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The Science of Self-Discipline: The Willpower, Mental Toughness, and Self-Control to Resist Temptation and Achieve Your Goals
Your best intentions are not enough. Learn to scientifically engineer a disciplined life, become relentless, and never give up. Whatever you want in your life, self-discipline is the missing piece. Goals will remain dreams if you make the mistake of relying on motivation and your best drawn plans. The Science of Self-Discipline is a deep look into what allows us to resist our worst impulses and simply execute, achieve, produce, and focus. Every principle is scientifically-driven and dissected to as be actionable and helpful as possible. You’ll learn how top performers consistently exercise self-discipline, as well as what drives us on an instinctual, psychological level to act. This isn’t just a book; it’s a roadmap to the human psyche and will allow you to accomplish exactly what you set out to do, every time. When you understand what drives your cravings and the true roots of self-discipline, you’ll be able to rise above your temporary discomfort and focus on what really matters. Discover every factor that impacts self-discipline for better or worse. Break free of excuses, distractions, laziness, and temptations. Peter Hollins has studied psychology and peak human performance for over a dozen years and is a bestselling author. He has worked with dozens of individuals to unlock their potential and path towards success. His writing draws on his academic, coaching, and research experience. Beat instant gratification and create limitless motivation. • The biological basis of self-discipline - and why it’s beneficial to you. • Discipline tactics for high performers such as Navy SEALs. • Diagnosing what motivates you, what drains you, and what moves you emotionally. • Engineering an environment and social circle that boosts self-discipline. Form productive habits to increase your focus, strengthen your resolve, and stop giving up from boredom or frustration. • Why choosing two marshmallows over one matters. • Four questions for any potential lapse in willpower. • The interplay between habits, motivation, and self-discipline. Self-discipline and willpower will fundamentally change your life. A goal without the self-discipline necessary to enact it will remain just a dream or fantasy. Does this describe you more often than not? It doesn’t matter what you want to do - you might want to become a CEO or just clean more consistently - self-discipline is one of the most important life skills because it is the skill of doing and executing. Pick up your copy today by clicking the BUY NOW button at the top of this page. This is the first book in the “Live a Disciplined Life” series, as listed 1.The Science of The Willpower, Mental Toughness, and Self-Control to Resist Temptation and Achieve Your Goals 2.Finish What You The Art of Following Through, Taking Action, Executing, & Self-Discipline 3. Everyday Neuroscience for Self-Discipline, Focus, and Defeating Your Brain’s Impulsive and Distracted Nature 4.Mind Over The Self-Discipline to Execute Without Excuses, Control Your Impulses, and Keep Going When You Want to Give Up 5. Practical Self-Discipline 6. La ciencia de la autodisciplina
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 21, 2017
1790 people are currently reading
5226 people want to read
About the author
Peter Hollins
138 books357 followersPeter Hollins is a bestselling author, human psychology researcher, and a student of the human condition. He possesses a BS in psychology and a graduate degree.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
June 5, 2020
Quite unlike many other books on Self-Discipline, this one focuses on the key points, with some but not a lot of examples/studies and summarizes the chapters at the end so that the key takeaways become clear.
My takeaways from this book (this is highly personalized and details can be found in the book summary at the end):
- Meditate more, it has physical consequences that is worth chasing.
- Evaluate any decision which can affect an established discipline by the 10-10-10 rule.
- At the first mental breaking point during exercising discipline, remember the 40% rule.
- Engineer mental finish lines midway any task for boosted motivation.
- Be aware of how stress can have an impact on an established discipline.
- And always eat your vegetables first!
Personal AI: Reading the summary periodically.
My takeaways from this book (this is highly personalized and details can be found in the book summary at the end):
- Meditate more, it has physical consequences that is worth chasing.
- Evaluate any decision which can affect an established discipline by the 10-10-10 rule.
- At the first mental breaking point during exercising discipline, remember the 40% rule.
- Engineer mental finish lines midway any task for boosted motivation.
- Be aware of how stress can have an impact on an established discipline.
- And always eat your vegetables first!
Personal AI: Reading the summary periodically.
May 7, 2020
Short and to the point with lots of practical techniques to form good habits while maintaining discipline and saving willpower...
January 5, 2018
Most straightforward, and practical self-improvement book I have read. One that actually has readily implementable, scientifically-based advice, not just motivational-mumbo-jumbo. Very grateful to the writer for synthesizing so much good material into one short book.
I would recommend this book to everyone, EXCEPT my worst enemy. Wouldn't want this book to fall into evil hands.
I would recommend this book to everyone, EXCEPT my worst enemy. Wouldn't want this book to fall into evil hands.
May 17, 2024
Ever wondered why some people seem to have an iron will, while others struggle to stick to their New Year's resolutions past January? I've certainly pondered this, and that's why I found Peter Hollins' The Science of Self-Discipline to be such a compelling read.
📍 Nonfiction - Self-Help
📍 Scientific Approach to Self-Discipline
📍 Practical Techniques and Tips
📍 Use of Psychological Experiments
📍 Integration of Insights from Other Books
This book delves into the essence of self-discipline, its significance, and the ways to nurture it. It's a hands-on manual brimming with practical steps that readers could take to bolster self-discipline.
For those new to the subject, the book serves as an excellent introduction to the study of self-discipline. However, for someone like me, who is already somewhat familiar with the topic, it offered fewer new insights. Despite that, it's a quick read, but the lessons it imparts have the potential to influence a lifetime.
What I particularly appreciated were the summaries at the end of each chapter. They were helpful whether my aim was to reach a specific goal or just to enhance my overall quality of life, making the book a valuable tool.
