Discipline Is Overrated—Here’s What Matters More (Discipline & Flexibility)
For so long, we’ve been taught that discipline is everything—that if we just work harder, grind longer, and stay laser-focused, we will never fail. But here’s the problem: too much discipline can lead to rigidity, missed opportunities, and burnout.
What if I told you that flexibility is just as important as discipline—maybe even more important at times?
For years, I believed that if I just stayed disciplined enough, I wouldn’t fail. If I could just wake up earlier, work longer hours, and stick to the plan no matter what, success would be guaranteed. But over time, I’ve realized that many of my biggest breakthroughs didn’t come from grinding harder. They came from being adaptable, from being willing to change course when necessary.
The False Association Between Discipline and Success
Discipline often gets tied to grinding, sacrifice, and doing all the things you don’t enjoy while ignoring the things that bring you joy. Many of us have been conditioned to believe that if we fail, it’s because we weren’t disciplined enough.
“I have to get more disciplined. I have to do more.”
But what I’ve found is that when people say they need more discipline, they often mean they need to do more of the things they don’t actually want to do. The real problem isn’t a lack of discipline—it’s a lack of alignment with what we truly want.
The Cost of Rigid Discipline
How often have you seen someone set an ambitious goal—whether in business, fitness, or personal growth—only to burn out within a few weeks?
Take fitness, for example. At the start of the year, we set resolutions:
Wake up at 5:30 AM.
Get in all my steps.
Count every macro.
Hit my protein and water intake.
We stack all these habits together and go full speed ahead. Then, about three weeks in, we stop. Studies show that 84% of people quit their New Year’s resolutions by January 21st. Why? Because we go from zero to 100, and the moment we slip, we feel like we’ve failed entirely.
"I missed a workout, so I might as well quit."
"I broke my diet, so I might as well give up."
This all-or-nothing mindset kills momentum. But life isn’t about rigid streaks—it’s about the continue, not the restart.
The Balance Between Discipline and Flexibility
So how do we hold the tension between discipline and flexibility? It starts with realizing that discipline should create structure, not suffocation.
Let me give you an example. I set a goal this year to increase my strength:
Bench press 225 lbs
Squat 315 lbs
Deadlift 405 lbs
To hit those numbers, I calculated that I need to lift weights 208 times in 2025—about 4 workouts per week. That means there are 157 days in the year where I won’t lift weights.
That’s the key: structure with flexibility. There’s space for life, for adapting, for living in the continue.
The Danger of an All-or-Nothing Mentality
Many of us operate with an all-or-nothing mentality:
If I miss a business meeting, my company will collapse.
If we skip date night once, our marriage is doomed.
If I don’t follow my diet perfectly, my health will suffer.
But that’s not how life works. The truth is, life is lived in the continue.
When we create rigid systems, we set ourselves up for failure. When we allow for flexibility, we create sustainable success.
The Power of Iterative Change
The most successful people aren’t those who never deviate from a plan—they’re the ones who know when to pivot.
Business owners adjust their strategies based on market needs.
Athletes modify their training based on progress and injury.
Leaders adapt their communication styles based on their teams.
If you’re holding onto a plan, ask yourself:
Am I holding onto this because it’s truly the best option?
Or am I afraid to let go?
Success isn’t about more, more, more discipline. It’s about knowing when to double down and when to pivot.
Building Adaptive Systems for Growth
Discipline alone won’t create success. Your ability to stay flexible, pivot when necessary, and adapt as you grow is what will set you apart.
Instead of chasing perfection, build systems that allow for flexibility. Create habits that support your goals while leaving room for the unexpected.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
This week, challenge yourself to:
Reflect on your current plans—Are they serving you, or are you serving them?
Ask yourself, “What’s one way I could approach this differently?”
Prioritize progress over perfection—The goal isn’t to get it right 100% of the time. The goal is to keep going.
Lead with discipline, but don’t forget to make room for flexibility. The key to lasting success isn’t rigidity—it’s resilience.
