Lazy people who become highly disciplined often practice these 10 simple habits

There’s a stark contrast between being lazy and being highly disciplined.

The transition, though it seems daunting, often comes down to habit. As a self-proclaimed lazy person turned high achiever, I can tell you it’s not about making monumental changes overnight.

Instead, it’s about adopting simple, everyday habits that gradually push you out of your comfort zone and into a life of discipline.

And to give you a head start, I’ve curated 10 simple habits often practiced by those who’ve navigated this transformation successfully. So, let’s dive into the world of disciplined living, shall we?

1) Start Small

When it comes to discipline, the idea of going from zero to hero can seem overwhelming, especially for those of us with a lazy streak.

However, the secret sauce to becoming disciplined isn’t about making drastic changes all at once. It’s about taking baby steps, consistently.

Just like a marathon runner doesn’t wake up one day and decide to run 42 kilometers, discipline is not an all-or-nothing deal. It’s a gradual process that requires commitment to small, manageable goals.

So if you’re looking to shift from lazy to disciplined, start small. Set achievable targets, like waking up 10 minutes earlier than usual or reading a few pages of a book each day.

As you get used to these small tasks, you can gradually increase the difficulty and complexity. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither is discipline.

So take it slow, start small and watch how your life transforms. Just remember that the key is consistency. Make sure you stick to your small goals every single day. It’s better to do a little each day than to do a lot once in a while.

2) Prioritize Tasks

In my lazy days, my to-do list was more like a wish list. It was filled with tasks that I hoped to get done someday, but that day rarely came.

But when I decided to become more disciplined, I realized that not all tasks are created equal. Some tasks are more important than others, and focusing on these can bring about significant progress.

So I began the habit of prioritizing my tasks each day. Every morning, I’d write down everything I needed to do and then rank them in order of importance. This way, even if I couldn’t get everything done, at least the most important tasks were taken care of.

It was a simple shift in strategy, but it made a world of difference. Instead of being overwhelmed by a long list of tasks, I now had a clear focus on what really mattered. And as a result, my productivity soared.

So if you’re trying to move from lazy to disciplined, give task prioritizing a shot. It might just be the game-changer you need.

3) Regular Exercise

It might come as a surprise, but exercise and discipline go hand in hand. Studies show that those who exercise regularly tend to have better self-control and are more disciplined in other areas of their life.

When you commit to regular exercise, you’re not only improving your physical health but also cultivating discipline. Exercise is a commitment you make to yourself – a promise to take care of your body.

Each time you choose to work out despite feeling tired or lazy, you’re strengthening your self-discipline muscle. And the best part is that this discipline spills over into other areas of your life.

So, don’t underestimate the power of regular exercise. Even if it’s just a quick 20-minute walk each day, it could be the stepping stone towards a more disciplined life.

4) Embrace Routine

Routine might sound boring, but it’s your best friend when it comes to building discipline. When you have a solid routine, there’s less room for procrastination and laziness.

A well-structured day gives you a clear roadmap to follow, which can help you stay focused and productive. It eliminates the guesswork out of your day and reduces the chances of getting derailed by distractions or unplanned events.

Start by establishing a morning routine that sets the tone for the rest of your day. This could include activities like meditation, exercise, or reading. Then, create a routine for your workday, including breaks to rest and recharge.

Remember, the goal isn’t to cram as much as possible into your routine. Instead, it’s about creating a balanced schedule that promotes productivity and wellbeing.

So, don’t shy away from routine. Embrace it and watch it transform your life from being lazy to becoming highly disciplined.

5) Practice Mindfulness

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of mindless scrolling, binge-watching, or other habits that foster laziness. One of the keys to breaking free from this cycle and becoming more disciplined is practicing mindfulness.

Mindfulness is about being fully present and engaged in whatever you’re doing at the moment. It’s about focusing on the task at hand instead of letting your mind wander to other things.

When you’re mindful, you’re less likely to procrastinate or get distracted. You’re more aware of your actions and can catch yourself before falling into lazy habits.

Whether it’s mindful eating, mindful working, or simply taking a few minutes each day to sit quietly and focus on your breath, mindfulness can be a powerful tool in your journey towards discipline. So make it a part of your daily routine and watch how it changes your life.