As Hollins says, "Self-discipline is not only the goal but also the journey". So why not start your journey today with The Science of Self-Discipline?
📍 Nonfiction - Self-Help
📍 Scientific Approach to Self-Discipline
📍 Practical Techniques and Tips
📍 Use of Psychological Experiments
📍 Integration of Insights from Other Books
This book delves into the essence of self-discipline, its significance, and the ways to nurture it. It's a hands-on manual brimming with practical steps that readers could take to bolster self-discipline.
For those new to the subject, the book serves as an excellent introduction to the study of self-discipline. However, for someone like me, who is already somewhat familiar with the topic, it offered fewer new insights. Despite that, it's a quick read, but the lessons it imparts have the potential to influence a lifetime.
What I particularly appreciated were the summaries at the end of each chapter. They were helpful whether my aim was to reach a specific goal or just to enhance my overall quality of life, making the book a valuable tool.
As Hollins says, "Self-discipline is not only the goal but also the journey". So why not start your journey today with The Science of Self-Discipline?
March 16, 2023
I read a lot of self-help books (and listen to YouTubers and Podcasters) so it feels as if I found a tomato in a rose garden when a book like this comes into my life.
I got so much more value from this little book than from days of reading fluffed-up similar-ish pseudo-psychology ones. Research-based instant actions that I implemented, and they worked, can't be more grateful.
The nuggets can help build base for well disciplined life and give motivation towards myriad pursuits both professional and personal, just as tomatoes are at the base of most sauces. Healthy too... I mean the book for the mind.
Highly recommend it if you are limited on time, or debating to choose only one book on the topic.
I got so much more value from this little book than from days of reading fluffed-up similar-ish pseudo-psychology ones. Research-based instant actions that I implemented, and they worked, can't be more grateful.
The nuggets can help build base for well disciplined life and give motivation towards myriad pursuits both professional and personal, just as tomatoes are at the base of most sauces. Healthy too... I mean the book for the mind.
Highly recommend it if you are limited on time, or debating to choose only one book on the topic.
May 8, 2020
You are a person I assume, yes, you, reading this review. You might have goals to work toward, but there are so many roadblocks and distractions along the way. For example, let’s say you want to lose weight. You set it as a goal, tell your friends, sell all your old clothes so you have to lose weight, but you still manage to fail. With plentiful food everywhere and massive portion sizes it is no wonder that people are gaining weight in the ‘developed world.’ Peter Hollins had a similar problem, but with him, he had the issue of needing to gain weight. Hollins had to force himself to eat. In both cases, it is the need for self-discipline. To help out people with their issues, Hollins wrote The Science of Self-Discipline. This book is very easy to read despite its references to previous works in psychology.
So as one would expect, the book goes over techniques and ideas used to goad the brain into developing self-discipline. It talks about the prefrontal cortex, assorted brain structures related to self-control, the biological basis of willpower, and more. The book distills information from several other books. This is not a bad thing since it helps to have a reminder sometimes. Do you remember the Marshmallow Test? I certainly do. Delayed gratification is an important trait to have if you want to be able to master your impulses. Another interesting bit of research was the Framingham Heart Study. It found that if you have friends or family that are obese, you are significantly more likely to be overweight or obese yourself.
The main idea is to utilize your environment and take advantage of the problems presented by your neolithic brain. As I mentioned in the previous paragraph there is a biological basis to willpower. It can be measured by how hungry you are when you make a decision, but this might be a gross over-simplification. Hungry people make bad decisions. Think about what happens when you go shopping and you haven’t had any food for a while; this is especially clear with grocery shopping. The stores all take advantage of this trait. Think of the check-out lanes filled with candy and tabloid magazines. They know that you had to exercise willpower over the entire shopping trip and that it has probably been depleted.
The book also discusses habit formation and how to avoid procrastination. The book is similar to The Science of Self-Learning where it has a large and clear font. The book is split into chapters and systematically goes over the items that I have mentioned. I found it enjoyable. It also seems as though it would be really easy to follow. I am probably tricking myself though.
So as one would expect, the book goes over techniques and ideas used to goad the brain into developing self-discipline. It talks about the prefrontal cortex, assorted brain structures related to self-control, the biological basis of willpower, and more. The book distills information from several other books. This is not a bad thing since it helps to have a reminder sometimes. Do you remember the Marshmallow Test? I certainly do. Delayed gratification is an important trait to have if you want to be able to master your impulses. Another interesting bit of research was the Framingham Heart Study. It found that if you have friends or family that are obese, you are significantly more likely to be overweight or obese yourself.
The main idea is to utilize your environment and take advantage of the problems presented by your neolithic brain. As I mentioned in the previous paragraph there is a biological basis to willpower. It can be measured by how hungry you are when you make a decision, but this might be a gross over-simplification. Hungry people make bad decisions. Think about what happens when you go shopping and you haven’t had any food for a while; this is especially clear with grocery shopping. The stores all take advantage of this trait. Think of the check-out lanes filled with candy and tabloid magazines. They know that you had to exercise willpower over the entire shopping trip and that it has probably been depleted.
The book also discusses habit formation and how to avoid procrastination. The book is similar to The Science of Self-Learning where it has a large and clear font. The book is split into chapters and systematically goes over the items that I have mentioned. I found it enjoyable. It also seems as though it would be really easy to follow. I am probably tricking myself though.
August 14, 2024
کتاب خویشتنداری به واسطهی معرفی بزرگواری خیلی غیر منتظره وارد صف مطالعهام شد. یک نگاه به فهرستش باعث شد همون موقع حدود سی چهل صفحهشو بخونم و این طوری بدون اجازه اومد سر صف مطالعهام.
