There’s a clear line between being disciplined and being overly rigid.
That line is all about balance. Highly disciplined men understand this balance and they know how to maintain it without crossing into the territory of rigidity.
Maintaining discipline isn’t about restricting yourself from everything. It’s about knowing what to avoid in order to stay focused, productive, and successful.
Let’s dive into the 10 things that highly disciplined men never, ever do.
1) Procrastinate
Discipline is directly related to time management. And where does time often get wasted? In the land of procrastination.
Highly disciplined men understand the value of every minute and every hour. They know that putting tasks off to later can easily snowball into an overwhelming pile of undone tasks.
The secret isn’t having more hours in a day, it’s making the most of the hours you have. Procrastination is a thief that steals time and productivity.
So, the first thing highly disciplined men never, ever do? They don’t procrastinate. It’s not just about getting things done, but getting them done in a timely manner.
2) Neglect their health
I’ve seen it time and time again, and I’ve experienced it myself. When life gets busy, it’s easy to put off self-care and healthy habits. But let me tell you – that’s not something you’ll see a highly disciplined man doing.
I recall a period of my life where I was under an immense amount of stress. Work was piling up, deadliness were looming, and it felt like I had no time for anything else. I began to neglect my workouts, my diet consisted of whatever was quick and convenient, and sleep became a luxury.
It wasn’t long before I started feeling the effects. My energy levels dropped, my productivity dipped and I found myself feeling constantly run down. It was a wake-up call.
I made a decision then to never neglect my health again, no matter how busy life got. I prioritized workouts, made healthier food choices, and ensured I got enough sleep each night.
Highly disciplined men understand that good health is the foundation of everything else. Without it, your productivity, your mood, even your success can suffer.
3) Ignore their mistakes
The Japanese art of Kintsugi teaches us a valuable lesson about embracing our flaws. When a piece of pottery is broken, instead of discarding it, the Japanese mend it with gold. The breakage and repair become part of the object’s history, making it more unique and beautiful.
Highly disciplined men apply a similar concept to their own lives. When they make mistakes, they don’t ignore them or try to hide them. Instead, they acknowledge them, learn from them, and use them as opportunities for growth.
In their eyes, every mistake is like a vein of gold – an invaluable lesson that contributes to their personal and professional development.
4) Skip planning and organization
Let’s be real, life can be chaotic. But highly disciplined men have a secret weapon to battle this chaos – planning and organization.
They understand the value of structure in their lives. They plan their days, weeks, even months in advance. This gives them a clear roadmap of what needs to be done and when.
But it’s not just about being organized on paper. It’s about being organized in action too. They have systems in place to ensure they stay on track and manage their time effectively.
Skipping planning and organization? That’s a no-go for highly disciplined men. Because they know, without a plan, you’re just navigating through life aimlessly. And that’s not how they roll.
5) Allow distractions to derail them
In an age where digital distractions are everywhere, staying focused can be a real challenge. But it’s a challenge that highly disciplined men are prepared to meet.
They understand that allowing distractions to derail their focus can lead to a lack of productivity and success. So they make a conscious effort to minimize disruptions in their work environment.
It could be as simple as turning off notifications on their phone, setting specific ‘do not disturb’ hours, or creating a dedicated workspace. They have strategies in place to combat distractions and stay on track.
6) Neglect their loved ones
Discipline isn’t just about work and personal achievements. It’s also about maintaining strong, healthy relationships with the people who matter most.
Highly disciplined men understand that their loved ones are a crucial part of their lives. They know that no amount of success can replace the love, support, and companionship they provide.
It’s a balancing act – managing professional responsibilities without neglecting personal relationships. But it’s a balance they strive to maintain.
7) Shy away from hard work
There was a time in my life when I believed that success was all about luck or being in the right place at the right time. But as I grew older and wiser, I realized that it’s really about rolling up your sleeves and getting your hands dirty.
Highly disciplined men don’t shy away from hard work. They don’t look for shortcuts or easy ways out. They understand that success is a result of persistence, dedication, and yes, a lot of hard work.
And so, they’re not afraid to put in the hours, to sweat, to give it their all. Because they know that there’s no substitute for hard work when it comes to achieving their goals.
8) Overwork themselves
While it may seem contradictory to the last point, highly disciplined men understand the importance of not overworking themselves.
They know that while hard work is crucial, it’s equally important to avoid burnout. They recognize the need for rest and recuperation in order to maintain high levels of productivity and creativity.
Being disciplined doesn’t mean working 24/7. It means knowing when to push hard and when to step back and recharge.
They value their mental and physical health too much to risk burnout. Because they know, in the long run, it’s about working smarter, not just harder.
9) Give up easily
Life is full of challenges and setbacks, but highly disciplined men don’t let these deter them from their goals.
They know that failure is often a stepping stone to success, a lesson in disguise. They understand that perseverance is key when it comes to achieving their dreams.
So, they don’t give up easily. They pick themselves up, dust off the setbacks, and keep moving forward. Because they know that the sweetest victories are often those that are hardest won.
They’re resilient, persistent, and ready to overcome whatever obstacles come their way.
10) Compromise their core values
At the heart of every highly disciplined man is a set of core values that guide their decisions and actions. These values are non-negotiable, serving as their personal compass that keeps them on the right path.
Whether it’s honesty, integrity, humility, or respect – they never compromise these values. Not for convenience, not for quick success, and certainly not under pressure.
Because they know that it’s these values that define who they are and what they stand for.
The essence: Discipline is choice
At the core of these tenets lies a fundamental understanding: discipline is about making choices – the right choices.
Highly disciplined men choose not to procrastinate, not to neglect their health, not to ignore their mistakes. They choose to plan, to focus, and to value their loved ones. They choose hard work, balanced with rest, and they choose perseverance over quick surrender. Above all, they choose never to compromise their core values.
It’s these choices that set them apart, that carve their path towards success and fulfillment. It’s these choices that we can all learn from and incorporate into our own lives.
As Jim Rohn once said, “Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.” So let us cross that bridge with intention, with resilience, and with the knowledge that our choices are shaping our destiny.