Have you ever looked at those uber-disciplined people and thought, How do they do it? I mean, how are they smashing their goals while the rest of us are trying to talk ourselves out of opening up Instagram (again)? The truth is, self-discipline isn’t about being perfect or having endless willpower—it’s about smart strategies.

In this post, I will share 10 lesser-known ways to build self discipline that will help you to smash your goals and become the best version of yourself.

Grab your coffee (or tea—I see you, herbal fans), and let’s dive into these 10 actionable secrets of the world’s most self-disciplined people.

1. Use Temptation Bundling

Let’s be real—some tasks are just meh. Cleaning the house, going for a run, or finishing that report? Snooze. Enter: temptation bundling. This is where you pair something you need to do with something you want to do.

For example, only allow yourself to watch your favorite Netflix show while folding laundry. Or save that true-crime podcast for gym time. You’ll find yourself actually looking forward to these tasks because they’re now wrapped up in something fun.

This hack works because it piggybacks on your natural desire for reward. Instead of trying to suppress your cravings, you’re channelling them into productivity. Genius, right?

2. Train with Micro-Challenges

Forget grand gestures and 180-degree life overhauls. The world's most disciplined people don’t try to run a marathon on Day 1—they start with manageable micro-challenges.

Think of small things like brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand or drinking a glass of water as soon as you wake up. These tiny tweaks train your brain to adapt and build momentum.

It’s like training a muscle. The more you practice stepping slightly out of your comfort zone, the easier it becomes to tackle bigger challenges later. Plus, micro-challenges are way less intimidating than saying, “I’ll overhaul my entire life starting tomorrow.”

3. Practice Delayed Gratification

We live in an instant-everything world, but here’s the thing: the ability to delay gratification is like a superpower for self-discipline. And no, you don’t need to wait years to see the results—you can start with bite-sized exercises.

For example, when you feel the urge to snack, set a timer for 10 minutes before indulging. Or when you’re tempted to scroll Instagram, finish the task you’re working on first. These small pauses build your patience muscle and make you less reactive to impulses over time.

Think of it as building “future you” equity. A little delay today can pay off in spades tomorrow.

4. Visualize Success and Setbacks

Visualization is a hot topic in the self-help world, but here’s the twist: the most disciplined people don’t just imagine the shiny finish line. They also vividly picture what happens if they don’t follow through.

Let’s say you’re trying to stick to a workout plan. Imagine how amazing you’ll feel after completing a month of consistent exercise. Then, flip the script—picture the frustration, guilt, or health consequences of skipping out.

This dual visualization isn’t about scaring yourself; it’s about creating a balanced perspective. By seeing both sides, you’re mentally preparing yourself to stay committed, no matter what.

Here’s how to visualize your dream life in 5 steps.

5. Leverage the Zeigarnik Effect

Here’s a fancy term for you: the Zeigarnik Effect. It’s a psychological phenomenon where your brain hates unfinished tasks. The good news? You can use this to your advantage.

The trick is to start—even if you’re not ready. Open that Word doc. Write the first sentence of your essay. Roll out your yoga mat. Once you begin, your brain feels an itch to complete what you started.

This is why starting is often the hardest part. But once you’ve taken that first step, momentum kicks in. You don’t need to feel ready—you just need to take action.

6. Keep a “Discipline Scorecard”

Okay, this one’s for all my Type-A friends (or anyone who loves a good checklist). Tracking your self-discipline efforts can be a total game-changer.

Use a journal, app, or even a sticky note to log your wins. Did you resist hitting snooze? Score. Skip dessert? Boom. These small wins add up, and seeing your streak can be incredibly motivating.

Bonus tip: Reward yourself for consistency. Treat yourself to a coffee, a new book, or even just a guilt-free Netflix binge after a solid streak. Positive reinforcement keeps you coming back for more.

7. Design Your Environment

Let’s face it—willpower is overrated. The most disciplined people don’t rely on it; they rely on their environment. Why? Because it’s easier to avoid temptation than to resist it.

For example, if you’re trying to eat healthier, keep junk food out of sight (or better yet, out of the house). If you want to focus at work, declutter your desk and silence your phone.

Think of your environment as a co-pilot for your goals. By designing spaces that support your habits, you’re setting yourself up for success without having to fight your instincts constantly.

8. Use “If-Then” Planning

This one’s simple but effective. Create specific contingency plans for common challenges. For instance, “If I feel like skipping my workout, then I’ll do a 10-minute stretch session instead.”

The beauty of this hack is that it removes the decision-making process. When you already have a plan in place, you’re less likely to talk yourself out of doing what you need to do.

And guess what? It works for everything—eating out, procrastinating, or even managing stress. The clearer your plan, the easier it is to follow through.

9. Practice Self-Compassion

Let’s clear something up: self-discipline doesn’t mean beating yourself up when you fail. In fact, the most disciplined people are often the kindest to themselves.

Instead of spiraling into guilt or self-doubt, practice self-compassion. Acknowledge the setback, remind yourself that you’re human, and refocus on your next step.

This mindset shift isn’t just warm and fuzzy—it’s backed by research. Self-compassion builds resilience, reduces burnout, and helps you bounce back faster. So, cut yourself some slack and keep moving forward.

10. Adopt an Alter Ego

When all else fails, channel your inner Beyoncé (or whoever inspires you). The alter ego trick is simple: when faced with a tough decision, ask yourself, “What would my most disciplined self do right now?”

You can even give this version of yourself a name. Maybe it’s “Super Focused Sarah” or “Discipline Dan.” By stepping into this persona, you create a mental shift that makes it easier to act decisively.

It might feel silly at first, but trust me—it works. Plus, who doesn’t love the idea of summoning their inner superhero?

Final Thoughts

Self-discipline isn’t about perfection or endless willpower. It’s about finding strategies that work for you and sticking to them consistently. Whether it’s temptation bundling, micro-challenges, or channeling your alter ego, these tips are all designed to make self-discipline less of a struggle and more of a habit.

So, which of these are you going to try first? Let me know in the comments below!