کتاب خویشتنداری در واقع در مورد انضباط و نیروی اراده است. پیتر هالینز در این کتاب اراده داشتن و منضبط بودن رو مهارتی اکتسابی میداند که قابل دستیابی است، حتی در سنهای بالا، با این شرط که فرد قبول کند که به این امر تواناست و نیت تغییر را داشته باشد. ایم کتاب کم حجم ۱۴۳ صفحهای بدون حواشی و پُرحرفی، در یازده فصل به شیوهی عملی بر اساس یافتههای علمی، راه و روش منصبط شدن و با اراده بودن را آموزش میدهد.
هالینز نخست مبانی زیست شناختی خویشتنداری را شرح میدهد سپس چند تکنیک برای تقویت انضباط را معرفی و شرح میدهد و سپس راههایی برای مقابله با عواملی که ما را متزلزل می کنند ارائه میکند.
گذشته از مختصر و مفید بودن کتاب، جمع بندیها و خلاصههای بسیار مفید در انتهای هر فصل از ویژگیهای بسیار خوب و راهگشای کتاب است. حتی در انتهای کتاب، بعت از بخش یازدهم، بخشی وجود دارد که این خلاصهها را جهت ارجاعهای سریع در آینده، به تفکیک فصل ذکر کرده است.
ویژگی بارز دیگر کتاب، آموزشی و تکنیکی بودن آن است که آن را به یک راهنمای عملی تبدیل کرده است.
تنها نکتهای که در خوانش کتاب، کمی آزاردهنده بود، کم بودن علائم نگارشی که خوانش را راحتتر میکرد بود. با توجه به محتوای کتاب، به نظر من در این مورد کم لطفی شده بود.
این کتاب عالی با ترجمه خوب سمیه قوامینژاد، توسط نشر کار درست آریاناقلم در تابستان ۱۴۰۳ برای اولین بار چاپ شده است.
کتاب خویشتنداری در واقع در مورد انضباط و نیروی اراده است. پیتر هالینز در این کتاب اراده داشتن و منضبط بودن رو مهارتی اکتسابی میداند که قابل دستیابی است، حتی در سنهای بالا، با این شرط که فرد قبول کند که به این امر تواناست و نیت تغییر را داشته باشد. ایم کتاب کم حجم ۱۴۳ صفحهای بدون حواشی و پُرحرفی، در یازده فصل به شیوهی عملی بر اساس یافتههای علمی، راه و روش منصبط شدن و با اراده بودن را آموزش میدهد.
هالینز نخست مبانی زیست شناختی خویشتنداری را شرح میدهد سپس چند تکنیک برای تقویت انضباط را معرفی و شرح میدهد و سپس راههایی برای مقابله با عواملی که ما را متزلزل می کنند ارائه میکند.
گذشته از مختصر و مفید بودن کتاب، جمع بندیها و خلاصههای بسیار مفید در انتهای هر فصل از ویژگیهای بسیار خوب و راهگشای کتاب است. حتی در انتهای کتاب، بعت از بخش یازدهم، بخشی وجود دارد که این خلاصهها را جهت ارجاعهای سریع در آینده، به تفکیک فصل ذکر کرده است.
ویژگی بارز دیگر کتاب، آموزشی و تکنیکی بودن آن است که آن را به یک راهنمای عملی تبدیل کرده است.
تنها نکتهای که در خوانش کتاب، کمی آزاردهنده بود، کم بودن علائم نگارشی که خوانش را راحتتر میکرد بود. با توجه به محتوای کتاب، به نظر من در این مورد کم لطفی شده بود.
این کتاب عالی با ترجمه خوب سمیه قوامینژاد، توسط نشر کار درست آریاناقلم در تابستان ۱۴۰۳ برای اولین بار چاپ شده است.
July 9, 2018
The Science of Self-Discipline is such an essential read and provides many great tips and examples. The book is one that I would refer back to if I needed a kick in the butt or reminders to shame me into action.
Discipline is never easy, but the book is a useful tool to read to understand better ways to deal with urges, procrastination, and how to get started on something you've been telling yourself you'll do. The question you need to ask yourself is, "Do I want to be a disciplined person or not? If you are disciplined, you'll do the thing you don't feel like doing because that's what is necessary to pursue your goals. You must classify yourself one way or another at each juncture. Reality isn't black and white, one lapse in discipline doesn't make you an undisciplined person, it just makes you human, but when you approach a decision or action as if it is that black or white, it provides strong motivation against failure because you don't want to view yourself as someone without discipline."
The book gives many powerful reminders, explanations, and helps with self-awareness when it comes to being disciplined. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to make any positive changes or improvements to their life but have lacked the follow through or found it difficult to push forward.
Discipline is never easy, but the book is a useful tool to read to understand better ways to deal with urges, procrastination, and how to get started on something you've been telling yourself you'll do. The question you need to ask yourself is, "Do I want to be a disciplined person or not? If you are disciplined, you'll do the thing you don't feel like doing because that's what is necessary to pursue your goals. You must classify yourself one way or another at each juncture. Reality isn't black and white, one lapse in discipline doesn't make you an undisciplined person, it just makes you human, but when you approach a decision or action as if it is that black or white, it provides strong motivation against failure because you don't want to view yourself as someone without discipline."
The book gives many powerful reminders, explanations, and helps with self-awareness when it comes to being disciplined. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to make any positive changes or improvements to their life but have lacked the follow through or found it difficult to push forward.
December 14, 2018
Anyone who looks at me knows I lack self-discipline and have failed to achieve my goal of losing weight... in fact, I've gained weight. I know what to do, I just don't do it. Other things are more important (like ice cream, for instance). As I get older it gets more and more difficult and my excuses pile up.
