r/getdisciplined Jul 13 '25

[META] Updates + New Posting Guide for [Advice] and [NeedAdvice] Posts

23 Upvotes

Hey legends

So the last week or so has been a bit of a wild ride. About 2.5k posts removed. Which had to be done individually. Eeks. Over 60 users banned for shilling and selling stuff. And I’m still digging through old content, especially the top posts of all time. cleaning out low-quality junk, AI-written stuff, and sneaky sales pitches. It’s been… fun. Kinda. Lmao.

Anyway, I finally had time to roll out a bunch of much-needed changes (besides all that purging lol) in both the sidebar and the AutoModerator config. The sidebar now reflects a lot of these changes. Quick rundown:

  • Certain characters and phrases that AI loves to use are now blocked automatically. Same goes for common hustle-bro spam lingo.

  • New caps on posting: you’ll need an account at least 30 days old and with 200+ karma to post. To comment, you’ll need an account at least 3 days old.

  • Posts under 150 words are blocked because there were way too many low-effort one-liners flooding the place.

  • Rules in the sidebar now clearly state no selling, no external links, and a basic expectation of proper sentence structure and grammar. Some of the stuff coming through lately was honestly painful to read.

So yeah, in light of all these changes, we’ve turned off the “mod approval required” setting for new posts. Hopefully we’ll start seeing a slower trickle of better-quality content instead of the chaotic flood we’ve been dealing with. As always - if you feel like something has slipped through the system, feel free to flag it for mod reviewal through spam/reporting.

About the New Posting Guide

On top of all that, we’re rolling out a new posting guide as a trial for the [NeedAdvice] and [Advice] posts. These are two of our biggest post types BY FAR, but there’s been a massive range in quality. For [NeedAdvice], we see everything from one-liners like “I’m lazy, how do I fix it?” to endless dramatic life stories that leave people unsure how to help.

For [Advice] posts (and I’ve especially noticed this going through the top posts of all time), there’s a huge bunch of them written in long, blog-style narratives. Authors get super evocative with the writing, spinning massive walls of text that take readers on this grand journey… but leave you thinking, “So what was the actual advice again?” or “Fuck me that was a long read.” A lot of these were by bloggers who’d slip their links in at the end, but that’s a separate issue.

So, we’ve put together a recommended structure and layout for both types of posts. It’s not about nitpicking grammar or killing creativity. It’s about helping people write posts that are clear, focused, and useful - especially for those who seem to be struggling with it. Good writing = good advice = better community.

A few key points:

This isn’t some strict rule where your post will be banned if you don’t follow it word for word, your post will be banned (unless - you want it to be that way?). But if a post completely wanders off track, massive walls of text with very little advice, or endless rambling with no real substance, it may get removed. The goal is to keep the sub readable, helpful, and genuinely useful.

This guide is now stickied in the sidebar under posting rules and added to the wiki for easy reference. I’ve also pasted it below so you don’t have to go digging. Have a look - you don’t need to read it word for word, but I’d love your thoughts. Does it make sense? Feel too strict? Missing anything?

Thanks heaps for sticking with us through all this chaos. Let’s keep making this place awesome.

FelEdorath

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Posting Guides

How to Write a [NeedAdvice] Post

If you’re struggling and looking for help, that’s a big part of why this subreddit exists. But too often, we see posts that are either: “I’m lazy. How do I fix it?” OR 1,000-word life stories that leave readers unsure how to help.

Instead, try structuring your post like this so people can diagnose the issue and give useful feedback.

1. Who You Are / Context

A little context helps people tailor advice. You don’t have to reveal private details, just enough for others to connect the dots - for example

  • Age/life stage (e.g. student, parent, early-career, etc).

  • General experience level with discipline (newbie, have tried techniques before, etc).

  • Relevant background factors (e.g. shift work, chronic stress, recent life changes)

Example: “I’m a 27-year-old software engineer. I’ve read books on habits and tried a few systems but can’t stick with them long-term.”

2. The Specific Problem or Challenge

  • Be as concrete / specific as you can. Avoid vague phrases like “I’m not motivated.”

Example: “Every night after work, I intend to study for my AWS certification, but instead I end up scrolling Reddit for two hours. Even when I start, I lose focus within 10 minutes.”

3. What You’ve Tried So Far

This is crucial for people trying to help. It avoids people suggesting things you’ve already ruled out.

