D.E.E. Principle. Discipline
Breaking down the D.E.E. components of success.
I firmly believe that success in any area of life—be it health, finances, relationships, or personal growth—relies on three key components: discipline, energy, and education. These three elements form what I call the D.E.E. principle. I believe anyone can achieve extraordinary goals, whether it’s becoming financially secure, the healthiest version of themselves, the best in their profession, or an incredible parent. It all boils down to committing to these principles. Discipline, as the foundation, paves the way for energy and education to follow. Let’s dive into discipline.
The Power of Discipline
Discipline Defined
Discipline can be defined as the ability to control one's impulses, emotions, and behaviors to achieve a specific goal. It’s the bridge between setting an intention and seeing tangible results. In the context of fitness and health, discipline is the driving force that transforms fleeting motivation into consistent action. In other words, discipline is about taking the necessary actions to reach your goals, even when motivation is lacking or you don’t feel like it.
“Discipline means taking the hard road, the uphill road, to do what’s right for yourself and for other people.” – Jocko Willink
Why Discipline Matters More Than Motivation
Motivation is fleeting. It can be sparked by an inspiring video, a success story, a health scare from a loved one, or even the guilt of not sticking to your goals. However, motivation fades, especially when life gets busy or challenges arise. Discipline, on the other hand, remains steady. It’s the foundation upon which long-term success is built.
When you rely solely on motivation, you’re at the mercy of your mood and external circumstances. Discipline ensures you show up to the gym when you’d rather sleep in, prepare a healthy meal instead of ordering takeout, and prioritize rest and recovery even when tempted to push through exhaustion.
Discipline in Action: Building Habits for Health and Fitness Developing discipline starts with small, consistent actions. Here’s how to cultivate it:
Set Clear, Realistic Goals
Define what you want to achieve and why it matters to you. Your goals should be measurable, attainable, positive, and specific (MAPS). For example, instead of saying, “I want to get fit,” aim for “I will complete three 30-minute workouts each week for the next month.” Beyond results or progress oriented goals will come identity based goals (more on that in a future article).Create a Routine
Consistency breeds discipline. Schedule your workouts, meal prep, and self-care routines just like you would important meetings. Over time, these actions become second nature.Start Small
Trying to overhaul your lifestyle overnight often leads to burnout. Begin with manageable changes, such as adding a 10-minute walk to your day or swapping one processed snack for a piece of fruit. Make sure to not stop once you make progress. Understand these are stepping stones to get you to the point B of who you want to be.Eliminate Decision Fatigue
Prepare in advance to remove obstacles. Lay out your workout clothes the night before, plan meals ahead of time, and create a backup plan for when things don’t go as expected.Hold Yourself Accountable
Track your progress and celebrate small victories. Sharing your goals with a trusted friend, family member, or coach can also provide support and encouragement. Enter the PRIME360 team!
The Role of Discipline in Overcoming Setbacks No journey is without its challenges. Whether it’s an injury, a busy season of life, or simply a lack of energy, discipline helps you adapt rather than quit. It’s about doing what you can with what you have, even if it’s less than ideal. Remember, progress isn’t always linear, but consistency compounds over time.
Final Thoughts
Discipline is a skill, not an inherent trait. It’s something you can develop with practice, patience, and persistence. By committing to disciplined habits, you’re not just working towards a healthier body; you’re building mental resilience and creating a lifestyle that supports your long-term well-being. Make sure to choose the lifestyle that you want to chase! Success is solely measured internally, not via external gratification of peers.
In fitness and health, discipline is the ultimate form of self-care. It’s a daily decision to prioritize your goals, respect your body, and believe in your ability to create lasting change. And with discipline, the results are always worth it.
Today is the day to make a commitment to yourself, to your loved ones! Commit to your plan (which will change and adapt) and start practicing discipline in your life! For more on being the best, most disciplined version of yourself, I highly recommend reading and listening to Jocko Willink, an inspirational human doing great things in this world of health and business.