This book isn't a diet book. It's about setting yourself up for success with little things you do. There aren't any easy answers and I really appreciate the fact that this guy doesn't coddle you with silly catch-phrases or platitudes. What he does do is give you facts, research, and ideas that should help you set yourself up for success.
I highlighted several passages and have come up with a few strategies to help me succeed. I know it won't be easy and I'll have some setbacks, but those are to be expected. The trick is not to let them win. I feel like I learned a lot, so now it's time to put it into practice.
...Now off I go to move my alarm clock across the room so I have to actually get out of bed in the morning when the alarm goes off. (My personal Step 1 in setting up my environment to help me succeed in exercising in the mornings.)
This book isn't a diet book. It's about setting yourself up for success with little things you do. There aren't any easy answers and I really appreciate the fact that this guy doesn't coddle you with silly catch-phrases or platitudes. What he does do is give you facts, research, and ideas that should help you set yourself up for success.
I highlighted several passages and have come up with a few strategies to help me succeed. I know it won't be easy and I'll have some setbacks, but those are to be expected. The trick is not to let them win. I feel like I learned a lot, so now it's time to put it into practice.
...Now off I go to move my alarm clock across the room so I have to actually get out of bed in the morning when the alarm goes off. (My personal Step 1 in setting up my environment to help me succeed in exercising in the mornings.)
January 26, 2022
On the plus side: This is a quick, easy, read with lots of practical tips to try if you're struggling to get things done.
On the minus side: If you're well-read in this area, there's not a ton that's new here. It's not a deep dive into the science, and it's missing some nuance when discussing specific studies. (For example, the discussion of the Stanford Marshmallow Experiment doesn't recognize that a lot of the kids who didn't wait for the second marshmallow were behaving rationally based on what their lives had taught them so far about the ability of adults to keep their promises or the likelihood of future availability of resources.)
So, not great if you want a deep understanding of the psychology of willpower and self-discipline. Pretty good if you want a toolbox of stuff to try to improve your own ability to get stuff done.
On the minus side: If you're well-read in this area, there's not a ton that's new here. It's not a deep dive into the science, and it's missing some nuance when discussing specific studies. (For example, the discussion of the Stanford Marshmallow Experiment doesn't recognize that a lot of the kids who didn't wait for the second marshmallow were behaving rationally based on what their lives had taught them so far about the ability of adults to keep their promises or the likelihood of future availability of resources.)
So, not great if you want a deep understanding of the psychology of willpower and self-discipline. Pretty good if you want a toolbox of stuff to try to improve your own ability to get stuff done.
May 17, 2020
Very solid advice and novel ideas!
November 28, 2017
Great book, i could see how i have failed on things that i tried to do and i unknowingly used some of the techniques and the work. Last year i tried to read 25 books but only managed 15 or so where as this year i set the same goal and this is my 24th book this year. I'm gonna be the first person ever to complete a new years resolution.
I recommend this book to anyone that has tried to improve an aspect of their life but lacked the follow through of self discipline.
I recommend this book to anyone that has tried to improve an aspect of their life but lacked the follow through of self discipline.
December 27, 2023
This is truly one of the best books I’ve ever read! Hollins provides such a great explanation, using both scientific research and practical tips, of how to grow in discipline, while also being super to the point with it only being 195 pages. As someone who has struggled with self-discipline my whole life, I’m walking away from this book feeling way more equipped to grow in this area. There were one or two of his tips that I felt kind of contradicted each other, but other than that, I loved this book through and through & definitely would recommend!
September 10, 2024
I felt this was a very good book for its genre. Funnily enough, the book is pretty self-disciplined as well, so to speak - it is very organized around concepts and themes, comes with a very good synthesis per chapter at the end, and each concept and theory is expanded with anecdotes as well as studies, with bits of trivia to make it memorable. Superficial at times from a science-y point of view, yes - but good on average, and successful in bringing to the table a bouquet of tips and tricks to get yourself started in times of low energy, motivation, and purpose.
January 4, 2021
I think New Year's Resolutions are typically a fool's errand, but mine is to have more self-discipline. This book gave me some great tips on how to do that.
July 19, 2022
If you don't know the basic principles of self-discipline, then this book is for you. Highly recommend it, if you liked the power of habits and atomic habits.
April 22, 2024
Highly motivating book if u would like to improve urself inside out !
August 7, 2021
Jó kis könyv volt, szerencsére bőven merít a szokáskialakítás irodalmából. Habár elméleti könyv, gyakorlati tippek nincsenek benne, mégis kétszer is elolvastam, mert klassz stílusa van.
September 25, 2024
Includes some science explanations of brain patterns, and backs up ideas with past experiments. Examples are all pretty relevant as well.
The author essentially did all the research for us and made a handy little guide. Many strategies, some will work for different people.
The author essentially did all the research for us and made a handy little guide. Many strategies, some will work for different people.
February 24, 2020
Ngắn gọn, súc tích và dễ áp dụng.
Tác giả chỉ ra những cơ sở sinh học của việc đặt ra và thực hiện nguyên tắc kỹ luật. Một trong những tips khá hay ho trong công cuộc gian nan để thiết lập tính kỷ luật cho bản thân là thay vì chống lại sự ham muốn thì hãy lướt qua sự mong muốn và đừng để sự chịu đựng tới cực điểm.