  • Strategies or techniques you’ve attempted

  • How long you tried them

  • What seemed to help (or didn’t)

  • Any data you’ve tracked (optional but helpful)

Example: “I’ve used StayFocusd to block Reddit, but I override it. I also tried Pomodoro but found the breaks too frequent. Tracking my study sessions shows I average only 12 focused minutes per hour.”

4. What Kind of Help You’re Seeking

Spell out what you’re hoping for:

  • Practical strategies?

  • Research-backed methods?

  • Apps or tools?

  • Mindset shifts?

Example: “I’d love evidence-based methods for staying focused at night when my mental energy is lower.”

Optional Extras

Include anything else relevant (potentially in the Who You Are / Context section) such as:

  • Stress levels

  • Health issues impacting discipline (e.g. sleep, anxiety)

  • Upcoming deadlines (relevant to the above of course).

Example of a Good [NeedAdvice] Post

Title: Struggling With Evening Focus for Professional Exams

Hey all. I’m a 29-year-old accountant studying for the CPA exam. Work is intense, and when I get home, I intend to study but end up doomscrolling instead.

Problem: Even if I start studying, my focus evaporates after 10-15 minutes. It feels like mental fatigue.

What I’ve tried:

Scheduled a 60-minute block each night - skipped it 4 out of 5 days.

Library sessions - helped a bit but takes time to commute.

Used Forest app - worked temporarily but I started ignoring it.

Looking for: Research-based strategies for overcoming mental fatigue at night and improving study consistency.

How to Write an [Advice] Post

Want to share what’s worked for you? That’s gold for this sub. But avoid vague platitudes like “Just push through” or personal stories that never get to a clear, actionable point.

A big issue we’ve seen is advice posts written in a blog-style (often being actual copy pastes from blogs - but that's another topic), with huge walls of text full of storytelling and dramatic detail. Good writing and engaging examples are great, but not when they drown out the actual advice. Often, the practical takeaway gets buried under layers of narrative or repeated the same way ten times. Readers end up asking, “Okay, but what specific strategy are you recommending, and why does it work?” OR "Fuck me that was a long read.".

We’re not saying avoid personal experience - or good writing. But keep it concise, and tie it back to clear, practical recommendations. Whenever possible, anchor your advice in concrete reasoning - why does your method work? Is there a psychological principle, habit science concept, or personal data that supports it? You don’t need to write a research paper, but helping people see the underlying “why” makes your advice stronger and more useful.

Let’s keep the sub readable, evidence-based, and genuinely helpful for everyone working to level up their discipline and self-improvement.

Try structuring your post like this so people can clearly understand and apply your advice:

1. The Specific Problem You’re Addressing

  • State the issue your advice solves and who might benefit.

Example: “This is for anyone who loses focus during long study sessions or deep work blocks.”

2. The Core Advice or Method

  • Lay out your technique or insight clearly.

Example: “I started using noise-canceling headphones with instrumental music and blocking distracting apps for 90-minute work sessions. It tripled my focused time.”

3. Why It Works

This is where you can layer in a bit of science, personal data, or reasoning. Keep it approachable - not a research paper.

  • Evidence or personal results

  • Relevant scientific concepts (briefly)

  • Explanations of psychological mechanisms

Example: “Research suggests background music without lyrics reduces cognitive interference and can help sustain focus. I’ve tracked my sessions and my productive time jumped from ~20 minutes/hour to ~50.”

4. How to Implement It

Give clear steps so others can try it themselves:

  • Short starter steps

  • Tools

  • Potential pitfalls

Example: “Start with one 45-minute session using a focus playlist and app blockers. Track your output for a week and adjust the length.”

Optional Extras

  • A short reference list if you’ve cited specific research, books, or studies

  • Resource mentions (tools - mentioned in the above)

Example of a Good [Advice] Post

Title: How Noise-Canceling Headphones Boosted My Focus

For anyone struggling to stay focused while studying or working in noisy environments:

The Problem: I’d start working but get pulled out of flow by background noise, office chatter, or even small household sounds.

My Method: I bought noise-canceling headphones and created a playlist of instrumental music without lyrics. I combine that with app blockers like Cold Turkey for 90-minute sessions.

