“Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want most.”
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— Attributed to Abraham Lincoln
This powerful statement cuts to the heart of personal growth and achievement. It frames discipline not as a punishment, but as a strategic choice. Every day, we face countless decisions. These choices pit our immediate desires against our long-term aspirations. The quote suggests that true discipline is the ability to navigate this internal conflict successfully. It empowers us to look beyond temporary comforts. Ultimately, we can focus on the rewards that truly matter.
Understanding this dynamic is the first step toward building a more intentional life. It requires honesty about our impulses and clarity about our ultimate goals. This journey transforms discipline from a burden into a tool for empowerment.
The Battle of Desires: Now vs. Most
At its core, the quote highlights a fundamental human struggle. We constantly balance the pull of immediate gratification with the pursuit of significant, future goals. These two forces are often in direct opposition.
The Allure of ‘What You Want Now’
‘What you want now’ represents instant pleasure and comfort. It is the easy, often tempting, path. For example, this could be hitting the snooze button instead of waking up for a workout. It might be buying an expensive coffee instead of saving that money. Or, it could be scrolling through social media instead of finishing an important project. These actions provide a quick, fleeting sense of satisfaction. However, they rarely contribute to our larger life goals. In fact, they frequently detract from them, creating a cycle of momentary pleasure followed by long-term regret.
Defining ‘What You Want Most’
In contrast, ‘what you want most’ embodies our deepest ambitions and values. These are the goals that require patience, effort, and persistence. For instance, this could mean earning a degree, building a successful business, or achieving peak physical health. These objectives are not achieved overnight. They are the sum of many small, disciplined choices made over time. Defining what you want most gives you a clear destination. This clarity provides the motivation needed to bypass the temptation of the ‘now’ and stay focused on the ultimate prize.
The Psychology of Choice and Delayed Gratification
Why is this choice so difficult? The answer lies in our brain’s wiring. Humans are often predisposed to prefer immediate rewards over future ones, a concept known as temporal discounting. Our brains release dopamine when we experience pleasure, reinforcing the behavior that caused it. This makes it challenging to opt for a distant, abstract reward over a tangible, present one.
However, the ability to delay gratification is a key predictor of success. Famous psychological studies have explored this very idea. This research underscores the immense value of making disciplined choices. Source
Mastering this skill involves training your brain to value the future self. It requires consciously overriding your initial impulses. With practice, you can strengthen your self-control, making it easier to choose what you want most.
How to Cultivate Everyday Discipline
Applying Lincoln’s wisdom to your life is a practical endeavor. It starts with small, consistent actions that build momentum over time. You can develop the habit of choosing your long-term goals. Here are a few strategies to help you strengthen your discipline.
1. Get Crystal Clear on Your ‘Most’
You cannot choose what you want most if you don’t know what it is. Therefore, take time to clearly define your long-term goals. Write them down. Make them specific, measurable, and time-bound. When your vision is compelling, it acts as a powerful motivator. This vision will help you push through the discomfort of short-term sacrifices. A clear ‘why’ gives you the strength to handle almost any ‘how’.
2. Identify Your Temptations
Become aware of the specific situations, feelings, or triggers that lead you toward immediate gratification. Do you mindlessly scroll on your phone when you feel bored? Do you reach for junk food when you are stressed? Recognizing these patterns is the first step to changing them. Once you identify your triggers, you can create a plan to avoid or manage them more effectively.
3. Start Small and Build Momentum
Trying to change everything at once is a recipe for failure. Instead, focus on building one small, disciplined habit at a time. For example, if your goal is to write a book, commit to writing for just 15 minutes each day. If you want to get fit, start with a 10-minute walk. These small wins build self-efficacy and create positive momentum. Subsequently, you can gradually increase the difficulty as your discipline muscle grows stronger.
A Choice, Not a Cage
Ultimately, the quote teaches us that discipline is not about restriction or deprivation. It is about liberation. It is the freedom to design your own life rather than being a slave to your impulses. Each time you choose what you want most over what you want now, you cast a vote for your future self.
This process is a continuous journey, not a final destination. There will be moments of weakness. The key is to not let setbacks derail you. Instead, view them as learning opportunities. By consistently making conscious choices that align with your deepest values, you build a life of purpose, meaning, and lasting fulfillment.