Discipline = Freedom
Discipline is a rare attribute for the average modern human. Yet, since the stoics time we’ve known that discipline gives us the long-term benefits. This benefit to me, is called Freedom.
Once upon a time, in a green valley nestled between two mountains, there flowed a crystal-clear stream. This stream had been dancing its way through the valley for centuries, bringing life to the surrounding flora and fauna.
But as the years passed, the stream noticed a peculiar change in its once vibrant and carefree flow. It began to feel confined by the steep river banks that directed its path. The once joyful twists and turns were now limited, leaving the stream feeling restrained and unfulfilled. The stream longed to embrace the freedom to meander and roam, just as I once did.
Seeking advice, the stream asked an old willow for guidance.
The willow replied: “Dear stream, freedom, and discipline are two sides of the same coin. You see, discipline is not about suppressing your natural essence but channeling your energy in a purposeful direction. The riverbanks that guide your flow are like the discipline that gives you direction and focus. Without discipline, you risk dispersing your energy aimlessly, losing the power that lies within you.”
After the willow spoke, the stream realized that discipline was not the enemy of freedom but its guiding companion.
With discipline, the stream was able to navigate around obstacles and carry life-sustaining water to all corners of the valley. It carved beautiful curves and cascades that added a mesmerizing charm to its dance.
Discipline and freedom are not opposing forces. Instead, they are each necessary for the other’s existence.
By harmonizing discipline and freedom in our lives, we can discover our true potential and embrace the art of living with purpose and joy.
Many of us crave the benefits of freedom: freedom to choose what to work on, freedom to choose with whom to spend time, and freedom to decide where to live. But often, we lack the discipline to pursue these benefits over the long run. We confuse the goal with the process and, disillusioned, we give up.
Discipline is the required process for a person to achieve greatness, to accumulate the tiny gains that compound over time.
Showing up and making the daily effort that seems to make no difference is precisely what takes us to new running pace records, winning a chess match against a rival that seemed unbeatable, or doing a complete workout with a weight that we never thought possible.
The Courage to Be Disliked
Bruce Lee, the martial art master, was not content with adhering to traditional Martial Arts styles alone. He believed in the importance of adapting and integrating various techniques from different martial arts forms, at a time when others stayed confined under one specific school or technique.
This pursuit of freedom in his martial arts expression led him to develop his philosophy of “Jeet Kune Do” or “The Way of the Intercepting Fist.” This new approach was not just a fighting style; it was a way of life that embodied the idea of freedom through self-expression. Lee encouraged his students to be open-minded, to learn from different sources, and to embrace their individuality. He famously said, “Be like water, my friend,” highlighting the importance of adapting to any situation fluidly, just as water adjusts to the riverbanks and rocks in its path.
I’ve discovered recently that in order to gain the freedom to explore and create your own unique path in any endeavor, you’ll have to develop the courage to be disliked.
Developing the discipline to create your own way, you’ll have to say “No” many times, and this will disappoint some people. If you work out first thing in the morning, you’ll have to say no to the guy that wants you to drink a lot and stay until 4 am, or decide to go to the party, have a good time, and leave early. You’ll face resistance from people who won’t support your discipline.
Your disciplined behavior will also act as a mirror for others: they will see in you the strength that they wish they had. I’ve found that a minority will ask for advice and see you as a role model, someone who inspires them. But for the majority, you will be a source of frustration, and they will attack you or drag you to stay until late in the party so you are like them.
The tradeoff few are willing to do
Last year, I read the book The Happy Body by Olympic weightlifting champion Jerzy Gregorek. One of my takeaways from this book is the tradeoff we need to make if we want to achieve long-term benefits (aka freedom and fewer problems):
This quote had profound implications for me. Since I was a kid, I prioritized decision-making by following this quote. Here are some examples:
- Working out 3–4 times per week → staying healthy for more days → Fewer visits to the doctor → more free time
- Studying and practicing your craft → avoiding repeating exams → more free time
- When increasing income → resisting the urge to increase spending → accumulate & invest profit → achieve financial freedom
- Flossing your teeth daily → avoiding cavities → Fewer visits to the dentist → more free time
- Acquiring weight management habits → maintaining ideal body composition (BMI) → fewer sick days → fewer visits to the doctor → more free time
- Acquiring sleep hygiene habits → Enhancing immunity → Fewer sick days → Fewer visits to the doctor → more free time
I’m trying to embrace this principle “Be like water”. To create my path (discipline), and channel my energy in a purposeful direction (freedom).
This article is part of a series
This is part of a series of articles about building a “Continuous Improvement System”: a dedication to making small changes and improvements every day, with the expectation that those small improvements will add up to something significant.
Thanks Iñaki Escudero for the contributions to this article!
