone separate from you, your brain starts treating self-discipline not as a burden, but as an act of service. And helping others? That’s something we instinctively want to do.
So next time you’re tempted to skip the hard work, think about that future version of yourself. Are you going to let them down? Or are you going to show up for them the way you would for your best friend?
This mindset shift has changed my life, and I know it can change yours too.
Want to Build Unshakable Self-Discipline?
If you’re looking for a structured approach to developing resilience, mental toughness, and a disciplined mindset, my coaching programs will push you beyond your limits and help you take control of your life.