Discipline is one of those things everyone talks about — but few actually master, especially as they get older. In your 30s, life gets more complicated. Work stress, family duties, mental burnout — it all adds up. That’s why a recent Reddit post by a 38-year-old user hit a nerve. Their advice wasn’t some hustle-culture nonsense. It was raw, honest, and incredibly useful. Thousands of users chimed in, many saying it finally “clicked” for them too.
Let’s break down that advice — plus a few golden replies — and see what really works when it comes to building discipline in your 30s.
1. Discipline Means Doing It Even When You Don’t Feel Like It
“Discipline is brushing your teeth even when you’re tired. It’s not sexy. It’s not fun. But you do it because that’s who you are.”
The Redditor emphasized that discipline isn’t about motivation or vibes. It’s about showing up even when the excitement is gone. Think of it like brushing your teeth — you don’t debate it every night. You just do it. Why? Because it’s part of who you are.
Tricklings Take: Motivation is fleeting. Discipline is identity. The moment you shift from “I want to” to “I am someone who does this,” things start to change.
2. You Build It Like a Muscle — Reps Over Results
“You’re not born disciplined. You train it. Just like lifting weights.”
This comment reframed discipline as a skill, not a personality trait. It’s not something you either have or don’t — it’s something you grow through repetition. One Redditor mentioned starting with just five push-ups a day. Now they’re running 5Ks.
Tricklings Tip: Don’t wait to feel ready. Just do the reps — small ones count. The skill of showing up is more important than how much you do.
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3. Micro Habits Beat Massive Goals
“Forget 90-day goals. I started reading one page a day. That turned into chapters.”
Many users echoed this: big goals often lead to burnout. Small, repeatable actions build trust in yourself. When you prove that you’ll show up daily — even for a few minutes — you start to believe in your own consistency.
Example: Instead of saying you’ll write a book, just write for two minutes. Instead of promising to get fit, do 10 jumping jacks every morning.
4. External Accountability Helps More Than You Think
“I started posting my daily goals on Twitter. The fear of deleting them kept me on track.”
Whether it’s a friend, a public commitment, or just a sticker chart — accountability works. It’s not about shame. It’s about structure.
Tricklings Tip: Use tools like Habitica, Notion checklists, or even a group chat. Being seen makes discipline easier.
5. Aim for 40%, Not 100%
“Some days, I’m barely hanging on. But I do one thing. One small win keeps me afloat.”
This comment hit hard. On the rough days, discipline means showing up with what you’ve got — even if it’s only 40%. That still counts. Because it keeps the chain alive.
Real Talk: Don’t break the chain. Even half-effort builds momentum. Show up tired, distracted, or annoyed — just show up.
6. Redditors Share Their Simple but Effective Habits
Here are some of the most upvoted discipline hacks:
- “I prep my clothes and water bottle the night before.”
- “I stopped checking my phone in bed. Game-changer.”
- “I reward myself with 10 minutes of YouTube only after I finish my task.”
- “I started a streak tracker — and I hate breaking it.”
Tricklings Tip: Stack discipline with a reward. Make the hard thing lead to something feel-good.
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Discipline in your 30s doesn’t come from grinding harder. It comes from understanding your limits, working with your brain, and showing up — even when no one’s watching.
Build it like a muscle. Start small. Keep going. And remember: the best version of you is already waiting. You just have to train your way there.
Want to share your own discipline story? Comment below.
