Keep exploring at https://brilliant.org/freedominthought. Get started for free, and hurry—the first 200 people get 20% off an annual premium subscription.

WISDOM WEDNESDAY. Every week, you’ll get five powerful quotes from timeless thinkers (combined with some original insight): https://freedominthought.com/newsletter

ABOUT THE VIDEO
_
In this video, I talk about self-discipline.

There's a widely-held belief that self-discipline means being able to do something when you don't actually want to do it. People who believe this think that self-discipline means going to the gym, reading books, or eating chicken and broccoli when you don't actually want to. For them, self-discipline means ignoring your authentic-self in favour of your ideal-self. But this view of self-discipline is completely deluded.

Forcing yourself to do things you don't want to do is not self-discipline. It's slavery, and every slave eventually becomes resentful, revengeful, and regretful. Sacrificing your authenticity for society’s ideal will make you miserable, not happy. And no matter how long you force it, you will always eventually fail in the long-run. And that’s a good thing too, because who wants to live their whole life as a slave?

If you force yourself to do things you don't want to do, if you follow society's ideal, your ideal-self will repress your authentic-self. You will become a slave in your own body, and your body will take its revenge.

But if you become a disciple of yourself, if you understand your own genuine feelings, desires, and nature, if you discover your own ideal, your ideal-self will work harmoniously with your authentic-self to promote growth.

So here’s the secret to self-discipline. Self-discipline is not about forcing yourself to meet society's ideal, but rather becoming a student of yourself. It's about discovering your own ideal and allowing your authentic-self to flourish.

OUR COURSES
_
Coming soon. Sign up to my newsletter to be notified when they release.

OUR MERCH
_
Coming soon. Sign up to my newsletter to be notified when they release.

OUR BOOKS
_
Follow No One comes out December 2022. Sign up to my newsletter to receive an e-mail when it comes out and read exclusive essays from the book: https://bit.ly/3mu7VGM

OUR FAVOURITE TOOLS
_
Shortform. The best non-fiction book summaries (unlimited access for 5 days and 20% off an annual subscription when you use my link): https://bit.ly/3bmSXwy

Adobe. The software I use to make my videos:

Epidemic Sound. Where I get my music: https://bit.ly/3FrStmh

RELATED VIDEOS
_
Practical Philosophy Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5faAYlGYYoF7rgKH4oo_B81n4wE1n2xP

CONNECT WITH US
_
Instagram: http://instagram.com/freedomintht
Twitter: http://twitter.com/freedomintht

CONNECT WITH ME
_
Instagram: https://instagram.com/justintht
Twitter: https://twitter.com/justintht
Personal Youtube: https://bit.ly/32rJ9QB

PODCAST
_
Freedom in Thought Podcast: https://bit.ly/3mS76YT

FURTHER READING
_
The Myth of Normal by Dr. Gabor Mate

NOTES
_
(1) Videos are just my opinion, for entertainment and informational purposes. Just some things to think about—not advice.

(2) Some of the links in the description are affiliate links which I get a kickback from—at no extra cost to you.