Discipline Is Destiny: A New York Times Bestseller Paperback – September 14, 2023

Ryan Holiday is known for being a student of stoicism and teacher of stoic principles to people living in the modern world. He has been called a “modern philosopher.”Many of the stories in his book Discipline Is Destiny are about stoics such as Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and Antoninius. To illustrate the principles he is teaching, Holiday also shares dozens of stories about exemplars of self-discipline, including military leaders, politicians, musicians, artists, and athletes.He opens the book with a legend about Hercules at a crossroads and how he was offered the opportunity to choose one of two paths: One was the tempting path of a life of ease, without want, unhappiness, fear, or pain, with every desire fulfilled. The other was a long path of sacrifice, scary moments, and hard work, with no promise of rewards except in proportion to the effort. The choice was between vice or virtue, the easy way or the hard way. Hercules chose the virtuous path, and it made all the difference.Holiday explains that in the ancient world there were four key virtues: Courage, Temperance, Justice, and Wisdom. Simply put, he says that practicing these virtues is doing the right thing rather than the easy thing, and it’s the key to a life of excellence and honor. In this book, he focuses on temperance, defined as self-control, moderation, composure, and balance. In a word, discipline.It's been said that discipline is freedom, and in the introduction, he quotes Eisenhower who said, “Freedom is actually only the opportunity for self-discipline. “In the introduction he adds that self-discipline (temperance) is the ability to work hard, to say no, to practice good habits, to set boundaries, to train, to prepare, to ignore temptations and provocations, to keep your emotions in check, and to endure painful difficulties.Self-discipline is how you realize your potential, and one line really struck me about this: Holiday said that “Failing to realize your full potential is a terrible punishment” (for not being disciplined).The book is broken up into three parts. Part one is titled, “The Exterior” and it’s about the body. The author says we must dominate ourselves physically because if we don’t, outside forces will dominate us. There are numerous short chapters focusing on themes and tips such as attack the mornings, quit being a slave to bad habits, just show up, hustle, practice, sweat the small stuff, and more.The second part of the book is called, “The Inner Domain.” The body is only one vehicle for our self-discipline, says Holiday. Some people have complete command over their body, but are a mess everywhere else. True self-control means moderation not just in what we do physically, but also how we think and feel. In this section, numerous short chapters talk about topics such as set priorities, do the hard thing first, resist temptation, set boundaries, do your best, avoid perfectionism, focus, and pause before acting .The third and final part of the book is named “The Magisterial” (the soul). There are people who have a handle on their physical body as well as their mind, but most rare is one who combines those two disciplines with excellence in public life as a contributor to others and society. Some of the themes focus on handling criticism, being tolerant of others, making others better, being a leader, being kind, and more.Discipline is Destiny is fairly long, at 300 pages, but easy to read, and many chapters are very short. The book will be especially appreciated by people who like hearing stories of historical figures to illustrate all the points. Holiday is clearly well-read and an excellent writer. He’s motivating too. Countless highlightable passages leap off the page as calls to action.I’m not sure if this is Holiday’s best or most popular book (he’s written over a dozen, including NY Times bestsellers that sold millions of copies), but it’s a really good one. Readers may also want to check out some of his more well-known earlier titles such as The Obstacle Is The Way, Ego Is The Enemy, Stillness is the Key, and The Daily Stoic.I enjoy his writing style in general and I believe the subject matter of Discipline Is Destiny is supremely important. I think everyone should read about discipline and self-control, and do their best to put what they learn into practice every day. I would recommend this to just about everyone, and especially people who want to improve their fitness and health.

Great read, I enjoyed this book very much. I highlighted a lot and found this very informational now I have to apply it. I have to do the deed.

Great book, very insightful and reflecting on how to become a better individual and leader. I enjoyed the tenants in this book.

DISCIPLINE IS DESTINY: The power of self-control | Ryan Holiday, Penguin (2022) p312.In his latest treatise, 'Discipline is Destiny: The Power of Self-Control,' Ryan Holiday dissects the often misunderstood virtue of discipline. With a penetrating eye, he excavates beneath the surface of this seemingly mundane concept to reveal its pivotal role in shaping human destiny. Holiday’s thesis, resonating with the rigor of a seasoned philosopher, posits that discipline is not merely a matter of adherence to arbitrary rules. Instead, discipline is the cornerstone of personal triumph and fulfillment.Holiday’s argument, steeped in both historical perspective and contemporary relevance, asserts that self-control is the bedrock upon which achievement is built. His view, reminiscent of the Stoic philosophy he so often champions, elevates discipline from the realm of the pedestrian to the heights of the essential. He persuasively contends that success lies not in fleeting victories or ephemeral accolades. Instead, it lies in the strength and resilience forged in disciplined effort.Holiday illustrates the transformative power of self-control through a litany of anecdotes spanning the spectrum from athletes to entrepreneurs, scientists to artists. Beyond mere inspirational vignettes, these narratives serve as a clarion call to the reader, beckoning them to embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal evolution.In exploring the 'slow burn' theory, Holiday challenges the instant gratification ethos that permeates modern culture. He advocates a return to sustained effort and perseverance, arguing that daily rituals and decisions ultimately shape our destiny. This perspective, harking back to the ancient wisdom of the Stoics, is a refreshing antidote to the culture of immediate results and superficial success.Furthermore, Holiday’s examination of the 'Diderot effect' reveals how our beliefs and behaviors can trap us in a web of rationalization and self-deception. By identifying this insidious pattern, he empowers the reader to break free from short-term desires and align their actions with long-term aspirations.The most profound insight offered by 'Discipline is Destiny emphasizes the necessity of solitude and introspection in cultivating self-control. In an age where technology and social media sirens constantly beckon, Holiday’s advocacy for moments of solitude emerges as a radical proposition. It is in these moments of quiet reflection, he argues, that we confront our true selves. We gain the clarity and conviction needed to pursue our deepest ambitions.Discipline is destiny in self-help literature, distinguished by its unwavering focus on action. Holiday, with the pragmatism of a seasoned strategist, reminds us that our knowledge or intentions do not chart our course. Instead, it is the concrete steps we take in the present. He encourages readers to seize the 'power of now,' manifesting their destiny through deliberate and purposeful action.'Discipline is Destiny' is not merely a guide to self-improvement but a manifesto for a life of purpose and meaning. With his characteristic blend of historical insight and practical wisdom, Holiday offers a roadmap to a life defined not by what we wish to achieve but by what we are willing to endure. As Hitchens himself observed, it is a book that instructs andinspires. It is a reminder that when wielded with discipline, the pen is indeed mightier than the sword.QUOTES* "Self-control is the ability to delay gratification, resist temptation, and make sacrifices in the short term in order to achieve your long-term goals."* "The only way to achieve greatness is to be willing to do things that others won't."* "The more you practice self-control, the easier it gets."* "The key to success is not talent, but focus, discipline, and perseverance."* "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."* "Self-control is not about being perfect, but about being better than you were yesterday."* "The only limit to your success is the amount of effort you're willing to put in."* "If you want to achieve greatness, stop asking for permission and start taking responsibility."* "The only way to do great work is to love what you do and to take pride in your work."* "The biggest risk is not taking risks at all."* "The only thing holding you back is your own doubts and fears."* "You don't need to be perfect to be successful, you just need to be persistent."* "The best way to predict your future is to create it."* "Success is not a destination, but a journey."* "The only way to achieve happiness is to embrace the present moment and to live in alignment with your values and goals."

Holliday's research works in concert with his intentional writing. A brilliant read; very applicable.

I really like this author and have read several of his books. This one along with ego is thy enemy have helped me greatly improve my life!