The Best Books on Discipline: Must-Reads for Personal Growth
Have you ever set a goal to exercise regularly, only to find your gym shoes gathering dust after a few weeks? Or perhaps you’ve planned to start a new project, but procrastination keeps getting the better of you.
These scenarios are all too familiar for most of us with a common challenge: the struggle with self-discipline. How does one go from wishful thinking to actual doing?
This is where the power of learning comes into play. The right resources can provide not just insights but also actionable strategies to enhance self-discipline.
At Blinkist, we understand the importance of this journey and have curated a list of the best books on discipline. This book collection is your gateway to mastering self-control and achieving your goals.
Explore how each of these books can be a stepping stone to a more disciplined and fulfilling life.
Blinkist’s Collection of the 12 Best Books on Discipline
Whether you prefer reading or listening, each summary of these discipline books is crafted to deliver the core messages in just about 15 minutes.
That what makes this collection perfect for those on-the-go, looking to infuse their daily routine with powerful, actionable knowledge. Explore these impactful books and start transforming your life, one summary at a time.
1. No Excuses! by Brian Tracy
Brian Tracy’s No Excuses! is a compelling exploration of how self-discipline can revolutionize every aspect of life.
Tracy, with his actionable advice, guides readers through the journey of developing unshakable self-discipline. He emphasizes that discipline is not just about work and productivity but also plays a crucial role in personal relationships and overall happiness.
The book is filled with practical exercises that challenge readers to take control of their lives by eliminating excuses and embracing a disciplined mindset. And to dive deeper into Brian Tracy’s transformative approach and discover how you can eliminate excuses from your life, explore the book summary on Blinkist.
No Excuses!
- 17 min reading time
- audio version available
2. Discipline Equals Freedom by Jocko Willink
In Discipline Equals Freedom, Jocko Willink, a former Navy SEAL, shares his stark, powerful philosophy that discipline is the pathway to true freedom. This field manual is not just for the military-minded, but for anyone looking to impose order on chaos.
This book on discipline is a call to action, challenging you to rise above your limitations and seize control of your life. Discover now how discipline can lead to freedom with our Blinkist book summary.
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3. Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg
BJ Fogg’s Tiny Habits offers a refreshing perspective on behavior change. Contrary to the daunting task of massive overnight changes, Fogg suggests that the key to lasting change lies in the small, achievable habits we can incorporate into our daily lives.
With a blend of research and personal anecdotes, Fogg demonstrates how these tiny habits can lead to significant transformations over time.
This discipline book is a roadmap for anyone looking to make sustainable changes in their life without feeling overwhelmed.
Tiny Habits
- 22 min reading time
- audio version available
4. Atomic Habits by James Clear
Atomic Habits is a game-changer in the field of habit formation and behavior change. Clear presents an easy and proven framework for building good habits and breaking bad ones.
The book combines scientific research with practical advice, making habit formation accessible and achievable for everyone. And to explore how small habits can lead to significant life changes, check out Atomic Habits on Blinkist.
You can find out how tiny habits can make big changes in your life by checking out Atomic Habits on Blinkist. Additionally, for a deeper understanding of its impact, don’t miss the insightful article Self-Test: How I Used ‘Atomic Habits’ for a Productive New Year.
Atomic Habits
- 25 min reading time
- audio version available
5. The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson
In The Slight Edge, Jeff Olson offers a unique perspective on achieving success and happiness. The book revolves around the concept that small, everyday decisions can accumulate into major successes over time.
Olson encourages readers to apply simple disciplines consistently, which can lead to significant improvements in life.
His approach demystifies the journey towards success, making it attainable through consistent, incremental efforts. Discover how to turn simple disciplines into massive success with The Slight Edge on Blinkist.
The Slight Edge
- 20 min reading time
- audio version available
6. The Practicing Mind by Thomas M. Sterner
Sterner advocates for a present-minded approach to life’s challenges, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the process of learning and growth. This discipline book is a guide to cultivating patience, mindfulness, and the discipline needed to achieve personal and professional goals.
