An inspiring quote from author, historian, academic, podcaster and martial artist Daniele Bolelli:
I’m a huge fan of a concept I refer to as ‘small discipline.’
Most of us know that there are certain things that are good for us, but we have a hard time finding the time and energy to get them done on a regular basis. So, instead we do nothing. Since I can’t work 2 hours each time 5 days a week, then I might as well not work out at all. Since I can’t crank out the great American novel in 6 months, then what’s the point of writing? Since I can’t bring myself to meditate for half hour, then I just won’t do it.
Small discipline works in a different way. You can’t work out for 2 hours? No problem. How about half hour? Still too much? How about 10 minutes? How about 5? Can’t write 2,000 words per day? Write 100. Meditate for 3 minutes. Basically, bring it down to a level that no matter how busy or tired you are, you can still pull it off. Rather than feeling guilty because you can’t achieve some standards you are not ready for, shoot for something small and easily attainable. Make that a daily practice. Discipline is like a muscle. Start small and feel good about getting your small task done. Eventually, you may find yourself thinking “10 minutes of working out felt good. I bet I can do 15.” And then you can build from there.
These days I’m enjoying lifting weights about 5-6 days per week. But each time I pick 3 to 5 exercises and do 3 sets of each, so when I add it all up, each day is a fairly short workout. But the consistency of it works miracles for me.
