As I enter 2026, I’m setting this intention for myself: Mental Discipline. This year, I’m going to be rigorous about making sure my thoughts are positive, uplifting, and loving (especially to myself).
Too often, I find myself helplessly spiraling into various shades of self-doubt, self-loathing and fear. It’s an unhealthy, counterproductive habit I desperately want to change.
When I shared my intention with a few friends, their reaction was less than positive.
“That’s awfully harsh,” one said.
“Doesn’t sound appealing to me,” said another.
I wasn’t surprised. Clearly, the word ‘discipline’ tripped them up.
I sometimes wonder if most people instinctively recoil from discipline, like a kid ordered to eat veggies. It may be good for us, but damn it, we’re not going to like it and we’ll try anything to get out of it.
I love the word. I truly do. In my experience, discipline is essential to a happier, richer life.
Unfortunately, discipline has been given a bad rap…perhaps because most don’t understand what it really means.
The word Discipline (which comes from the Latin root ‘disciple’) actually means ‘being a disciple unto oneself.’
Which is exactly why I’m determined to practice Mental Discipline. As I discovered from studying neuroscience, our actions, especially our habitual behaviors, derive from how we think.
I vow, this year, to become my own biggest fan, viewing myself in the very best light. I vow to be kind to myself when things don’t go well and gently encourage myself to do what I may not be keen to do but doing it anyway knowing how happy it will make me.
In my world, I see mental discipline as a source of pleasure, the essence of power, an act of self-love and the very heart of a life well lived.
How can you see discipline in a positive light? Tell me about it in the comments below.
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