15 signs that you are more disciplined than the average person

Everyone has their own degree of self-control, but some of us appear to have an edge when it comes to discipline.

You may find yourself ticking off your to-do list with ease while others struggle to get started, or you may have a knack for avoiding distractions that seem to derail your peers.

So how do you determine if you are truly more disciplined than the average person, or if it’s just your perception?

Today, we will delve into 15 signs that suggest you are actually more disciplined than the average person.

Some of these might surprise you.

1) You have a consistent routine

If there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that my days are rarely left to chance.

No matter what’s going on, I stick to a routine that I’ve carefully planned out. It might sound boring to some, but for me, it’s the cornerstone of my ability to stay disciplined.

Waking up at the same time, going through my morning rituals, allocating specific times for work and relaxation – all these things help me stay focused and productive throughout the day.

It’s not about being rigid; it’s about setting up a structure that allows me to make the most out of my time.

So if you’re like me, with a consistent routine that you rarely deviate from, then congratulations! You’ve just ticked off the first sign of being more disciplined than the average person.

2) You set and meet your goals

For me, setting goals isn’t just an annual New Year’s resolution ritual. It’s an integral part of my life.

I set both short-term and long-term goals and consistently work towards achieving them.

But the real kicker? I don’t just set these goals – I meet them.

It’s not always easy, and there are definitely times when I struggle.

Yet, I persist.

I keep pushing, keep trying, keep working towards what I want to achieve. That persistence and determination are classic signs of discipline.

3) You know when to say ‘no’

Believe it or not, I’ve found that one of the most powerful words in my vocabulary is ‘no’.

It might seem odd, given that we often associate discipline with doing more, not less. Yet, knowing when to say ‘no’ is a key part of being disciplined.

It’s not just about saying ‘no’ to others, either. It’s also about saying ‘no’ to myself – to distractions, to procrastination, to anything that doesn’t align with my goals or my values.

So if you’ve mastered the art of saying ‘no’ when it matters most, consider this another sign of your superior discipline.

It’s a skill that many people struggle with, but it’s a game-changer when it comes to staying focused and achieving your goals.

4) You maintain a positive mindset

Discipline isn’t just about actions; it’s also about attitude. Disciplined individuals tend to maintain a positive outlook, even when faced with setbacks or challenges.

You understand that negativity and complaining won’t get you any closer to your goals.

Instead, you choose to focus on solutions and keep moving forward, no matter how tough the journey may be.

Maintaining a positive attitude requires mental discipline, as it’s often easier to succumb to negativity.

5) You’re proactive, not reactive

I’ve always been a firm believer in taking charge of my own life. I don’t wait for things to happen; I make them happen.

Whether it’s tackling a challenging work project or planning for a future goal, I take the initiative and make the first move.

Being proactive means anticipating challenges and solutions ahead of time.

It requires foresight, planning and taking action – all hallmarks of a disciplined person.

It’s an approach that sets you apart from those who simply react to what life throws at them.

6) You prioritize your health

I’ve always believed that a healthy body supports a healthy mind. This belief guides my daily routine, and I make it a priority to take care of my physical health.

Whether it’s regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, or ensuring I get enough sleep, I know that these habits are vital for my overall well-being and productivity.

Sticking to health-related habits requires discipline. It’s easier to skip a workout, order takeout, or stay up late binge-watching a show.

But I choose the healthier option because I understand the long-term benefits.

7) You manage your time effectively

Time is a precious commodity, and I treat it as such. Every minute counts in my day, and I make sure that each one is used wisely.

Whether it’s planning my day the night before or avoiding time-wasting activities, I take steps to ensure that my time is spent productively.

Effective time management requires a high level of discipline. It means making tough choices about what to prioritize and what to put on the back burner.

It also means being able to focus on the task at hand, rather than getting distracted or procrastinating.

8) You uphold your commitments

Something that I hold dear and close to my heart is my word.