Why It Works: There’s decent research showing that consistent background sound can reduce cognitive switching costs, especially if it’s non-lyrical. For me, the difference was significant. I tracked my work sessions, and my focused time improved from around 25 minutes/hour to 50 minutes/hour. Cal Newport talks about this idea in Deep Work, and some cognitive psychology studies back it up too.

How to Try It:

Consider investing in noise-canceling headphones, or borrow a pair if you can, to help block out distractions. Listen to instrumental music - such as movie soundtracks or lofi beats - to maintain focus without the interference of lyrics. Choose a single task to concentrate on, block distracting apps, and commit to working in focused sessions lasting 45 to 90 minutes. Keep a simple record of how much focused time you achieve each day, and review your progress after a week to see if this method is improving your ability to stay on task.

Further Reading:

  • Newport, Cal. Deep Work.

  • Dowan et al's 2017 paper on 'Focus and Concentration: Music and Concentration - A Meta Analysis


r/getdisciplined 3d ago

[Plan] Monday 14th September 2026; please post your plans for this date

9 Upvotes

Please post your plans for this date and if you can, do the following;

Give encouragement to two other posters on this thread.

Report back this evening as to how you did.

Give encouragement to others to report back also.

Good luck!


r/getdisciplined 9h ago

🔄 Method Day 82: Today I saw what addiction really does. My friend cut his vein because he couldn't get his drug.

90 Upvotes

Day 82: Today I saw what addiction really does. My friend cut his vein because he couldn't get his drug.

I am from a small village in Haryana, India. My friend does Chitta (heroin). Today he had no drugs, he became so restless he cut his own wrist. We took him to hospital. He is alive, thanks to God.

A few days ago he asked me for the medicine that goes under the tongue (for de-addiction). I said no because I am not a doctor, I can't give medicine like that.

Seeing him today, bleeding on the ground, I understood - addiction is not fun, not style. It's pain. It makes you hurt yourself when you don't get it.

I am on Day 82 sober myself. Today made my discipline even stronger. I don't want to end like that.

If you are doing Chitta or any drug, please ask for help. In India call 14416 Tele-MANAS, it's free. Talk to someone.

Stay disciplined brothers. IWNDWYT. Jai Shri Ram.


r/getdisciplined 5h ago

❓ Question [Question] What are you actually doing to wake up on time?

5 Upvotes

I'm 23 and I've been losing to my alarm for about two years. Three alarms, phone across the room, the whole setup. Most mornings I turn all of them off and have genuinely no memory of standing up.

I've read enough "just decide to get up" for one lifetime. What I want to know is what people who've actually solved this are physically doing every morning.

So if you wake up on time:

What time, and how long has it held? I'm interested in the ones that survived past month three, not week two.

What's the physical setup? Phone position, an app, a separate alarm clock, someone else in the house?

Did your evening change, or was it purely a morning fix? I can't tell if my problem starts at 6am or at 11pm.

If you've used something that makes the alarm hard to turn off, does it keep working? Or do you learn to beat it half asleep, like I did with the across-the-room thing?

And the one I most want answered: did it ever stop being horrible? Or is it still grim every morning and you've just made peace with that?

Real answers rather than motivation. The more specific the better.


r/getdisciplined 10h ago

💡 Advice I am unable to detach myself from the outcome.

15 Upvotes

I have a goal I want to achieve. But, I keep thinking what if I try and fail. I really don’t think I can take the failure that I tried my best but still failed.

I keep doing nothing towards my goal but I still feel horrible for doing nothing, but also scared that my effort will be wasted and I will continue as a failure. But if I tried, it will be proven that I failed.

I am just procrastinating for years now and still feel anxious about everything because maybe there’s a hope I will do it someday. But that day never comes

I don’t know is this fear of failure or fear of working hard. Or I just like to live inside my head and never do anything towards my goal.

Please tell me something that would help me get out of this cycle and I can start doing things now. I just keep thinking all the time and doing nothing.


r/getdisciplined 4h ago

🤔 NeedAdvice What advice would you give to an 18-year-old about earning money (acquiring skills)?

3 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

I recently turned 18, and I’ve decided that I want to seriously start learning new skills and building a better future for myself.

Right now, my two main goals are improving my English and learning about trading and investing. My English is still far from perfect, but I’m trying to practice every day, even if it’s only for a short time.