Thật sự mình chưa từng nghĩ sẽ đọc tới những cuốn sách kiểu này vì hồi ĐH tính kỷ luật của mình khá tốt, lúc nào cũng có mục đích mục tiêu, thời gian biểu rõ ràng. biết mình muốn gì và cách để thực hiện nó. Mọi thứ luôn kiểu follow the track. Cơ mà khi mình đi làm rồi thì mọi thứ không được như thế nữa. Cảm thấy con người bây giờ của mình nhiệt huyết với chăm chỉ chắc không được bằng 1/10 ngày trước luôn ý :(
Đọc xong cuốn này mình nghĩ mình cũng có thêm 1 chút tự tin để thay đổi bản thân mình, trở lại làm 1 người luôn tự tin, có mục đích mục tiêu cho cuộc đời và không phí hoài tuổi trẻ vốn đã không dài lắm này.
Tác giả chỉ ra những cơ sở sinh học của việc đặt ra và thực hiện nguyên tắc kỹ luật. Một trong những tips khá hay ho trong công cuộc gian nan để thiết lập tính kỷ luật cho bản thân là thay vì chống lại sự ham muốn thì hãy lướt qua sự mong muốn và đừng để sự chịu đựng tới cực điểm.
Thật sự mình chưa từng nghĩ sẽ đọc tới những cuốn sách kiểu này vì hồi ĐH tính kỷ luật của mình khá tốt, lúc nào cũng có mục đích mục tiêu, thời gian biểu rõ ràng. biết mình muốn gì và cách để thực hiện nó. Mọi thứ luôn kiểu follow the track. Cơ mà khi mình đi làm rồi thì mọi thứ không được như thế nữa. Cảm thấy con người bây giờ của mình nhiệt huyết với chăm chỉ chắc không được bằng 1/10 ngày trước luôn ý :(
Đọc xong cuốn này mình nghĩ mình cũng có thêm 1 chút tự tin để thay đổi bản thân mình, trở lại làm 1 người luôn tự tin, có mục đích mục tiêu cho cuộc đời và không phí hoài tuổi trẻ vốn đã không dài lắm này.
December 11, 2018
I very fast and easy read which covers multiple broad topics on the concepts of self discipline.
Occasionally conflicting information between two chapters happens (the chapter on navy SEALS being motivational to encourage the reader to try harder and push their limits is followed by a chapter on not overdoing it, and being mindful of when things are getting too much) which shows this is more of a compilation work. Readers can pick and choose which methods they want to pursue.
I'd rate it higher if this book was my first read into self help or discipline, but it's not. I would encourage it for anyone just starting off exploring that field you will find this book a great introduction into a wide array of options and not too lengthy (although I bought this book used, and found the previous reader feverently highlighted chapters one through three... Then just sort of stopped. Sorry previous reader, I hoped it worked out for you in the end, but I think it's telling if you couldn't commit to finishing a book on self discipline)
If you have already read books in depth on the topics of self discipline, such as books on zen, mindfullness, military discipline (especially Jocko Willink's stuff), and/o human behavior, then this book will read like a quick 1000 yard glance on these topics, with little new insight and no clear interconnections.
Occasionally conflicting information between two chapters happens (the chapter on navy SEALS being motivational to encourage the reader to try harder and push their limits is followed by a chapter on not overdoing it, and being mindful of when things are getting too much) which shows this is more of a compilation work. Readers can pick and choose which methods they want to pursue.
I'd rate it higher if this book was my first read into self help or discipline, but it's not. I would encourage it for anyone just starting off exploring that field you will find this book a great introduction into a wide array of options and not too lengthy (although I bought this book used, and found the previous reader feverently highlighted chapters one through three... Then just sort of stopped. Sorry previous reader, I hoped it worked out for you in the end, but I think it's telling if you couldn't commit to finishing a book on self discipline)
If you have already read books in depth on the topics of self discipline, such as books on zen, mindfullness, military discipline (especially Jocko Willink's stuff), and/o human behavior, then this book will read like a quick 1000 yard glance on these topics, with little new insight and no clear interconnections.
September 17, 2019
Muốn thành công thì phải làm việc hiệu quả, muốn làm việc hiệu quả thì không thể thiếu tính kỷ luật (tập trung vào mục tiêu, chủ động tránh xao nhãng gây ra bởi thiếu kỷ luật)
Đây là quyển sách rất hay hướng dẫn cách tạo kỷ luật cho bản thân. Nói một cách vắn tắt thì:
Kỷ luật cần đến: Động lực và ý chí
- Động lực là cần thiết nhưng nhất thời.
- Ý chí nếu phải sử dụng nhiều quá thì cũng bị bào mòn và đó là lúc bạn dễ nghe theo tác động/sự hấp dẫn của những thứ dễ dàng trước mắt.
Tin tốt là ý chí có thể rèn được thông qua luyện kỷ luật như luyện cơ bắp, nhờ vào các kỹ thuật/nguyên tắc sau:
- Chiến thuật kỷ luật của SEAL
- Nhận diện và xử lý các yếu tố gây suy giảm kỷ luật
- Rèn luyện sự khó chịu (kỹ thuật ra khỏi vùng an toàn)
- Tạo môi trường cho kỷ luật
- Chọn các mối quan hệ phù hợp
- Trì hoãn sự thoả mãn để được phần thưởng lớn hơn
- Khi bị cám dỗ: tự nhận thức bằng các câu hỏi quyết liệt, thẳng thắn
- Tư duy tích cực
Để hiện thực tất cả những điều trên, quan trọng nhất là thiết lập thói quen cho tính kỷ luật bản thân, khi động lực bớt sôi sục hay ý chí có đôi phần mỏi mệt thì thói quen sẽ kéo bạn dậy đi tiếp ;)
Muốn vậy, chỉ cần cố gắng vượt qua (trung bình) 66 ngày để xây dựng 1 thói quen.