When I give it, whether it’s a promise to a friend or a commitment to a project, I do everything in my power to uphold it.

For me, it’s more than just about completing a task; it’s about integrity and respect for both myself and others.

Staying true to your commitments, even when it’s challenging, requires discipline. It’s easy to back out when things get tough or when something more appealing comes along.

But standing by your word, even in adversity, shows that you possess an admirable level of discipline.

9) You embrace discomfort

Let’s be honest, discipline isn’t always comfortable. In fact, it often involves doing things we’d rather not do.

Perhaps it’s getting up early for a workout when you’d rather hit snooze, or choosing a healthy meal over fast food.

Or maybe it’s working on a difficult project instead of scrolling through social media.

The thing is, disciplined people understand that discomfort is often a necessary stepping stone to growth and success. They don’t shy away from challenges or difficult decisions.

Instead, they face them head-on, seeing them as opportunities to improve and strengthen their resolve.

10) You embrace failure

Failure is a part of life, and I’ve learned to embrace it rather than fear it.

Sure, it stings when things don’t go according to plan or when I fall short of my goals. But instead of letting failure defeat me, I use it as a learning opportunity.

Embracing failure requires discipline. It takes strength to pick yourself up after a setback and keep going.

It also takes humility to recognize your mistakes and learn from them.

11) You’re not easily swayed by trends

Disciplined people aren’t usually slaves to trends. They understand what works best for them and stick to it, even if it means going against the grain.

Take nutrition, for instance.

While it’s a fact that fad diets come and go, disciplined individuals are more likely to maintain a balanced and healthy eating pattern over the long term, regardless of what the latest diet trend might be.

This ability to stay true to yourself and your own path, despite the pressures of societal trends, is another clear sign that you’re more disciplined than the average person.

12) You practice patience

In a world where instant gratification is increasingly becoming the norm, I value patience.

I understand that good things take time, and I’m willing to wait for them.

Whether it’s working on a long-term project or building a meaningful relationship, I know that patience is key.

Practicing patience takes discipline. It’s about resisting the urge for immediate results and instead focusing on the bigger picture.

13) You allow yourself to rest

While discipline often involves pushing through discomfort and staying committed to your tasks, it also requires knowing when to pause and rest.

Contrary to what some might believe, being disciplined doesn’t mean you’re constantly in ‘go’ mode.

True discipline involves understanding the importance of rest and recovery in achieving long-term goals. You know that burning out serves no one, least of all yourself.

You’re not afraid to take a day off when needed or to prioritize sleep and relaxation amidst your busy schedule.

14) You’re always learning

I consider myself a lifelong learner. I’m always seeking opportunities to learn, grow, and improve myself.

Being committed to continuous learning requires discipline. It means making time for self-improvement and being open to new ideas and experiences.

So, if you’re someone who’s always learning and growing, then congratulations! You’ve just demonstrated another sign of being more disciplined than the average person.

15) You’re consistent in your efforts

Lastly, one of the hallmarks of a disciplined individual is consistency.

You don’t just set goals and forget about them. Instead, you’re committed to making steady progress, no matter how small the steps may be.

You understand that success isn’t achieved overnight, but rather it’s the result of countless small actions taken consistently over time.

You’re not deterred by setbacks and you don’t let a busy schedule or temporary failure prevent you from working towards your goals.

Last words

Discipline, as we’ve seen, manifests in several different ways. It’s not just about having a strict routine or being productive all the time.

It’s about understanding your goals, recognizing what it takes to achieve them, and being willing to make the necessary sacrifices.

Being disciplined doesn’t mean you can’t have fun or enjoy life.

On the contrary, discipline can actually free you up to enjoy life more fully because you’re not constantly stressed or overwhelmed by unfinished tasks or unmet goals.

In essence, discipline is a form of self-respect. It’s about valuing yourself and your time enough to make conscious choices that align with your goals and values. And that’s what being more disciplined than the average person truly means.