Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Listen to the Intro
Discipline Is Destiny summary
The Power of Self-Control
18 mins
Brief summary
'Discipline Is Destiny' by Ryan Holiday is a guidebook for cultivating discipline and self-mastery. It explores the lives and practices of legendary figures throughout history to make the case that self-control is essential for success in every area of life.
Table of Contents
Discipline Is Destiny
Summary of 4 key ideas
Audio & text in the Blinkist app
Key idea 1 of 4
Self-discipline doesn’t deprive you – it grants you freedom.
Tired of your surroundings? Hop on a plane. Dissatisfied at work? Change jobs. Crave pizza? Order it. Have an opinion? Share it. In much of today’s world, people can do and access almost anything they want at the snap of a finger. And yet, with all this freedom, so many of us are so unhappy. What are we doing wrong?
President Eisenhower famously said that freedom is the “opportunity for self-discipline.” And this is the key. Unless we have temperance, or the virtue of self-discipline, all of these things that supposedly liberate us – technology, privilege, success – will only leave us spiraling without direction or purpose. In other words, access without self-restraint leads to imbalance and dysfunction.
Let’s dive in a little deeper. We all have a lower and higher self – those inner voices constantly vying for our attention. It’s Hercules’s choice between vice and virtue. The side that gives up versus the side that tries. The part that clings to excess and chaos versus the part that seeks balance.
Self-discipline is the ability to keep your lower self in check and strengthen your higher self. It involves working hard, practicing good habits, enduring challenges, setting boundaries, and turning a blind eye to temptations. In short, it’s about living a life guided by principles, moderation, and determination.
You might be thinking, Hell, no. Not for me. Self-discipline? More like self-deprivation! Maybe you celebrate or even envy people who take the easy path. You might think they’re having more fun or getting ahead faster. But look more closely, and you’ll realize that all that glitters isn’t gold. Take greed, for instance. It means you’re always on the prowl for more – and so never really enjoy everything you currently have. And not realizing your full potential? That’s a state which breeds pain, misery, and self-loathing.
Self-discipline isn’t about depriving yourself – in fact, it’s the opposite. It’s about using control to open up a world of opportunity.
Let’s return to Eisenhower for a moment. When he was young, he learned a Bible verse that echoed a lesson taught by the Stoic philosopher Seneca: “Most powerful is he who has himself in his own power.” Eisenhower carried this lesson throughout a long, unglamorous military career, all the way into his appointment to Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in World War II – and then into his role as the 34th US president. His enormous success didn’t result from force; instead, he was powerful in his restraint and ability to persuade, compromise, and practice patience.
It’s true that it takes courage to cultivate self-discipline. But embracing this lifestyle will likely make you more successful. And, more importantly, it’ll make you great – no matter what happens.
In the next sections, we’ll explore exactly how to manifest self-discipline physically, mentally, and spiritually. First up? The body.
Want to see all full key ideas from Discipline Is Destiny?
Key ideas in Discipline Is Destiny
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Discipline Is Destiny about?
Discipline Is Destiny (2022) draws on Stoic virtues to make a case for a life guided by self-discipline. It shows how being in control of your body, thoughts, and emotions is a prerequisite to mastering anything else – and uses historical figures to illustrate how things like sleep, discomfort, and kindness tie into greatness.
Discipline Is Destiny Review
Discipline Is Destiny (2022) by Ryan Holiday is a thought-provoking exploration of the profound impact discipline can have on our lives. Here's why this book is definitely worth a read:
- Through insightful stories and examples, it reveals how discipline is the key to achieving our goals and finding fulfillment in our daily lives.
- It offers practical strategies for cultivating discipline and building lasting habits, empowering readers to take control of their actions and outcomes.
- With its engaging and relatable tone, the book makes the topic of discipline accessible and compelling, ensuring readers stay captivated from start to finish.
Who should read Discipline Is Destiny?
- Frazzled folks looking for more structure in their lives
- Go-getters who want to optimize their time and energy
- Anyone seeking actionable steps to improve their happiness and well-being
Categories with Discipline Is Destiny
Book summaries like Discipline Is Destiny
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
34 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Discipline Is Destiny FAQs
What is the main message of Discipline Is Destiny?
The main message of Discipline Is Destiny is that discipline is the key to success and fulfillment.
How long does it take to read Discipline Is Destiny?
The reading time for Discipline Is Destiny varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Discipline Is Destiny a good book? Is it worth reading?
Discipline Is Destiny is a worthwhile read for anyone looking to understand the power of discipline. It provides valuable insights and practical strategies for success.
Who is the author of Discipline Is Destiny?
The author of Discipline Is Destiny is Ryan Holiday.
What to read after Discipline Is Destiny?
If you're wondering what to read next after Discipline Is Destiny, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Courage is Calling by Ryan Holiday
- The Anatomy of Anxiety by Ellen Vora
- The Meaning of Life by Terry Eagleton
- The Horse by Timothy C. Winegard
- Stop Self-Sabotage by Dr. Judy Ho
- 'Til Stress Do Us Part by Elizabeth Earnshaw
- Extremely Hardcore by Zoë Schiffer
- Make Your Mark by Jocelyn K. Glei
- I Hate Job Interviews by Sam Owens
- Hope Is Not a Strategy by Rick Page