Book Byte #269 "Discipline Is Destiny" by Ryan Holiday

The Power of Self-Control

📣 Curious Quotes from the Author

“In a world of distraction, focusing is a superpower.”

“To procrastinate is to be entitled. It is arrogant. It assumes there will be a later. It assumes you’ll have the discipline to get to it later (despite not having the discipline now).”

“discipline means being disciplined in all things, especially little things.”

“You don’t have to always be amazing. You do always have to show up. What matters is sticking around for the next at bat.”

“I ceaselessly chant the refrain,” Montaigne said, “anything you can do another day can be done now.”

“Would you have a great empire? Rule over yourself. Publilius Syrus”

“freedom is the opportunity for self-discipline.”

“We must practice temperance now, in times of plenty, because none of us know what the future holds- only that plenty never lasts.”

“As they say, another way to spell “perfectionism” is p-a-r-a-l-y-s-i-s.”

“We must master ourselves unless we'd prefer to be mastered by someone or something else.”

“The fact is, the body keeps score.”

“We don’t need accomplishments to feel good or to be good enough. What do we need? The truth: not much! Some food and water. Work that we can challenge ourselves with. A calm mind in the midst of adversity. Sleep. A solid routine. A cause we are committed to. Something we’re getting better at. Everything else is extra. Or worse, as history has shown countless times, the source of our painful downfall.”

📚 Cognition of the Book’s Big Idea

Being self-aware and in charge of your behavior, thoughts, and emotions is the essence of discipline. Deprivation is not discipline. You can respect and join the Stoic heritage of virtue by putting in a lot of effort, thinking deeply, and holding yourself to a high standard. In the long run, doing this will make you happier and healthier in addition to more productive. And if and when you fail, you’ll be OK. You'll know that you gave it your all, that you are capable of rising to the occasion, facing life's obstacles head-on, and moving on with strength and purpose.

---

Join the Secret Club for Creators Here

---