How to Build Discipline

I've recently been putting active effort into polymathing. I'd wake up at 2:30am (but actually get up an hour later), then get to the gym by 4:30. I'd work out until 5:30, then get to the office by 6. Then 6-7am is polymathing time. 7am-4pm I do my job. then I get home by 5pm. The rest is just chores (groceries, laundry, etc.) and spending time with the kids. Watching a movie, or playing a video game, maybe if I have the time. I'm ready for bed by 8:30pm.

People asked me, isn't that schedule too difficult to follow? What about "me" time? How did I develop the discipline to follow this schedule?

Well, following the schedule IS "me" time. I do love the journey of my growth, and doing what I do is quite enjoyable.

Perhaps the biggest motivation is self-love. I recently started becoming concerned about my growth, that I thought of gaining more skills. So I set my sights on becoming a polymath. I realized immediately that I had to set aside at least an hour a day to do polymath things. I claimed it. I immediately told my friends that I am a polymath - this is actually a trick from Atomic Habits. You introduce yourself to someone as if you're already that personality, or description you want to become. This tricks your brain into doing things that type of person would do.

Eventually I realized that I wanted to grow because I love myself. Following the schedule means showing up for yourself on an agreed upon time, just like you show up for someone you scheduled a date with. It's self-respect. This means, preparing your clothes, and your bag, the night before, and getting to bed early because you care enough about getting enough sleep. That becomes a habit and I guess the rest becomes automatic.

Granted, there are days when it's really difficult to wake up, and I don't get to follow the schedule. This doesn't mean you failed. It means that you love yourself enough to take care of your body and mind. Just know where you can love yourself the most.

So how did I build my discipline? Three words. Purpose, identity, self-love. Find something you want to do -- something worthwhile. Change your identity as someone who does whatever that something is. Then show up for yourself.