At some point, we started seeing discipline as a bad thing. Maybe it’s because we’ve given control to the wrong things in our lives and been burned, or perhaps people in positions of power have mistreated us in the name of discipline. Or maybe, truly practicing self-discipline means we don’t get to indulge in every fleeting feeling or whim that crosses our minds. And as humans, we want what we want when we want it—instant gratification.
For whatever reason, we’ve turned discipline into a dirty word. And I get it. When it comes to dieting, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking discipline means strictly following the rules without deviation. Something about that feels good—like success. The diet says you can only eat 1,000 calories a day, so you count exactly 1,000 calories each and every day. The diet says no added sugar for 31 days? You comply without question. The diet tells you to eat only vegetables and grilled chicken indefinitely, and you commit. It says to work out two hours a day fasted? No problem. You do all of this with good intentions, hoping the results will be worth it.
And by definition, that is discipline. An external form of discipline, which can be useful at times—it teaches boundaries, provides a framework, and offers guidance. But ultimately, you’re obeying the rules of the diet, giving it control over your choices. And that works—until it doesn’t. Until it’s no longer sustainable. Until you start ignoring the cues your body is giving you—hunger, exhaustion, the very real signs that you are not, in fact, thriving.
We’re willing to starve ourselves, drink only celery juice for four days (and suffer the very real risk of pooping our pants), and eliminate major food groups if someone promises it will fix our problems.
But are we also willing to quiet our minds, look within, and figure out why we’re having symptoms in the first place? Are we willing to slow down, stop doom-scrolling, turn off the news, and prioritize sleep? Are we willing to move our bodies daily, work out, lift weights, eat enough, meal prep, and actually learn how our bodies function? Are we willing to breathe, meditate, have hard conversations, address emotional wounds, and regulate our nervous systems? Are we willing to do the real work—the kind that leads to actual healing and real, lasting results?
That’s called self-discipline. The difference? No one is forcing you to do it. You’re doing it because you want to. Because you know it’s the right thing to do, and you see and feel the value in it. Because making those choices now will benefit you later. You’re doing it because you choose to be the best version of yourself.
Real discipline is about listening to your body and giving it what it truly needs, which requires tuning into something deeper within yourself. It means being honest, holding yourself accountable, and denying instant gratification when it doesn’t serve you in the long-term. It means educating yourself about how your body works and what it needs to function at its best. It means digging deeper into the root cause of your health issues instead of settling for temporary fixes. And most of all, it means committing to the small, daily habits that create a sustainable lifestyle—one that supports your metabolism, calms your nervous system, and makes you feel good.
Discipline isn’t restriction. It’s freedom.
You’re free to choose what is truly right for your body and your life, knowing that every choice creates a result. And because you know the results you want, you also know what you need to do to get there.
Sometimes discipline is eating more. Sometimes it’s eating less.
Sometimes discipline is resting. Sometimes it’s exercising even when you don’t feel like it.
Sometimes discipline is going to bed early. Sometimes it’s sleeping in.
Sometimes discipline is eating the cookies. Sometimes it’s skipping the sweets.
Only you know what’s right for you.
No one diet can tell you exactly what you need. And don’t get me wrong—it’s important to understand how your body works and what it needs to thrive. That’s literally what I do for a living, and it’s why I created Mind Your Metabolism—to help guide people back to themselves. To help them reconnect with their bodies, understand their innate wisdom, and learn how to build sustainable habits in all the areas that truly matter—mindset, movement, nutrition, sleep, and stress management.
It’s time to stop searching for quick fixes and start doing the work to create the life and health you truly want.
Give Mind Your Metabolism a try, or apply to work with me 1:1. I’d love to help you!