Is Discipline the Lamest Strength?

"Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment." —Jim Cohn

When I first started at my last company, my manager had me complete the Clifton Strengths Finder Assessment as part of a team building exercise.? I remember getting my results back and my number one strength was “discipline.”? I thought — “Wow, that is so lame.”

However, over time, I’m really starting to see the benefits of having discipline as one of my top strengths.? Over the past several years, I have learned that so many things related to my health as well as my professional success are created by regular, consistent effort over time, and that having the strength of discipline is actual a super-power for being able to achieve long term goals.

Here are some specific ways that having discipline as one of my top strengths has helped me:

Compounding Over Time

I have come to think of acts of discipline in my life the same way I think about investing for retirement.? By starting early and depositing small, regular amounts of effort, the results can grow to be significant over time.? Discipline keeps you committed to consistent actions, which compound into large impact over the years.

Reduces Procrastination

I know that many people struggle with procrastination, and I’ve always felt lucky that I’m good at not leaving things to the last minute.? There’s that discipline again!? Having it greatly reduces the likelihood that you’ll put off the things you need to do and then panic when the deadline arrives.? Discipline trains you to focus on priorities and avoid distractions. By fostering a habit of following through, it becomes easier to set and accomplish specific goals, regardless of setbacks or short-term desires.

Fosters Continuous Growth

I’ve also found that discipline coupled with mindful awareness can be a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. Discipline fuels growth by instilling a mindset of regular self-reflection, learning, and adaptation. This opens opportunities for personal development, as disciplined individuals tend to seek feedback and act on it.

One of the great things about discipline is that is builds confidence and self-efficacy as you prove to yourself that you’re capable of following through on things.? While discipline is often seen as restrictive, but it provides freedom—the freedom to create a life aligned with your values and the ability to achieve both short-term and long-term goals.

Of course, I realize discipline does not come naturally to everyone.? What are some ways you can foster discipline if it’s a struggle for you?

Create Routines and Habits

The number one way to instill more discipline in your life is by creating routines and habits!? Routines help you automate tasks, reducing the mental effort required to get started.? Starting small is essential here—mastering simple routines builds momentum, and from there, you can add more complexity gradually.?

Set Clear Goals

Discipline is easiest to maintain when you know what you’re working toward. Start with specific, achievable goals rather than vague aspirations. Breaking big goals down into smaller, manageable steps makes them less intimidating and provides a roadmap for progress.

Track Progress

Keeping a journal, checklist, or using an app to track your progress can provide a visual reminder of how far you’ve come, which can be very motivating. Recognizing small wins along the way also reinforces that discipline pays off, keeping you engaged and motivated.

Reward Yourself

Positive reinforcement can help reinforce disciplined behavior. Reward yourself in a meaningful way when you complete a task or reach a milestone. Rewards could be as simple as watching a favorite show, treating yourself to a favorite meal, or taking some leisure time.? For me, once I’ve achieved one of my fitness goals, I buy myself some new workout closes.

Developing discipline doesn’t happen overnight. With patience and a commitment to small, consistent actions, discipline becomes a habit that can transform both personal and professional life.

So, I guess that perhaps discipline is not the lamest strength after all.? It has many advantages.? How about you?? Does discipline come naturally to you or is it a struggle?? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!