By 
Have you ever wondered what truly sets disciplined men apart from the rest?
I know I have. Over the years, I’ve spent countless hours observing, reading, and learning about the habits of individuals who seem to possess an unshakable sense of self-control. These are the men who consistently show up, achieve their goals, and maintain focus, no matter the obstacles.
What I’ve discovered is that self-discipline isn’t just about resisting temptation or forcing yourself to grind through tough moments. It’s a way of life, shaped by intentional habits that create a foundation for long-term success.
Men who have mastered this art almost always have certain habits in common—rituals and routines that help them stay centered, productive, and in control.
Today, we’re exploring five of these habits.
Incorporating even a few of these could make a significant impact on your own journey.
1) Keeping a consistent routine
As someone who has been fortunate enough to work a flexible schedule for the past few years, I can tell you this is one lesson I had to learn the hard way.
It’s tempting to think that with flexibility, you can work whenever you feel like it and mold your schedule around your life. But in practice, this approach often leads to chaos. You end up procrastinating, overworking, or scrambling to finish things at odd hours, all while feeling less productive overall.
This idea is backed by experts. For instance, Kendra Cherry, a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist and psychology educator, explains in a Very Well Mind post that, “Implementing a structure to your day can give you a sense of control. It can also improve your focus, organization, and productivity.”
Men who have mastered self-discipline know this well. They create structured routines, scheduling specific blocks of time for work, exercise, relaxation, and other priorities. By sticking to these routines, their actions become automatic—they don’t waste mental energy debating what to do next or waiting for motivation to strike.
Over time, this consistency builds momentum, turning discipline into a habit. It’s not about rigidly following the same schedule every single day but about building a reliable rhythm that keeps them grounded and productive.
2) Delaying gratification
Here’s one you might not have expected but delayed gratification is a crucial part of mastering self-discipline. It’s about resisting the temptation to take immediate pleasure for the sake of larger rewards in the future.
Let me give you an example from my own life.
A couple of years ago, I decided to save up for a dream vacation. I was tempted to spend on the latest gadgets and dine-outs, but I knew that would derail my plans.
So, instead of giving in to those short-term desires, I committed to my savings plan. It wasn’t easy, especially when I saw friends enjoying their latest purchases or going on trips. But I kept reminding myself of the amazing vacation that was waiting for me at the end.
And let me tell you something, when I finally took that dream trip, it was worth every moment of temptation I had resisted.
Practicing delayed gratification not only paved the way for my dream vacation but also helped me cultivate a stronger sense of self-discipline.
Instant pleasure might be delightful, but the rewards of patience and discipline are far sweeter.
3) Exercising
How often do you skip a workout because you don’t feel like it?
We’ve all been there. Exercise is one of those things that’s easy to push off, especially when motivation is low or the day feels overwhelming.
But here’s the truth: disciplined men don’t rely on feeling motivated to get moving—they’ve made exercise a non-negotiable part of their routine.
As noted by the folks at Help Guide, exercise helps reduce stress, and boost your energy levels—making it easier to show up and perform in every other area of life. But perhaps more importantly than that it sets a precedent.
James Clear, author of Atomic Habits wrote: “Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.” By prioritizing exercise, these men reinforce their identity as disciplined individuals, one workout at a time.
The next time you feel like skipping a workout, remember: it’s not about this one session; it’s about casting a vote for the person you’re becoming.
4) Getting up early
Speaking of setting a precedent… here’s another one.
Let’s be honest—none of us really like getting up early. Sure, it feels great once you’re up and moving, but dragging yourself out of bed before the sun rises? Not exactly fun.
For years, I was a self-proclaimed night owl. With a flexible schedule, I’d sleep in, start work late, and often work well into the evening. It felt natural to me—until I came across The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma.
In the book, Sharma writes: “Take excellent care of the front end of your day, and the rest of your day will pretty much take care of itself. Own your morning. Elevate your life.”
That line hit me. Inspired, I decided to give early rising a shot, and let me tell you—it was a game-changer.
Waking up early not only gives you a head start on the day, but as I’ve since learned it’s also a practice closely associated with success. For instance, in a five-year study of 177 self-made millionaires, nearly 50% of them woke up at least three hours before their workday officially began.
Now, I’m not a millionaire (yet!), but I can confidently say that shifting my wake-up time has transformed my sense of control and productivity. Those quiet morning hours have become my time to focus, reflect, and set a positive tone for the day ahead.
If you’re looking to strengthen your self-discipline, consider giving it a try. It might just change the way you approach your mornings—and your life.
5) Setting clear and realistic goals
Last but not least, setting clear and realistic goals is another common practice among men who have mastered self-discipline. They understand the importance of having tangible objectives to work towards.
These goals provide a roadmap for their efforts and serve as a motivation to stay disciplined, even when things get tough.
They break down their long-term goals into smaller, manageable tasks. This way, they can track their progress more effectively and maintain a sense of accomplishment along the way.
In addition, they are realistic about their goals. They know that setting unattainable targets can lead to disappointment and loss of motivation.
Final thoughts: It’s a journey, not a destination
Self-discipline is not about being perfect. It’s about showing up consistently, making intentional choices, and building habits that align with the person you want to become.
The good news is that self-discipline is a skill anyone can develop. Start small, stay consistent, and celebrate your progress along the way.
As Theodore Roosevelt once said, “With self-discipline, most anything is possible.”
So, take that first step today. Choose one habit to work on, commit to it, and see where it takes you. Who knows? You might just surprise yourself with what you’re capable of achieving.