Self-Discipline: Mastery of the Mind: The Practical Steps & Habits You Need to Take Control of Your Mind, Stop Procrastination, Build Willpower and Become Disciplined Towards Your Goals and Daily Life by Peter Meadows.
My rating: 3 of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐
Duration: 3 hrs 22 mins.
My rating: 3 of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐
Duration: 3 hrs 22 mins.
As someone who seeks to reduce their tendency to procrastinate I was interested in the themes of Self Discipline explored in this audiobook, and how to improve my own. The ability to say "no" to people, and to increase my decisiveness were also skills I hoped this audiobook would help me begin to master. This book covers sleep, diet, mindfulness and relaxation, motivation, expectations, willpower, and more.
I found the section on sleep and diet particularly interesting. I think it's really important that we think of ourselves as a whole, and don't expect to be able to increase our concentration or self discipline if our energy is low because we're neither resting nor refuelling sufficiently. These changes are often impractical for anyone whose medical issues complicate the ability to regulate them, but most of the population can pick and choose the tips for wellbeing that are appropriate for themselves.
I found the most useful chapters were those on discovering one's own motivating factors, and the strategies to help overcome individual weaknesses (procrastination in my case,) by developing personal strengths that will aid willpower. Those sections reminded me of The Five Love Languages, and how they encourage individuals to understand their own needs and drives in order to find fulfilment.
One of the challenges in marketing a book internationally is that some things get lost in translation. I believe this book was initially written for an American audience (suggested by the use of Fahrenheit), and, rather amusingly, it trips up on a little bit of British slang. I have not heard the phrase "follow through" repeated this frequently since primary school. Sentences like "This guide will help you achieve your goals if you're having problems following through," and "are you experiencing difficulties with following through?" apparently still make me laugh and look guiltily over my shoulder to make sure no teacher is listening. I cannot blame the author, publisher, or narrator for this, the failing is with my own immaturity.
I liked narrator Cliff Weldon's voice but his narration was often very stilted which made it more challenging to listen to and requiring a greater degree of conversation. (Almost like someone reading from an autocue or on a screen that was too small.) I did love the character in his voice, though, and would like to see how he does with fiction, as I think he would be a much more engaging narrator of a story than a guide.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is hoping to increase their willpower and self-discipline, and wishes to integrate the techniques into all the key areas of their life.
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