CA(SA) - The Discipline Myth: Why Willpower Alone Will Drain You

Discipline. A word that, for many, carries a weight of exhaustion. Maybe it’s childhood conditioning, maybe it’s the corporate grind—but for me, hearing it drains my energy.

And yet, I’m not undisciplined, far from it. I have an immense capacity for willpower. The problem? It depletes me. For years, I fought to be “disciplined” and ended up burning through an insane amount of energy just trying to stay on track.

Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People has been the holy grail of self-discipline for decades. And while it’s packed with wisdom, there’s one thing it doesn’t tell you: it takes most people a lifetime to master.

That’s not a strategy—it’s a marathon with no finish line.

The Power of One Focus

Recently, I came across a different approach. A simpler, more realistic one. Instead of juggling multiple habits and overwhelming yourself with a “perfect” system, just focus on one thing.

Yes, just one.

And here’s the kicker—once you start with one thing, you naturally begin doing other things as well. Momentum builds itself.

Think this sounds too simplistic? It’s not. It’s psychological.

Why Most People Procrastinate

The biggest reason people stall? Overwhelm.

When you feel buried under a mountain of “shoulds,” you shut down. And if you think discipline is about implementing an entire life overhaul (like Covey’s approach), you’ll get stuck before you even begin.

The better way? Start with one small, manageable action.

It’s what I do with my coaching clients. Many come to me completely dysfunctional—whether it’s financial stress, a divorce, career burnout, or a health crisis. They’re stuck. And getting them back on track doesn’t start with a “success formula.” It starts with one clear, executable action.

One thing leads to another. It always does.

Forget the “Discipline” Narrative

Let’s get something straight: Discipline isn’t about pushing through with brute force. If you’re constantly telling yourself “I have to” or “I should be”, you’re moving too fast. Slow down. Pick one thing that will move the needle. Get it done.

That’s where the magic happens.

Also, let’s kill this idea that you’re “undisciplined.” It’s not true.

Most people are disciplined in certain areas—they just don’t recognize it. Look at yourself:

• You brush and floss your teeth daily.
• You show up on time for meetings.
• You meet deadlines (or renegotiate when needed).
• You stick to personal rules—like no drinking during the week.

But one area of inconsistency, and suddenly you tell yourself “I’m undisciplined.” That’s catastrophic thinking, and it drains you.

Instead, reframe it:

? “In some areas, I’m undisciplined.”

? “I tend to procrastinate on certain things.”

See the difference? It removes the all-or-nothing thinking and keeps your energy intact.

Bottom Line: Discipline is a Byproduct, Not the Goal

Here’s the truth: Nobody earns a CA(SA) without discipline. It’s impossible.

But the way to get there isn’t through sheer willpower—it’s through strategic focus.

Drop the obsession with being “disciplined.” Pick one thing. Do it. The rest will follow.

Simple. QED.

Carl J de Wet Adam Franklin Dr. Gerald Kaplan

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