There’s a strong link between success and self-discipline.

The truth is, self-disciplined people don’t allow themselves to be derailed by trivial things; they know where to invest their time.

Now, I’m not saying they’re robots incapable of fun, but they do steer clear of time-wasters that don’t contribute to their goals.

In this piece, I’m going to share eight things self-disciplined people never waste their time on. So if you’re aiming for a more disciplined lifestyle, keep reading!

1) Mindless scrolling

We all know the allure of social media, the endless feed of updates, pictures, and news. It’s so easy to lose track of time while scrolling through our screens.

But here’s the thing: self-disciplined people don’t get caught in this trap. They understand that mindless scrolling doesn’t add value to their lives, nor does it contribute to their goals.

Now, I’m not saying they completely shun social media. But they use it judiciously, allocating specific time slots for it rather than allowing it to consume their entire day.

In essence, they prioritize their time wisely, focusing on activities that are productive and meaningful.

So if you’re striving for self-discipline, consider reducing your screen time. Trust me, it can make a massive difference in your productivity. But remember, it’s not about eliminating fun – it’s about mindful usage.

2) Procrastination

Self-disciplined people don’t allow procrastination to steal their time. They know that “later” often turns into “never”, so they act when they need to, not when they feel like it.

Let me share a personal example. Some years ago, I had a significant project looming over my head. It was a bit intimidating, and I kept telling myself, “I’ll start it tomorrow”. Before I knew it, the deadline was just a few days away and panic set in.

That’s when I realized the true cost of procrastination – stress, poor quality of work, and missed opportunities. So, I made a pact with myself – no more waiting for the perfect moment; instead, I would take immediate action.

And since then, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my productivity and quality of work. By eliminating procrastination from my life, I’ve managed to stay ahead of my tasks and reduce unnecessary stress.

So remember, the perfect time to start is now. Don’t let procrastination rob you of your time and potential.

3) Multitasking

Self-disciplined people don’t buy into the myth of multitasking. They understand that the human brain isn’t designed to perform multiple tasks simultaneously.

Research from Stanford University suggests that people who multitask do not pay attention, memorize, or manage tasks as well as those who focus on one task at a time. This means that multitasking, instead of boosting productivity, actually slows you down and reduces the quality of your work.

So, the next time you’re tempted to juggle multiple tasks at once, remember this: focus and productivity are best friends. Instead of dividing your energy among various tasks, channel it into one task at a time. You’ll not only get more work done but also do it better.

4) Negativity

Let’s be real, the world can often be a tough place, filled with challenges and disappointments. But here’s a secret of self-disciplined people: they don’t waste their time dwelling on negativity.

They understand that negative thoughts and attitudes can drain their energy and divert their focus away from their goals. So they consciously choose to stay positive and maintain an optimistic outlook.

But don’t get me wrong. It’s not about ignoring problems or pretending everything is perfect. It’s about facing challenges with a positive mindset, focusing on solutions rather than problems, and viewing obstacles as opportunities for growth.

Remember, a positive mind leads to positive outcomes. So choose positivity over negativity; it’s a much better use of your time.

5) Holding grudges

Self-disciplined people understand that holding onto anger and resentment is like clutching a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.

They know that holding grudges doesn’t hurt the other person as much as it hurts them. It saps their energy, clouds their judgment, and prevents them from moving forward.

So they make a conscious choice to forgive, not necessarily because the other person deserves forgiveness, but because they deserve peace.

Letting go of grudges can be a liberating experience. It allows you to focus on the present, not the past, and on the things you can control, not those you can’t.

So remember, life is too short to waste time nursing bitterness and resentment. Let it go and see how much lighter you feel.

6) Perfectionism

There was a time when I believed that perfectionism was my best friend. It pushed me to strive for the best, to leave no room for errors. But over time, I realized it was more of a foe than a friend.

Self-disciplined people understand that chasing perfection is like chasing a mirage. It can lead to endless stress, burnout, and ultimately, it can prevent you from taking action because you’re too afraid of making mistakes.

They focus on progress, not perfection. They embrace their mistakes as valuable lessons, not failures. And this mindset shift makes all the difference.

So, if you’re stuck in the trap of perfectionism, remember: it’s okay to strive for excellence, but don’t let the fear of imperfections stop you from taking action. Mistakes are stepping stones to success, not roadblocks.

7) Unproductive meetings

Self-disciplined people value their time immensely, and they can’t stand to waste it on unproductive meetings. They understand that just because a meeting can be scheduled doesn’t always mean it should be.

Before attending or scheduling a meeting, they always clarify the purpose and agenda. If these aren’t clear, they’re more than willing to question the need for the meeting.

They also strive to keep meetings concise and focused, avoiding unnecessary digressions that can eat up valuable time.

So, if you find yourself stuck in an endless cycle of unproductive meetings, it might be time to reassess. Remember, your time is precious. Don’t let pointless meetings gobble it up.

8) Living someone else’s life

Self-disciplined people don’t waste their precious time living someone else’s life. They understand that each person’s journey is unique, and comparing their path to someone else’s is not only fruitless but can also steal their joy and satisfaction.

They focus on their own goals, dreams, and aspirations, not those dictated by society, friends, or family. They live authentically, embracing who they are and what they want from life.

Remember, this is your life. Don’t waste it trying to fit into someone else’s mold. Embrace your individuality and live the life you want to live.

In essence: Time is precious

The concept of time and its efficient use is deeply intertwined with our life’s success and satisfaction.

It’s a non-renewable resource, once gone, it can never be reclaimed. Self-disciplined people understand this better than anyone else. They value their time and invest it wisely in activities that contribute to their growth, happiness, and fulfillment.

Ask yourself this: How am I investing my time? Am I using it to nourish my dreams and goals, or am I squandering it on things that don’t add any real value to my life?

Remember, time is your most valuable asset. How you choose to spend it defines who you are and what you become. So make each moment count. Let it be a stepping stone towards the person you aspire to be.

In the end, it’s not about having time; it’s about making time.