Jocko Willink, a retired Navy SEAL officer, wrote a book called Extreme Ownership. The book focuses on the idea that you can't expect to be motivated to the maximum every single day of your entire life.
Willink highlights that, "While Discipline and Freedom seem like they sit on opposite sides of the spectrum, they are actually very connected. Freedom is what everyone wants — to be able to act and live with freedom. But the only way to get to a place of freedom is through discipline."
For some of us, physical fitness and nutrition come to mind.
If you have great physical fitness combined with great nutritional habits, you're more than likely going to have the freedom to a longer lifespan, with the ability to continue to go on hikes, travel, and move around without complications.
For the younger generation, work comes to mind.
If you're the first one in and last one out in the office, taking work home, or picking up extra shifts, you're likely to have more freedom with your boss. Promotions may come quicker, maybe even climbing up the ladder to a CEO position.
This idea is extremely important to carry with your financial habits as well.
If you have great saving and spending habits, you're going to have more freedom and flexibility with your money down the road. It takes discipline to not buy the short-term fulfillment item you've been wanting at the store or saying no to the $90 wagyu steak you've been wanting to try.
Overtime, these small spending habits start to add up to larger amounts. and consistently telling yourself it's okay to continue spending the way you're spending is fine, as long as you're aware of the possible consequences of not retiring earlier in the future.
In these scenarios, you're exhibiting discipline. Discipline to not eat out, not skipping your workouts, and not spending money on short-term fulfillments.
Don't rob yourself of the future opportunities because you didn't have enough discipline in the past to say no to the short-term fulfillments.
Your financial discipline matters now, enjoy the freedom later.
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