6) Forgive Yourself

On the journey from lazy to disciplined, there will be days when you stumble. Days when you don’t stick to your routine, skip your workout, or just can’t seem to get anything done. And that’s okay.

Becoming disciplined doesn’t mean being perfect. It’s about making consistent effort, not achieving flawless execution.

So when you have those off days, don’t beat yourself up. Instead, forgive yourself. Understand that it’s all part of the process and that each day is a new opportunity to try again.

Remember, self-discipline is a marathon, not a sprint. So be kind to yourself along the way. Your journey towards discipline is not just about achieving goals, it’s also about growing and learning about yourself. So embrace every part of it – the victories, the setbacks, and everything in between.

7) Say No to Instant Gratification

There was a time in my life when I was a slave to instant gratification. The allure of immediate pleasure or comfort often overpowered my long-term goals. It’s easy to fall into this trap, especially in our culture of “I want it now”.

But over time, I realized that giving in to instant gratification was keeping me stuck in a cycle of laziness. Each time I chose short-term comfort over long-term progress, I was reinforcing lazy habits and undermining my discipline.

So I made a conscious decision to start delaying gratification. Instead of binge-watching my favorite show, I’d spend that time working on my goals. Instead of hitting the snooze button, I’d get up and start my day.

Making this shift wasn’t easy, and there were many times when I wanted to give in to the temptation. But each time I resisted, I felt stronger and more disciplined.

So if you’re serious about becoming more disciplined, learn to delay gratification. It’s a tough habit to master, but the rewards are well worth the effort.

8) Schedule Downtime

While it may seem contradictory when talking about discipline, scheduling downtime is actually crucial. Becoming disciplined doesn’t mean you have to be on the go 24/7. In fact, pushing yourself too hard without taking breaks can lead to burnout and derail your progress.

Just as you schedule your tasks, make sure you also schedule time for relaxation and leisure. This could be anything from reading a book, taking a walk, or simply sitting quietly with a cup of tea.

Remember, discipline is not about depriving yourself of enjoyment or relaxation. It’s about finding a balance between productivity and rest.

So make sure you include downtime in your schedule. It’s not just a reward for your hard work, but also an essential part of maintaining your discipline in the long run.

9) Surround Yourself with Discipline

The people and environments we surround ourselves with can significantly influence our behaviors and habits. If you’re striving to become more disciplined, it’s beneficial to surround yourself with disciplined individuals.

Whether it’s a mentor, a fitness buddy, or a highly organized co-worker, being around disciplined people can inspire you to uphold the same standards. Their habits, mindset, and work ethic can rub off on you and motivate you to become more disciplined.

Moreover, create an environment that encourages discipline. If your goal is to read more, keep books within sight. If you want to eat healthier, keep nutritious foods in your fridge.

Remember, discipline doesn’t exist in isolation. It’s shaped by the people and environments we choose. So be mindful of your surroundings and align them with your journey towards becoming more disciplined.

10) Consistency is Key

If there’s one thing to take away from this, it’s that consistency is the backbone of discipline. You can have the best routines, the most organized task lists, and the highest level of motivation, but without consistency, it all falls apart.

Discipline isn’t about being perfect for a day; it’s about being good enough, day after day. It’s about showing up for yourself, even when you don’t feel like it, even when it’s hard.

So if you’re aiming to transition from lazy to disciplined, remember that it’s not a one-time event but a daily commitment. It’s about making the choice to be disciplined every single day. And with time and consistency, you’ll find that what was once a struggle becomes second nature.

Final Thoughts

The journey from laziness to discipline is rarely a straight line. It’s filled with ups and downs, triumphs and setbacks. And that’s perfectly okay.

Remember, it’s not about being perfect, but about making progress. And the simple habits we’ve discussed here are all stepping stones on this path.

If there’s one thing to take away from all of this, it’s that discipline is less about grand gestures and more about small, consistent actions. It’s about the choices you make every single day.

So whether you’re trying to wake up earlier, eat healthier, or work more productively, remember that every step you take, no matter how small, brings you closer to your goal.

As Aristotle once said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.” So let your habits shape you into the disciplined person you aspire to be.

It won’t be easy. There will be days when you want to give up and slip back into old patterns. But don’t lose heart. Keep going, stay consistent, and watch as laziness gradually gives way to discipline.

In the end, it’s not just about reaching your goals, but also about the person you become along the way.