Keystone Habits to Build Long-Term Self-Discipline

Episode #4 of the course The fundamentals of self-discipline by Martin Meadows.

 

Welcome to the fourth lesson, where I’ll reveal keystone habits that enable you to implement numerous positive habits in your life.

Charles Duhigg, the author of The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business, suggests in his book that some habits are more important than others because they start a chain reaction. These habits are called keystone habits. As he says, “Keystone habits start a process that, over time, transforms everything.”

One of the primary keystone habits is regular physical activity. If you regularly exercise, soon you’ll also start eating more healthfully—after all, you’ll need proper fuel for your workouts—and drop or reduce other unhealthy habits like smoking, drinking too much alcohol, or spending too much time in front of the TV.

Regular exercise was one of the first keystone habits I introduced in my life. It has not only helped me become stronger and look better, but also made me change my eating habits, build my confidence, and develop persistence.

Another keystone habit you can introduce in your life is waking up early. When you become an early riser, you’ll suddenly have much more free time than before. This will improve your productivity and ensure you’ll achieve your most important tasks for the day before it even starts for other people.

Waking up early will also give you plenty of time to prepare a healthy breakfast, exercise, or learn new skills. Last but not least, since you finally won’t have to rush with everything, you’ll have a stress-free morning. This will positively affect your mood and help in your relationships with other people.

I used to wake up at noon or later. When I switched my routine and started waking up at five or six in the morning, my productivity, mood, and energy levels soared. One simple change alone transformed many aspects of my life.

Another good keystone habit to introduce in your life is saving money. In addition to improving your financial situation, it will help you become more self-disciplined, responsible, and help you switch your focus from instant gratification to more substantial delayed rewards.

Other keystone habits include meditation, trying a new thing every single day, expressing gratitude, and keeping your work environment tidy.

Pick one of these habits and implement it in your life.

Tomorrow, I’ll reveal an additional powerful (albeit a little crazy) keystone habit that will help you build impressive willpower.

Talk soon,
Martin

 

Recommended book

“The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business” by Charles Duhigg

 

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