The Practicing Mind
- 10 min reading time
- audio version available
7. The Now Habit by Neil Fiore
The Now Habit tackles the universal issue of procrastination. Fiore presents a strategic program that helps readers understand the reasons behind procrastination and offers practical solutions for overcoming it.
The book emphasizes the importance of guilt-free play and rest, showing how a balanced approach can lead to more productivity and satisfaction. Overcome procrastination and enjoy guilt-free play by exploring The Now Habit on Blinkist.
The Now Habit
- 20 min reading time
- audio version available
8. Willpower by Roy F. Baumeister and John Tierney
This book is filled with fascinating research and anecdotes that illustrate the crucial role of willpower in our lives. Baumeister and Tierney offer practical advice on managing stress, making decisions, and setting up environments that enhance rather than deplete willpower.
To uncover why self-control is the secret to success and how to enhance your willpower, read more about it on Blinkist.
Willpower
- 19 min reading time
- audio version available
9. The Marshmallow Test by Walter Mischel
In The Marshmallow Test, psychologist Walter Mischel presents his groundbreaking research on self-control and delayed gratification. The book explores the long-term benefits of self-control and how it can be developed, starting from childhood.
Mischel provides insights into the mechanisms of self-control and offers strategies for improving this crucial skill, which can impact various aspects of life, including personal relationships, professional success, and overall well-being. Learn about mastering self-control and its impact on your life with The Marshmallow Test on Blinkist.
The Marshmallow Test
- 17 min reading time
- audio version available
10. The Willpower Instinct by Kelly McGonigal
Kelly McGonigal’s The Willpower Instinct examines the science behind self-control and how it can be harnessed to improve our lives. This book on discipline blends cutting-edge research with practical strategies, offering readers a guide to understanding and increasing their willpower.
McGonigal shows how willpower works, why it matters, and provides actionable advice for overcoming common pitfalls that deplete our self-control.
The Willpower Instinct
- 23 min reading time
- audio version available
11. Carrots and Sticks by Ian Ayres
Carrots and Sticks unlocks the power of incentives in shaping behavior. Ayres explores how the right mix of rewards and penalties can motivate us to achieve our goals and change our habits.
The book provides a fascinating look at how incentives can be used effectively in personal life, business, and policymaking, offering a unique perspective on behavior change.
Carrots and Sticks
- 16 min reading time
- audio version available
12. Get It Done by Ayelet Fishbach
This bestseller about discipline explores what drives us to achieve our goals and how to harness this motivation effectively. Fishbach combines psychological insights with practical advice, making this book a valuable resource for anyone looking to understand and improve their motivational skills.
Learn the science of motivation and how to apply it in your life with Get It Done on Blinkist.
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The Role of Positive Thinking in Becoming More Disciplined
To complement the strategies, you’ll discover in our collection of books on discipline, it’s also crucial to learn how to manage and clear your mind of such negativity. This Blinkist article, 7 Tips to Help You Clear Your Mind of Negativity, provides valuable guidance on how to find peace and maintain a positive mindset.
This skill can come in handy when you’re trying to cultivate self-discipline and need to overcome the negative self-talk that often accompanies new challenges.
And as we’ve explored in our collection of the best books on discipline, cultivating this skill can be challenging amidst life’s many distractions and demands. This is where the power of learning comes into play.
By turning to the right resources, we can gain not only insights but also actionable strategies to enhance our self-discipline.
At Blinkist, we’re committed to being your companion on this transformative journey. With over 6,500 titles spanning a diverse range of topics and genres, our library is the place to go for anyone seeking personal and professional growth.
And we’re excited to extend a warm welcome to you with a 7-day free trial!
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Meet Chris, an accomplished bilingual copywriter who excels at simplifying complex topics and making them a feast for your brain. When he’s not crafting copy in German or English, you’ll find him chasing his dream of a barefoot life on the beach with stacks of exciting books.
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