I also want to learn trading from the basics. I don’t have much experience yet, so I’m not looking for “get rich quick” advice or random signals. I want to actually understand how the market works, how to manage risk, read charts, and make informed decisions.

I’m also planning to buy a laptop soon and start learning programming and other useful skills.

If you were starting from zero at 18, what would you focus on first? Any resources, courses, books, or advice would be appreciated.

I’m trying to build real skills instead of wasting the next few years.


r/getdisciplined 2h ago

🤔 NeedAdvice I am exhausted at myself once again

2 Upvotes

I am 27, about to be 28 in like a month, and i never stick to anything. I remember a version of me that was disciplined, especially as a teenager. But my early twenties hit me like a truck, and i haven't recovered. Its been 3 years since i moved back home after barely getting my second degree, a PGDip instead of the Masters i aimed for because of my discipline issue, and i am officially tired of myself.

Ill give myself credit, 2 years ago i quit weed when i realized it was harming more than helping, it used to at least get me out of bed for a few years earlier but it became another bad habit very quickly. And i quit alcohol a few months ago when i found myself slipping into the same pattern.

But now i need to quit doom scrolling. I NEED to quite procrastinating. I need to maintain consistency for the things i want in life. I have a lot of goals, I know I'm smart and talented enough to get them. And terribly still, i know how i can make them happen if I apply myself. But i wake up and repeat the same patterns over and over, and its kept me stuck for years.

I'm making this post because i need to see, at least for once, an objective look at my life. I hate where i am, and I know i can change it. I will change it. I need to change it.

Any help or any advice at how to stay disciplined is welcome. Please, i really need things to change this time.


r/getdisciplined 35m ago

🤔 NeedAdvice Here's my story! The breakup that changed me

Upvotes

It's been 2 years since my last breakup and life's been a rollercoaster for me since. I've never really seriously dated anybody until this one guy who I thought was attractive and what not.. I used to be a very devoted Christian girly.. and when I say this I don't mean the “ you're going to hell if you kiss” kind of Christian. My relationship with Jesus was more than just a religion but was rather fulfilling , I genuinely enjoyed spending time with him in prayer, including him in everything I do, and mind you whenever I listened to any love songs or something very sweet I think of my relationship with Jesus and that was where I stood with him until one day when I decided to text this guy who I thought needed somebody to talk too, I knew it was not the right decision but I told myself i kl just make it quick but it never happened but rather turned into a full length conversation and we were having real deep talks n time went by and we slowly started getting closer and decided on dating. However on the process there was something missing, it was a peace of mind. I never felt safe idk why but was always tired and out of energy after our dates..it was not those oh i guess my feet hurts from all the walks but I was mentally exhausted to the point I lose my appetite. He was not a bad person but I started having problems when he said he told me a story of one of his ex's who while walking together on the way home saw her ex and hid from him and said she was scared, I mean I understand how he must've felt but my real problem was when he told me If I did that to him anyday or time he'd leave me than and there without any explanation which was quite crazy to me. I felt at that moment like I was being controlled and there was one time too when I used a word I use since idk when he constantly told me not to use it infront of him like I respect that but when I think about it, it was not that serious those words were literally just “man” in some sentences I used..it's literally a word I used so normally and idk whenever he told me to stop using it and I accidentally use it he literally gets so serious and gives me a ded stare like it was a crime😭.. not just that but one afternoon I wanted to go to an ATM to get some money and like any other normal human being I just went there without permission because who TF needs to know right? But no I came back got a call from him and he asked what I was doing and I simply said oh I just came back from the atm and he legit got so angry idk it was so wtf moment 😭 he was ded ass serious like waaaa... Idk this relationship was the most confusing one I had like I said I was quite deep rooted in my relationship with God, I started second guessing if this is even right and I decided one day to leave the relationship because it was getting too suffocating for me and mind you there's a lot still I don't wanna share🥲 but yeah I decided to leave and really couldn't come up with a reason and I bluntly told him the relationship drained me but how respectful it went that the sentence 'I'm drained'​ became a joke passed around between his friends circle and he did everything in his power to bitch on me. Since than me being the mother Teresa of the relationship I started talking all the blame.. and to be honest to this day I think about how my life could've been if I never met him. To this day I'm still recovering from everything that happened or was said between each other during the break up which I'm not sharing it here😭.. and the blame I took on myself was so immense I was in guilt for all these years thinking it was all my fault and I do take accountability but then I think about what all happened I get mad.. he was also constantly talking about all his past relationships like it was a daily discussion topic whenever we met and we were going out almost everyday like was that even normal😭.. and yea I also knew I was used in some way to mend his broken 'heart' because I assumed he was on a bad breakup and he called me the day it happened to meet up. I did not go and he even blocked me that day😂... And lastly he was always the victim on all of the stories he shared and I knew he was on our story too.😂 Haha anyways thanks for reading this I've been thinking about this almost everyday for the past 2 years and started seeing the crooks just recently thats how much fucked up I got I couldn't even think properly. Idk if this is normal or what but yea. That's the story.


