Discipline

I am probably not very far off from the truth when I say: every conscious action is aimed at achieving something. We do things for a reason - big things and small. Especially small, because big things can't be achieved without the small ones that make them. Every activity is a process. Following processes leads to achievements, completions of tasks, projects. And in so doing, we value efficiency. We like things hassle-free, straight to 'done', if possible. In reality, it hardly ever goes that way. On the contrary - it takes time and effort to get things done. However, how much time and effort it takes depends greatly on our approach to the process. Discipline can become our key ally and hassle killer in our path to process optimisation.

BAU discipline

This particularly applies to routine tasks, also referred to as business-as-usual (BAU). It's the stuff of our daily life, processes that happen and, if everything runs smoothly, we shouldn't even notice them. For many people, a prime example would be the daily routine. Wake up similar time each day - get ready for work (make yourself presentable/coffee/breakfast) - maybe squeeze in a school run (don't be late) - get to work (don't be late). It's probably reasonable to assume that no one wants to think too much about this, yet, for many people, getting to work on time is a nearly impossible task. Waking up on time is a challenge for many (what does 'on time' mean, someone may ask). Chaos is always there, lurking, itching to pour in and throw the BAU upside down, causing inefficiencies, stress and wasted time. That's where discipline comes to the rescue.

Discipline is a talent for few, but a skill for most - which means, it can be learned. To be disciplined in the context of the daily BAU means: to acknowledge the extent of the process and all its tasks, to honestly evaluate how easy or difficult these tasks are for us and then to devise a realistic plan of completing those tasks. Realistic means: accommodating our weaknesses, allowing extra time for completion of the most challenging tasks. If I'm always late to work, this probably means I'm not allowing myself enough time to complete the process, or I'm not realising the full extent of it. I may be spending too much time in the shower. I may be getting up too late. I may be 'just checking' the news when I should be getting dressed. An honest review is a first step to improvement. Adjusting the routine may come with initial struggles but if it means improving the overall process, it's worth persevering.

Discipline is perseverance. Discipline is learning to overcome weaknesses, keeping the end goal in view. And don't get me wrong: it takes real strength of character to not only figure out what's not working but to rectify and maintain a better habit. Becoming disciplined is building that strength. Believe me, not allowing myself to pick up my phone to check my bank balance first thing after shower (serious! and weird, I know) is a daily struggle - but I'm getting better at it. That's how it works.

Make life easier

In the review of the BAU process, it's also worth evaluating if we could make our lives easier by improving our environment. In preparation for the morning routine, can we set things up in advance? In the evening, choose your next day's outfit. Make lunch and stick it in the fridge. Maybe grind coffee and get the mug ready. Clean and tidy the kitchen so everything is where it should be, when you need it. It takes discipline to become proficient in these small improvements, but if they can save time, they are worth it. 

One may argue that to save time in the morning, we need to have that time spare in the evening - and that's not always the case. At least, not without yet another process review. To free up 10 minutes in the evening, we may need to look at our habits during the day. What we do, how long it takes, whether all of it needs doing, whether a change here and there could trigger that ripple that would, ultimately, give us extra time later.

Cleanliness and spatial organisation are extremely helpful, too. Firstly, having to tidy on demand is typically an unexpected twist in the process, which will cost you time. Not being able to find things costs time. Not to mention that a clean environment promotes mental wellbeing (brain likes things tidy). It takes effort to never lower the guard and always, relentlessly, clean as you go. But with discipline, it can become second nature and, trust me, life is so much easier when you don't need to worry about the mess.

Slack or consequences

Probably the hardest part is not allowing slack. It's the trade-off between 5 more minutes of snooze and stress later in the morning. As we are no robots, we have to allow slack sometimes, but with it must come the realisation of consequences. If tomorrow morning I just can't bear opening my eyes on time, I may decide to ignore my routine and get up late. As a result (ripple effect), I'll have to skip some steps of the process in the endeavour to still make it on time, and not grumble if I don't succeed. Then it's back to getting up on time otherwise slack will win and chaos will thrive.

Putting things off is another illusion of extra time that we commonly treat ourselves to, only to find out that things can't be achieved as planned. Unpleasant but necessary steps in the process have to be completed, to unlock progress. For me, it's typically a phone call that I'd rather not make. I end up stalling progress in the affairs of my household, like complaints with utility suppliers or getting quotes for repairs, because 'I just don't want to speak to people'. In the end, I always force myself to dial that number, otherwise facing unnecessary delays and lack of achievement. Discipline helps me overcome my weakness, even if it's not nice.

Delayed gratification

Mastering the art of discipline and acknowledgement of consequences uncovers the concept of delayed gratification, which I first came across years ago, reading M. Scott Peck's The Road Less Travelled. It's the ability to forgo immediate, small gains (5 minutes longer snooze) to achieve a larger, longer lasting benefit in the future (better control of daily life or improved work performance, or improved professional image, being just a few examples). It's sometimes putting up with things we don't like (phone conversations) to unlock a better, long-term outcome. It's the 'I'll do it now' instead of 'I'll do it later', because The Bigger Picture is my North Star.

Seeing the bigger picture invariably helps differentiate between a short-term relief and a long-term benefit - and it's the long-term benefits that are sustainable and enduring. This applies to every aspect of human lives, personal or professional, where process is concerned. There really is no difference between deploying discipline in the morning routine and in project management, manufacturing, strategic planning or scientific research. Anything that is process (has tasks/aims at an achievement) may have flaws and may benefit from honest review and targeted improvements. It takes discipline to plan, implement and maintain them, for the sake of better quality and efficiency of all things. Embracing discipline is a worthy investment.