Dịch có một số chỗ không được mượt mà cho lắm nhưng nội dung rất hay.
Đây là quyển sách rất hay hướng dẫn cách tạo kỷ luật cho bản thân. Nói một cách vắn tắt thì:
Kỷ luật cần đến: Động lực và ý chí
- Động lực là cần thiết nhưng nhất thời.
- Ý chí nếu phải sử dụng nhiều quá thì cũng bị bào mòn và đó là lúc bạn dễ nghe theo tác động/sự hấp dẫn của những thứ dễ dàng trước mắt.
Tin tốt là ý chí có thể rèn được thông qua luyện kỷ luật như luyện cơ bắp, nhờ vào các kỹ thuật/nguyên tắc sau:
- Chiến thuật kỷ luật của SEAL
- Nhận diện và xử lý các yếu tố gây suy giảm kỷ luật
- Rèn luyện sự khó chịu (kỹ thuật ra khỏi vùng an toàn)
- Tạo môi trường cho kỷ luật
- Chọn các mối quan hệ phù hợp
- Trì hoãn sự thoả mãn để được phần thưởng lớn hơn
- Khi bị cám dỗ: tự nhận thức bằng các câu hỏi quyết liệt, thẳng thắn
- Tư duy tích cực
Để hiện thực tất cả những điều trên, quan trọng nhất là thiết lập thói quen cho tính kỷ luật bản thân, khi động lực bớt sôi sục hay ý chí có đôi phần mỏi mệt thì thói quen sẽ kéo bạn dậy đi tiếp ;)
Muốn vậy, chỉ cần cố gắng vượt qua (trung bình) 66 ngày để xây dựng 1 thói quen.
Dịch có một số chỗ không được mượt mà cho lắm nhưng nội dung rất hay.
December 2, 2017
A most helpful and clear presentation of what's involved in designing a more effective way of functioning and building a productive life. Absolutely Anyone would benefit from the advise and explanations provided!!!
April 6, 2021
Very factual.
Showing exactly what was happening in you brain and the result on the body. What is down to genetics and what can be built on over time. Getting over mental and physical barriers and using them to your advantage.
Also contained studies and proof of each idea and theory proving their point. And a summary at the end of each chapter, making the information digestible.
My only note is that it wasn’t very fun to read. There were many times I considered stopping and lost interest, but I guess the ‘self discipline’ I learned through reading worked.
The writing was slightly dry, and I feel in a book like this it needs something more to keep people interested.
Showing exactly what was happening in you brain and the result on the body. What is down to genetics and what can be built on over time. Getting over mental and physical barriers and using them to your advantage.
Also contained studies and proof of each idea and theory proving their point. And a summary at the end of each chapter, making the information digestible.
My only note is that it wasn’t very fun to read. There were many times I considered stopping and lost interest, but I guess the ‘self discipline’ I learned through reading worked.
The writing was slightly dry, and I feel in a book like this it needs something more to keep people interested.
February 17, 2018
Tells you things you already know
But everybody should still read it, gives some concrete examples on how to build discipline. A decent short read overall.
But everybody should still read it, gives some concrete examples on how to build discipline. A decent short read overall.
September 28, 2018
Súper bueno.
Excelentes tips e ideas para mantenerse enfocada.
Explica por qué a veces a fallamos y en qué.
Recomendado para cualquiera que desee mejorar su disciplina.
Excelentes tips e ideas para mantenerse enfocada.
Explica por qué a veces a fallamos y en qué.
Recomendado para cualquiera que desee mejorar su disciplina.
January 4, 2025
Not bad. I was surprised this book doesnt mention the flow theory.
But it has all the tips about willpower, motivation, dopamin, habits.
Willpower is a scared trainable resource , motivations are from outside and inside, aware and controll your dopamin
Hmm, check correction of this summary later...
Here’s a concise summary of all the key chapters from The Science of Self-Discipline by Peter Hollins:
Chapter 1: The Foundation of Self-Discipline
Key Idea: Discipline is the ability to resist impulses and focus on long-term goals.
Takeaway: Self-discipline is like a muscle—it grows stronger with consistent effort and practice.
Chapter 2: Motivation vs. Discipline
Key Idea: Motivation is fleeting, but discipline is enduring.
Takeaway: Relying solely on motivation is unreliable; build systems and habits to stay consistent.
Chapter 3: The Neuroscience of Self-Discipline
Key Idea: The brain plays a critical role in self-control, with the prefrontal cortex managing willpower.
Takeaway: Recognize mental fatigue and practice small acts of self-control to strengthen your discipline over time.
Chapter 4: Mastering Habit Formation
Key Idea: Habits are the foundation of discipline.
Takeaway: Use cues, routines, and rewards to form new habits. Start small and focus on consistency.
Chapter 5: Overcoming Temptations
Key Idea: Temptation undermines discipline and must be managed proactively.
Takeaway: Identify your triggers, remove distractions, and replace bad habits with productive ones.
Chapter 6: Delayed Gratification
Key Idea: Success often comes from resisting short-term rewards in favor of long-term benefits.
Takeaway: Train yourself to tolerate discomfort and focus on the bigger picture.
Chapter 7: Mental Toughness
Key Idea: Mental toughness is the ability to push through challenges and setbacks.
Takeaway: Develop resilience by embracing discomfort, reframing challenges, and maintaining a growth mindset.
Chapter 8: Self-Discipline in Action
Key Idea: Apply discipline to specific areas of life, such as health, work, and relationships.
Takeaway: Use self-discipline to set priorities, achieve balance, and maintain focus on your goals.