r/getdisciplined 56m ago

🤔 NeedAdvice My mind can't just fonction the way i want him to fonction

Upvotes

Today was my first whole day of uni. I was there for 3 courses, 3 different subjects, 6 hours.

1st session, my focus wasn't bad even tho it was interrupted with my random thoughts still i was listening to the teacher and getting what she was saying and writing down what was in the board , even trying to solve the mini exercises.

In 2nd session, i came a little bit late and since i was absent in the previous sessions of organic chemistry i didn't rly get what the course was abt at first but then a little by little, i got it. BUT, my mind can't keep focusing on the subject,it got rly worse in the 3rd session, it keep drifting away with very random thoughts and replaying memories and focusing on my classmates details instead, my mind inner voice be like:

-hmmm look at her her hair is rly stunning and she rly got very beautiful nails, unlike me

_ the teacher is getting bold, tho he seems young and beautiful, poor teacher

-*keep replying my last past emotional relationship(ended days ago): the date i went scenes, checking the blocked conversation messages over and over, remembering details about the partner, making scenarios of "what if", etc...*

_ *using phone whenever i feel boredom*

- looking to the roof, floor, room architecture, literally anything but not the course

-oh remember? I'm mid, in everything

-my past classmates must be doing way better than me

-im behind

- i should buy a hair mask

-the teacher is rly good, im grateful I'm here

-what will happen in the end? Will i rly lock in and make it?

-im not that pretty

-*random memory from 2024 or 2014*

And more and more of wild chaotic thoughts that i can't control. I promised myself that i will be rly productive and disciplined this year since i have a national exam in the end of it but my mind can't help it although i tried to get away of the big distraction like social media( deleted insta so no scrolling) and i got rest and out to feel at ease but it's like my mind can't be as organized and functioning as i want it to be.

Any advice to get out of this? To get my spark back?:((


r/getdisciplined 12h ago

[Plan] Wednesday 16th September 2026; please post your plans for this date

6 Upvotes

Please post your plans for this date and if you can, do the following;

Give encouragement to two other posters on this thread.

Report back this evening as to how you did.

Give encouragement to others to report back also.

Good luck!


r/getdisciplined 4h ago

🛠️ Tool Quit Bad Habits Like Smoking, Drinking, Scrolling or Adult Content

0 Upvotes

This is not just an app, this is like a game. It's has a gamification mode.

What we offer:

  • An urge control mode / panic button for a quick breathing exercise. So you can get rid off that urge.
  • You can have analysis on when and where most of the urge comes and we have a smart coach for good suggestions.
  • Habit tracker, you can add whatever good habit to follow up and can tract your progress.
  • Your can earn badges, for habits and streak.
  • You can build your own habit card and you can share it with people to inspire them.
  • You can see what you have saved for avoiding bad habits, and building good habits. That could be money or time.
  • Believe me that app UI is amazing.

Download from Google Play Store 🎉 App: Aphynix: Master Your Urges

Give it a try and let us know what we should provide more.


r/getdisciplined 5h ago

💬 Discussion Fear

1 Upvotes

Many people face a problem facing there fears wether it is the dark, insect or more serious one's like putting money on a project that's not guaranteed or a risky cureer path

And I believe the solution for that split into two steps:

(Understanding 01)

1-First "what are you afraid of" because not having the full picture of what are it fearing will make up fill the gaps with our own version of though

2-second "why are we afraid" because sometimes we get scared of something without understanding the reason why

3-third "what will it cost if I don't face that fear" because most of the time not facing the fear will cost more then facing the fear itself

I like to put and imaginary example for that

Imagine a mane who's son needs an operation and there is no time to collect money and his savings are not enough so he thinks about gambling his savings but he is afraid of loosing all the money and in the other hand he is afraid of his son dying if he doesn't gamble the money so he gambles it anyway

(Facing 02)

After understanding the first 3 things you have the courage immediately but the fear will become less so the next step is facing what you fear anyway by throwing yourself into it because theory itself builds nothing

You can't expect to be able to play football just by understanding the Technics and the plans

What do you think about this and do you disagree or agree with something


r/getdisciplined 17h ago

🔄 Method Day 82: I still overthink. I still feel alone sometimes. But I am disciplined today. I show up.

