There’s a huge difference between being self-disciplined and just going through the motions.

The key difference? It’s all about habits. Self-discipline isn’t about forcing yourself to do something you don’t want to. Instead, it’s about creating habits that naturally align with your goals and values.

If you’re displaying certain behaviors, chances are you’re more self-disciplined than the average person. And what’s really exciting? You might not even realize you’re doing it.

So let’s dive in, shall we? Here are 8 behaviors that signal you’re more self-disciplined than most.

1) You’re consistent with your habits

When it comes to self-discipline, consistency is key.

It’s not about pulling an all-nighter to meet a deadline or doing a detox cleanse once a year. True self-discipline is about sticking to your routines and habits, day in and day out.

You might have a morning routine that sets the tone for the rest of your day. Maybe you always make your bed, or you never miss a workout. These habits might seem small, but they’re a testament to your self-discipline.

You see, consistency takes effort. It requires you to make the same choices over and over again, even when you don’t feel like it. And that, my friend, is the hallmark of someone who’s more self-disciplined than the average person.

So pat yourself on the back if this sounds like you. Because consistency? It’s not for the faint of heart.

2) You’re a master of delayed gratification

Now, this is something I’ve personally struggled with, but it’s a sure-fire sign of self-discipline.

Here’s the thing: Most of us live in a world that craves instant gratification. We want things now, not later. But being able to resist that urge? That’s where self-discipline shines.

Take me, for example. I love a good Netflix binge as much as the next person. But I’ve learned to delay that gratification. Instead of diving into the latest series right away, I make sure I’ve completed my work tasks for the day. Only then do I allow myself the luxury of watching a couple of episodes.

It’s a small change, but it makes a huge difference. It’s not about denying myself the things I enjoy; it’s about prioritizing my responsibilities. And that’s what self-discipline is all about.

3) You’re unfazed by failures

Here’s something intriguing: studies have shown that self-disciplined individuals are less likely to be deterred by failure. Instead, they see it as a stepping stone towards their goals.

Failure isn’t fun. Nobody likes to miss the mark or fall short. But if you’re someone who can dust yourself off and keep going after a setback, that’s a sign of serious self-discipline.

Instead of allowing failure to derail your plans, you see it as an opportunity for growth and learning. It’s a chance to reassess, adjust your strategy, and come back stronger.

This resilience in the face of failure is a hallmark of self-discipline. It shows that you’re committed to your goals, not just when things are easy, but also when they get tough.

4) You practice mindfulness

In the realm of self-discipline, mindfulness plays a crucial role. And it’s something that Buddhism has been advocating for thousands of years.

Mindfulness is about being fully present in the moment, aware of where we are and what we’re doing. It’s about not being overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.

In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve into how mindfulness helps us gain control over our reactions and emotions. It’s a powerful tool in cultivating self-discipline.

By practicing mindfulness, we can make more considered choices, rather than being swept away by immediate impulses or emotions. It allows us to respond rather than react, to choose our actions instead of being dictated by our circumstances.

So if you find yourself practicing mindfulness, whether it’s through meditation or just paying more attention to your actions and reactions in daily life, you’re displaying a high level of self-discipline.

5) You set boundaries and stick to them

Boundaries. We all know they’re important, but sticking to them can be tough. It’s something I’ve had to learn over time.

Early in my career, I found myself saying yes to everything. Extra projects, longer hours, last-minute requests—you name it. I thought I was proving my commitment and drive. But what I was really doing was undermining my own well-being and productivity.

Over time, I learned the importance of setting boundaries and sticking to them. No more late-night emails, no more working through weekends. It was difficult at first, but it made a huge difference in my stress levels and overall quality of life.

Setting and maintaining boundaries require self-discipline. It’s about respecting your own needs and making sure others do the same. If you’re able to do this, you’re showing impressive self-discipline.

6) You know when to break the rules

Now, this might seem counter-intuitive. Isn’t self-discipline all about following rules? Well, not always.

A truly self-disciplined person knows that sometimes, rules need to be bent, or even broken. It’s about understanding the spirit of the rule rather than just blindly following the letter of it.

Let’s say you’ve set a rule for yourself to avoid sweets. But one day, you’re at a birthday party and there’s cake. In this scenario, the self-disciplined choice might be to enjoy a slice and celebrate with your friends, rather than rigidly sticking to your rule.

Why? Because self-discipline isn’t about punishment or deprivation. It’s about making choices that align with your values and goals. And sometimes, that means knowing when to break your own rules.

7) You’re proactive, not reactive

Being proactive rather than reactive is a key indicator of self-discipline.

Proactivity is about taking control and making things happen rather than just adjusting to a situation or waiting for something to happen. It requires planning, foresight, and initiative.

If you’re someone who prepares for meetings in advance, plans your meals for the week, or schedules time for exercise, you’re displaying proactivity. These behaviors show that you’re not just reacting to events as they occur but taking control and shaping your own path.

This forward-thinking approach is a testament to your self-discipline. It shows that you’re willing to put in the work now to reap the benefits later.

8) You have clear goals and a plan to achieve them

This is perhaps the most significant indicator of self-discipline: having clear goals and a plan to achieve them.

Goals give you direction and purpose. They provide a benchmark for success and a roadmap for getting there. And having a plan? That’s your GPS, guiding you step by step toward your destination.

If you’re setting goals, breaking them down into manageable steps, and consistently working towards them, you’re displaying remarkable self-discipline. Because it’s not just about knowing where you want to go—it’s about taking the action needed to get there.

Final thoughts

When we delve deep into self-discipline, it becomes clear that it’s fundamentally about making choices.

Choices that align with your values and bring you closer to your goals. Choices that require consistency, resilience, mindfulness, and sometimes even bending the rules.

This journey of self-discipline is about recognizing your power to choose and exercising it wisely. It’s about acknowledging that every moment presents an opportunity to move closer to the person you aspire to be.

In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I discuss how the principles of Buddhism can provide invaluable insights into harnessing this power of choice.

The path of self-discipline isn’t always easy, but it’s rewarding. It may be paved with sacrifices and hard decisions, but it also leads to growth, fulfillment, and a sense of control over your own life.