Chapter 9: The Role of Environment
Key Idea: Your surroundings significantly influence your discipline.
Takeaway: Create a supportive environment that eliminates distractions and encourages focus.
Chapter 10: Self-Reflection and Accountability
Key Idea: Reflecting on your progress and holding yourself accountable are essential for growth.
Takeaway: Keep a journal, track your habits, and seek external accountability when necessary.
Chapter 11: The Power of Visualization and Affirmations
Key Idea: Visualization and affirmations can enhance self-discipline by creating a positive mental image of success.
Takeaway: Regularly envision your goals and remind yourself of your capabilities to reinforce your discipline.
Chapter 12: The Compounding Effect of Discipline
Key Idea: Small, consistent efforts compound over time into significant achievements.
Takeaway: Discipline isn’t about monumental efforts; it’s about showing up daily and staying consistent.
But it has all the tips about willpower, motivation, dopamin, habits.
Willpower is a scared trainable resource , motivations are from outside and inside, aware and controll your dopamin
Hmm, check correction of this summary later...
Here’s a concise summary of all the key chapters from The Science of Self-Discipline by Peter Hollins:
Chapter 1: The Foundation of Self-Discipline
Key Idea: Discipline is the ability to resist impulses and focus on long-term goals.
Takeaway: Self-discipline is like a muscle—it grows stronger with consistent effort and practice.
Chapter 2: Motivation vs. Discipline
Key Idea: Motivation is fleeting, but discipline is enduring.
Takeaway: Relying solely on motivation is unreliable; build systems and habits to stay consistent.
Chapter 3: The Neuroscience of Self-Discipline
Key Idea: The brain plays a critical role in self-control, with the prefrontal cortex managing willpower.
Takeaway: Recognize mental fatigue and practice small acts of self-control to strengthen your discipline over time.
Chapter 4: Mastering Habit Formation
Key Idea: Habits are the foundation of discipline.
Takeaway: Use cues, routines, and rewards to form new habits. Start small and focus on consistency.
Chapter 5: Overcoming Temptations
Key Idea: Temptation undermines discipline and must be managed proactively.
Takeaway: Identify your triggers, remove distractions, and replace bad habits with productive ones.
Chapter 6: Delayed Gratification
Key Idea: Success often comes from resisting short-term rewards in favor of long-term benefits.
Takeaway: Train yourself to tolerate discomfort and focus on the bigger picture.
Chapter 7: Mental Toughness
Key Idea: Mental toughness is the ability to push through challenges and setbacks.
Takeaway: Develop resilience by embracing discomfort, reframing challenges, and maintaining a growth mindset.
Chapter 8: Self-Discipline in Action
Key Idea: Apply discipline to specific areas of life, such as health, work, and relationships.
Takeaway: Use self-discipline to set priorities, achieve balance, and maintain focus on your goals.
Chapter 9: The Role of Environment
Key Idea: Your surroundings significantly influence your discipline.
Takeaway: Create a supportive environment that eliminates distractions and encourages focus.
Chapter 10: Self-Reflection and Accountability
Key Idea: Reflecting on your progress and holding yourself accountable are essential for growth.
Takeaway: Keep a journal, track your habits, and seek external accountability when necessary.
Chapter 11: The Power of Visualization and Affirmations
Key Idea: Visualization and affirmations can enhance self-discipline by creating a positive mental image of success.
Takeaway: Regularly envision your goals and remind yourself of your capabilities to reinforce your discipline.
Chapter 12: The Compounding Effect of Discipline
Key Idea: Small, consistent efforts compound over time into significant achievements.
Takeaway: Discipline isn’t about monumental efforts; it’s about showing up daily and staying consistent.
March 7, 2021
As someone who has a love of all genre of literary works, self improvement is definitely within this scope.
Peter Hollins hit some truths in his book, and used some good examples to push his thoughts across. As self improvement books go, I throughly enjoyed this. Some books in this genre can waffle to fill up some book space, or they don’t fully relate to you as individual. You know the books that come across as more why aren’t you perfect or generalise the point for everyone. Not always a bad thing, but if the author has the power to relate to you as Peter did in this piece, it really allows you to accept and acknowledge the advice provided. More than this though it if it’s relatable, and balanced you remember the advice therefore making applying it permanently in your life easier. I think too with this particular book over some is Peter is attempting to help you open your eyes, rather than as some authors are counting their bottom line or following the current “norm”. I take any literary works as they are, for my subjective opinion without considering if the author and I agree entirely. Peter, demonstrated how simple self discipline techniques when applied can alter your whole life for the better. The 10 minute principle is so easily applied, it should be taught to all children and some “adults” in 2021. If you have an opinion, or wish to be negative wait 10 minutes and if you manage that, wait another.. maybe applying this simple rule the world would be a more respectful less hateful place. I particularly like the story of rejection with rejection for some follows shame. We I guess are taught or at least adapt to believe rejection is always going to hurt and to avoid it, but progress can’t be made without the risk of rejection.
Peter has my vote, and I definitely feel this is a book that needs read by more individuals and used in school teachings, more so now than ever before. If you want to read this book, I highly recommend it but to fully engage with it and implement the principles you need to be prepared to accept that you don’t already have a good base of self discipline.