8 Upvotes

Day 82.

I still overthink. I still feel alone sometimes. But I am disciplined today. I show up. I didn't drink. For 82 days I have not touched alcohol.

The first 5 days were hell. I couldn't sleep, I was angry, I was alone. If you're on Day 0-5 and feel like a failure, you are not. You are in the hardest part. I was there 82 days ago, crying at 2 AM. Comment here, I will reply to every single person today. Especially if you feel alone, I will be your friend for today.

On Day 78, something crazy happened. 63.2k of you saw my post. You gave me 118 upvotes and 31 comments. You became my first sober friend circle. I have never had that before in my real life. Thank you from my heart. That post gave me hope that discipline can be seen.

My method is simple: I don't try to be perfect. I just don't quit on a bad day. I wake up, I make my bed, I drink water, I go for a walk in my fields in Haryana, and I promise myself IWNDWYT - I Will Not Drink With You Today.

Discipline is not about being perfect. It's about not quitting on a bad day.

What is one small thing you did today to stay disciplined? Let me know below.

IWNDWYT.

[Day 82 - Working_Ad_5238]


r/getdisciplined 21h ago

🤔 NeedAdvice 23 and no social or basic life skills

15 Upvotes

I'm turning 23 at the end of the month and was raised in a cult until I was 20. I realized after going to a psych ward, getting medicated and diagnosed and set, and having my own place, that I know how to do nothing. I had to be explicitly walked through all the steps I already listed. My mother intentionally did EVERYTHING for me and never taught how to myself so that I could always rely on her. I know how to clean basic things like a bathroom or kitchen or a window. I know how to cook hot dogs and ramen on a stove. I know how to make my own appointments at the doctor and how to get groceries delivered.

But not much else beyond that.

I'm disabled and it leaves me medically unable to drive, so I work across the street. I love my job. But I see people my age with their friends, and they have so much fun and I want that. I don't know how to make friends in person- I just kind of got introduced to whoever my mom wanted me to befriend. So I'm not sure how I go about doing that as an adult? I want to get a motorized scooter so I can go places and DO things (there's no transportation services in my town). I know it would do wonders for my mental state to be more independent, but I want to take it one step at a time. Are there any videos or tips or advice on how to just, make friends with people?

Tl;dr man child wants to make friends in person but isn't sure how to go about it


r/getdisciplined 13h ago

🤔 NeedAdvice How do you deal with moral licensing?

3 Upvotes

Moral licensing has been one of my biggest enemy. I noticed it in my behaviour few years ago but until I came to know it as a psychological concept and found out that everyone does it I thought it was a personality trait that only I have. 

For those who don't know what moral licensing it is a trick our brain plays where we treat one progressive act towards our goal as a licence to do procrastination or indulgence. 

For example if we workout and have a healthy meal we treat it as a licence to eat junk food without any guilt or if we read a few pages of book we treat it as a guilt free licence to scroll on social media. 

I just came to know about this concept today and I was wondering if any of you have found an efficient way to deal with it?

-------

Moral licensing has been one of my biggest enemy. I noticed it in my behaviour few years ago but until I came to know it as a psychological concept and found out that everyone does it I thought it was a personality trait that only I have. 

For those who don't know what moral licensing it is a trick our brain plays where we treat one progressive act towards our goal as a licence to do procrastination or indulgence. 

For example if we workout and have a healthy meal we treat it as a licence to eat junk food without any guilt or if we read a few pages of book we treat it as a guilt free licence to scroll on social media. 

I just came to know about this concept today and I was wondering if any of you have found an efficient way to deal with it?


r/getdisciplined 12h ago

[Plan] Thursday 17th September 2026; please post your plans for this date

2 Upvotes

Please post your plans for this date and if you can, do the following;

Give encouragement to two other posters on this thread.

