Freedom is something everyone wants. Discipline, on the other hand, seems like the opposite of freedom.

At first, discipline may feel constricting and controlling.

Habits are boring, and routines are robotic.

But in reality, discipline can grant us freedom.

Waking up at a certain time, without hitting snooze, gives us more time in the morning to get stuff done and not feel the pressure of racing against the clock.

Focusing on a single task, without distractions like a cellphone, enables us to get more done in less time.

Scheduling leisure breaks away from work ensures we relax, refresh, and re-energize.

Discipline Equals Freedom is a concept I heard from Jocko Willink, author of Extreme Ownership. As a Navy SEAL, Jocko is familiar with the value of discipline. He said:

"Instead of making us more rigid and unable to improvise, this discipline actually made us more flexible, more adaptable, and more efficient. It allowed us to be creative."

Writer Sönke Ahrens puts it perfect:

"A good structure is something you can trust. It relieves you from the burden of remembering and keeping track of everything. If you can trust the system, you can let go of the attempt to hold everything together in your head and you can start focusing on what is important."

Discipline is a tool I use to create freedom—more time, choices, power, and fun.

"Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishments."
—Jim Rohn