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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Mindful Self-Discipline summary
Giovanni Dienstmann
Living with Purpose and Achieving Your Goals in a World of Distractions
18 mins
Brief summary
Mindful Self-Discipline by Giovanni Dienstmann is a guidebook to developing inner strength and self-control using mindfulness techniques. It offers practical advice and exercises to help us achieve our goals and lead a more disciplined and fulfilling life.
Table of Contents
Mindful Self-Discipline
Summary of 5 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 5
Live the life you truly desire
Let’s talk about self-discipline. It’s an old idea that people often get wrong. Self-discipline isn’t about feeling bad about yourself, or denying yourself everything, or living by strict rules. It’s not some mean force making you do things you don’t want to do. No, self-discipline is about living your life in a way that matches your big dreams and goals. It’s about being able to handle all sorts of challenges and obstacles, and being committed to what really matters to you.
The cool thing about self-discipline is that it makes you feel stronger. The Greek word for self-discipline is enkrateia, and the "-krat" part actually means “power.” So every time you practice self-discipline, you’re building up your personal power. It gives you this great feeling of knowing you’re doing your best, which helps you live without regrets or those nagging thoughts of “What if?” or “I should have.”
When you forget about your goals and let yourself be distracted, or give in to the desire for immediate pleasure, it’s like letting a bit of your power slip away.
Now, here’s the thing. We all have self-discipline. It’s not some mysterious concept that only a few people can understand or possess. We show it in the simple things we do every day – like brushing our teeth after we eat, showing up to work on weekdays, or taking care of a child when we’re exhausted. These actions, though they might seem trivial, are actually super important. Without them, well, we’d end up with no teeth, no job, and no kids.
What self-discipline really does is free us from being controlled by our base instincts and immediate desires. It lets us follow our higher goals. It’s about being your own boss, designing your own life, deciding what you’ll do and won’t do.
Think about it like using a TV remote. When you hit the power button, the TV turns on, right? If it didn’t, we’d say the remote is broken. The point is, it’s up to you whether you want to turn on the TV or not. But once you’ve made up your mind to hit that button, the TV should come on. That’s like self-discipline. It helps you follow through on the promises you make to yourself. This isn’t about being rigid – it’s about having control over your life.
Getting better at self-discipline doesn’t just change you. It changes how you see and interact with the world. It’s not about cutting out all the fun or freedom from your life. It’s about giving you the control to choose what’s best for you. It’s not about being trapped, but freeing yourself from urges and short-term pleasures that could obscure your real goals.
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What is Mindful Self-Discipline about?
Mindful Self-Discipline (2022) presents a new perspective on self-discipline as a tool for personal empowerment, rather than a set of rigid constraints. It guides us through a transformational journey of harnessing self-discipline, underlining the significance of integrating self-discipline into daily routines to control base instincts, chase higher goals, and design a life that mirrors one’s deepest values and dreams.
Mindful Self-Discipline Review
Mindful Self-Discipline (2022) by Giovanni Dienstmann offers practical strategies for cultivating self-discipline in daily life. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It provides effective techniques that can be easily implemented to enhance self-control and productivity.
- By exploring the science of willpower and incorporating mindfulness practices, the book offers a holistic approach to self-discipline.
- With its focus on self-awareness and personal growth, the book helps readers develop a disciplined mindset and achieve their goals.
Who should read Mindful Self-Discipline?
- Mindfulness practitioners who want to enhance discipline
- Those interested in practical self-improvement strategies
- Individuals seeking personal growth and improved self-control
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Mindful Self-Discipline FAQs
What is the main message of Mindful Self-Discipline?
The main message of Mindful Self-Discipline is to cultivate discipline through mindfulness and self-awareness.
How long does it take to read Mindful Self-Discipline?
The reading time for Mindful Self-Discipline varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Mindful Self-Discipline a good book? Is it worth reading?
With practical insights and techniques, Mindful Self-Discipline is worth reading for those seeking personal growth and increased self-discipline.
Who is the author of Mindful Self-Discipline?
Giovanni Dienstmann is the author of Mindful Self-Discipline.
What to read after Mindful Self-Discipline?
If you're wondering what to read next after Mindful Self-Discipline, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Mindful Way Through Depression by Mark Williams
- The Power of Awakening by Wayne W. Dyer
- Happy Mind, Happy Life by Rangan Chatterjee
- The Comfort Zone by Kristen Butler
- Smart Sex by Emily Morse
- The Success Principles by Jack Canfield
- Overworked and Overwhelmed by Scott Eblin
- Don't Overthink It by Anne Bogel
- Show the Value of What You Do by Patricia Pulliam Phillips & Jack J. Phillips
- From Strength to Strength by Arthur C. Brooks