Peter Hollins hit some truths in his book, and used some good examples to push his thoughts across. As self improvement books go, I throughly enjoyed this. Some books in this genre can waffle to fill up some book space, or they don’t fully relate to you as individual. You know the books that come across as more why aren’t you perfect or generalise the point for everyone. Not always a bad thing, but if the author has the power to relate to you as Peter did in this piece, it really allows you to accept and acknowledge the advice provided. More than this though it if it’s relatable, and balanced you remember the advice therefore making applying it permanently in your life easier. I think too with this particular book over some is Peter is attempting to help you open your eyes, rather than as some authors are counting their bottom line or following the current “norm”. I take any literary works as they are, for my subjective opinion without considering if the author and I agree entirely. Peter, demonstrated how simple self discipline techniques when applied can alter your whole life for the better. The 10 minute principle is so easily applied, it should be taught to all children and some “adults” in 2021. If you have an opinion, or wish to be negative wait 10 minutes and if you manage that, wait another.. maybe applying this simple rule the world would be a more respectful less hateful place. I particularly like the story of rejection with rejection for some follows shame. We I guess are taught or at least adapt to believe rejection is always going to hurt and to avoid it, but progress can’t be made without the risk of rejection.
Peter has my vote, and I definitely feel this is a book that needs read by more individuals and used in school teachings, more so now than ever before. If you want to read this book, I highly recommend it but to fully engage with it and implement the principles you need to be prepared to accept that you don’t already have a good base of self discipline.
June 20, 2021
Really short but really compact. It gives you all the basic ideas, supported by solid scientific findings, then presents simple, doable practices or "rules" for the reader to follow.
I believe I wouldn't have appreciated this book as much as I did were it not for the fact that I was reading "Limitless" at the same time.
This book is very straight-to-the-fact and no-nonsense compared to Limitless. No blabbering from the author, no " I remember that time with Jennifer Lawrence where we discussed our soul purpose...", no fillers.
Most of the ideas in the book are borrowed or based on past findings, of course(Just like most self-help books are), but whenever it shares with you an idea, it tells you where this idea is originally from, it introduces you to the idea in a simple and efficient way, and it shows you how you can apply it into your life. All done in a straightforward manner, which is in sharp contrast to Limitless. It made me appreciate the style of this book so much more.
Being a really short book, though it wastes no time in giving you stories about how Tommy used this to change his life... or going on and on about a topic that could've been summed up in one sentence, it doesn't delve deep into each idea/ findings, so you only get the most essential part and then the book moves on to the next topic.
In the end I wanted a little bit more from the book, but I got the essentials, wasted no time on silly stories, endured no yammerings from the author, and genuinely found it helpful. This is not a mind-blowing book with ground-breaking ideas, but one for those who wants to save time and get straight to the titbits about discipline.
I believe I wouldn't have appreciated this book as much as I did were it not for the fact that I was reading "Limitless" at the same time.
This book is very straight-to-the-fact and no-nonsense compared to Limitless. No blabbering from the author, no " I remember that time with Jennifer Lawrence where we discussed our soul purpose...", no fillers.
Most of the ideas in the book are borrowed or based on past findings, of course(Just like most self-help books are), but whenever it shares with you an idea, it tells you where this idea is originally from, it introduces you to the idea in a simple and efficient way, and it shows you how you can apply it into your life. All done in a straightforward manner, which is in sharp contrast to Limitless. It made me appreciate the style of this book so much more.
Being a really short book, though it wastes no time in giving you stories about how Tommy used this to change his life... or going on and on about a topic that could've been summed up in one sentence, it doesn't delve deep into each idea/ findings, so you only get the most essential part and then the book moves on to the next topic.
In the end I wanted a little bit more from the book, but I got the essentials, wasted no time on silly stories, endured no yammerings from the author, and genuinely found it helpful. This is not a mind-blowing book with ground-breaking ideas, but one for those who wants to save time and get straight to the titbits about discipline.
September 13, 2024
In thirukural 350 years before Christ,Self discipline is said to important than life itself
This is must read book, knowing the path is different from walking the path, discipline is very much personal but if a society is completely disciplined say 90% the whole country will eventually be disciplined because of the ripple effect and it will immensely benefit the world.
3000 years before India was like that, it was a nation of discipline in every aspect of life, discipline even to wage a war on enemy just like that you cannot go for war, discipline to wake up, to take bath, to have food, to do your duty it got reflected in every aspect.
For 2000 years India contributed close to 30% of the world gdp, this is what happens when a whole nation is disciplined, the country remained so rich that inflation adjusted value of the value looted by British is over $140 Trillion but with 78 years of freedom from British, India is again overtaken UK and poised to become 3Rd largest economy in the world
That's because middle class population still carry the civilizational values.
Amazing read author should go into these civilizational values as well, the golden road in just two days has became number 1 in India 🇮🇳 should collaborate.
synopsis at the end of every chapter and complete synopsis at the end of book makes it more interesting and the information sticky.
Prayers for prosperity and peace for Peter Hollins.
Wishing an abundant life!
This is must read book, knowing the path is different from walking the path, discipline is very much personal but if a society is completely disciplined say 90% the whole country will eventually be disciplined because of the ripple effect and it will immensely benefit the world.
3000 years before India was like that, it was a nation of discipline in every aspect of life, discipline even to wage a war on enemy just like that you cannot go for war, discipline to wake up, to take bath, to have food, to do your duty it got reflected in every aspect.
For 2000 years India contributed close to 30% of the world gdp, this is what happens when a whole nation is disciplined, the country remained so rich that inflation adjusted value of the value looted by British is over $140 Trillion but with 78 years of freedom from British, India is again overtaken UK and poised to become 3Rd largest economy in the world
That's because middle class population still carry the civilizational values.
Amazing read author should go into these civilizational values as well, the golden road in just two days has became number 1 in India 🇮🇳 should collaborate.
synopsis at the end of every chapter and complete synopsis at the end of book makes it more interesting and the information sticky.
Prayers for prosperity and peace for Peter Hollins.
Wishing an abundant life!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews