Lazy people who become highly disciplined often practice these 8 simple habits

There’s a thin line between being lazy and being highly disciplined, and it often comes down to habits.

You see, lazy people aren’t fundamentally different from disciplined ones; they just have different habits.

But what if I told you that even the laziest people could become highly disciplined by adopting a few simple practices?

Yes, it’s true. I’ve found that those who transition from lethargy to diligence often share eight common habits.

Let’s delve into these simple yet transformative practices that can help you jump from the couch to a life of discipline and productivity.

1) Start small

Making a leap from laziness to discipline isn’t about overnight transformation. It’s about taking small, consistent steps.

Disciplined people didn’t just wake up one day with their habits fully formed. They started with small actions that slowly but surely built up over time.

It’s easy to underestimate the power of small actions. We often think that to make a big change, we need to take big actions. But that’s not true.

Small actions are manageable. They don’t overwhelm us or make us feel like we’re climbing a mountain. And that’s why they work.

When you start small, you’re more likely to stick with it. You’re more likely to turn that action into a habit. And once it’s a habit, it’s part of who you are.

2) Create a routine

I can’t stress enough how important routine is in shifting from laziness to discipline.

I used to be the kind of person who would hit the snooze button multiple times before reluctantly dragging myself out of bed in the morning. My day would then continue in a similar vein, with no structure and no clear plan.

But then I decided to implement a morning routine. I started waking up at the same time every day, followed by a few minutes of stretching, a healthy breakfast and some quiet time for myself before diving into work.

And it made a world of difference.

With a set routine, I found that I was more productive, less stressed and, surprisingly, had more free time. The structure gave me a sense of control over my day and allowed me to focus on what was important.

Routines create predictability. They turn daunting tasks into manageable chunks. And the beauty of routines is that they can be tailored to fit your lifestyle.

3) Embrace the power of delay

When we think of discipline, we often think of it as denying ourselves something. But it’s more about learning to delay gratification.

A study by Stanford University, known as the Marshmallow Test, found that children who were able to delay gratification were more likely to be successful later in life. They had better SAT scores, lower levels of substance abuse, and better social skills.

The test involved offering children a choice between one marshmallow immediately or two if they could wait 15 minutes. Those who waited for the second marshmallow were showing their ability to delay gratification.

So how does this apply to laziness and discipline? Well, if you’re feeling lazy and want to watch TV instead of going for a run, remind yourself that the satisfaction from finishing the run will be greater than the immediate pleasure of watching TV.

Learning to delay gratification can be a powerful tool in your journey from laziness to discipline. It’s about understanding that the best things in life often require time and effort but are worth waiting for.

4) Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness is a core concept in Buddhism, and it’s a powerful tool in becoming more disciplined.

Mindfulness is about being present, fully engaged with whatever we’re doing at the moment. It’s about paying attention to our thoughts and feelings without judging them—without believing there’s a “right” or “wrong” way to think or feel in a given moment.

But how can mindfulness help combat laziness? By making us more aware of our actions and decisions. Mindfulness helps us recognize when we’re falling into lazy habits and gives us the power to choose a more disciplined response.

In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve deeper into the principles of mindfulness and how they can be applied to everyday life. I share practical ways to cultivate mindfulness that can transform not only your level of discipline but also your relationships, work, and overall happiness.

If you’re keen on transitioning from lazy to disciplined, consider giving mindfulness a try. It’s a simple practice with profound effects. And remember, Buddhism teaches us that every moment is an opportunity for a fresh start – so you can begin right now.

5) Set clear goals

There was a time in my life when I felt stuck. I was in a job I didn’t enjoy, and I had no clear direction or purpose. It was easy to fall into laziness because, honestly, I didn’t see the point in putting in effort when I didn’t know where I was heading.

That changed when I started setting clear goals.

Having a goal gave me a sense of direction. It gave me something to strive for. And most importantly, it gave me motivation to escape the trap of laziness.

Setting a goal isn’t just about deciding you want something. It’s about defining what you want, why you want it, and what you’re willing to do to achieve it.

Goals give us a roadmap for our actions. They make the path from where we are now to where we want to be clear and achievable. And they make it easier to stay disciplined because we know every step we take is bringing us closer to something we truly want.

6) Allow yourself to be lazy

Yes, you read that right. One of the habits practiced by people who become highly disciplined is actually allowing themselves to be lazy. But it’s all about balance.

Contrary to popular belief, discipline isn’t about pushing yourself relentlessly. It’s about understanding when to push and when to rest. Trying to be “on” all the time only leads to burnout and, ultimately, more laziness.

Disciplined people understand the importance of rest and relaxation. They know that taking time for leisure isn’t laziness; it’s a crucial part of maintaining their overall productivity and motivation.

They designate specific times for relaxation and enjoyment. They might have a lazy Sunday afternoon or dedicate an hour each evening to unwind with a good book or favorite TV show.

The key is they plan this downtime. It’s not procrastination; it’s a part of their schedule. It’s a reward for their discipline.

7) Surround yourself with motivated people

You’ve probably heard the saying, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” There’s a lot of truth to this.

Our environment plays a significant role in shaping who we are, including our level of discipline. If we’re surrounded by lazy individuals, it’s easy to fall into the same habits.

On the other hand, if we surround ourselves with motivated, disciplined individuals, their attitudes and habits can rub off on us. We begin to adopt their mindset and behaviors, and over time, we become more disciplined ourselves.

Disciplined people understand the power of influence. They seek out those who inspire them, who push them to be better and who don’t accept laziness as the norm.

8) Consistency is key

Ultimately, the most crucial aspect of transitioning from laziness to discipline is consistency.

Discipline isn’t something that’s achieved overnight. It’s a result of repeated actions, taken day after day, regardless of how you feel in the moment. It’s about showing up, even when you don’t want to.

There will be days when you don’t feel like sticking to your routine or working towards your goals. There will be times when the couch feels far more appealing than the gym. But it’s what you do in these moments that really counts.

Discipline is about choosing what’s best for your future self over what’s easy in the present. It’s about choosing long-term satisfaction over instant gratification.

Transforming from the inside out

The journey from laziness to discipline isn’t merely about changing what you do. It’s about changing who you are on the inside.

It’s about realizing that you have the power to shape your life and your habits, regardless of where you’re starting from. It’s about understanding that even though you might feel lazy now, it doesn’t mean you’re destined to stay that way forever.

And just as introspective activities may trigger a sense of fulfillment and happiness due to certain biochemical reactions, the disciplined actions we choose can also ignite a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction deep within us.

In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve deeper into how we can tap into our inner self to bring about lasting change. The principles of mindfulness and self-awareness can serve as powerful tools in our journey from laziness to discipline.

Remember, it’s not about being perfect or doing everything right all the time. It’s about making progress, little by little, day by day. It’s about choosing discipline over laziness, not just once, but every single day.

So take a moment to reflect. What small step can you take today towards becoming more disciplined? What habit can you start cultivating? Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. And every step you take is a step away from laziness and a step towards discipline.