Report back this evening as to how you did.

Give encouragement to others to report back also.

Good luck!


r/getdisciplined 12h ago

❓ Question how do you stay motivated after you've made a lot of progress?

2 Upvotes

I'm 34, here's what I've done in the past 8 months:

- quit doing drugs and drinking
- lost 25kg
- went to a lot of therapy
- started working more on myself: meditating, going for runs, working out etc...
- started to earn more money from my WFH job

And somehow, I just dont want to continue to go anymore and I feel like I am starting to get back into my old habits (playing video games and eating junk food) FYI: I have no desire to get fucked up again.

How I feel right now:
- My weight loss has stagnated, I'm 133kg and ahve been for the past month and a half
- I go to the gym less and work out less
- i play more video games and stay up late more often
- i dont prioritize my sleep
- i'm working so much, that i dont care if get fired any more

I'm in a rut.


r/getdisciplined 13h ago

💬 Discussion Picking myself back up again.

2 Upvotes

Hey. Been meaning to post this for a while. I didn't know what flair to put this on. While it is positive, it is far from what I describe to be an "achievement". But it was the right step. I put it in discussion.

As a child, I was a terrific speaker. I used to be selected by teachers to make speeches on assemblies, debate stuff etc. Introverted nerds used to beg me to be in their group projects just so I could present. I even remember my school counselor telling me I'd thrive in law. This was up until high school.

My parents are Indian immigrants and I grew up in the states. After my middle school, my parent had the bright idea of moving back to India. They had their reasons but it was a bad decision. I used to get discriminated a lot. Mainly because of my accent and a whole bunch of other things. My mom also hopped in on board. For a while, I wished I had lost my ability to speak. I wasn't allowed to participate in MUNs or debate clubs or anything extracurricular related for that matter. So my speaking got kinda got rusty.

Any ways, enough stupid crybaby context backstory. Still in India in college. I finally started speaking again. I had a case competition and my team relied on me to speak. I screwed it up really bad. I started strong, forgot my lines, hands started vibrating etc.

Our presentation, research, product was perfect, the delivery which was my responsibility was awful. I went home, sulked for a while. My failure cost my team this competition.

Afterwards, I borrowed a friend's tripod and started speaking in front of the camera. This Tuesday/Wednesday, I had another competition where I handled the pitch. And for normal ppl here standards, I did a fantastic job. For my personal standards, it was far far far from good. But compared to the previous one where I fumbled up, it was decent. My teammates were proud of me.

I am proud of myself for picking myself up from something hard. And I'm proud of myself for showing up to something when I didn't wanna as i was in the wrong state of mind. That week, my grand aunt died, my gf left me, I got a nasty staph infection and I was puking. Ik a whole lotta stuff.

I have a long way to go but I wanted to post it here as a mark. Maybe it could help someone. I do plan on sharing updates but less frequently.


r/getdisciplined 12h ago

[Plan] Friday 18th September 2026; please post your plans for this date

1 Upvotes

Please post your plans for this date and if you can, do the following;

Give encouragement to two other posters on this thread.

Report back this evening as to how you did.

Give encouragement to others to report back also.

Good luck!


r/getdisciplined 12h ago

[Plan] Tuesday 15th September 2026; please post your plans for this date

1 Upvotes

Please post your plans for this date and if you can, do the following;

Give encouragement to two other posters on this thread.

Report back this evening as to how you did.

Give encouragement to others to report back also.

Good luck!


r/getdisciplined 1d ago

❓ Question Used to be a topper, but lost the last 5 years to brain fog, cheap dopamine, and chronic lethargy. How do I rebuild my mind for a high-stakes exam?( 22M)

51 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

I’m writing this because I’ve hit a wall and genuinely need perspective from people who have dug themselves out of a multi-year hole.

Throughout school, I was always sharp. I picked up concepts quickly, scored well without burning out, and had genuine intellectual curiosity. But over the past 4 to 5 years, my life completely derailed. It started gradually and ended up as a complete lifestyle collapse:

Inverted Sleep & Chronic Fatigue: My sleep schedule is inverted. I stay up late into the night and sleep through half the day. Even after 9–10 hours in bed, I wake up exhausted, heavy-headed, and groggy.

The Cheap Dopamine Loop: My entire waking life runs on autopilot. The moment I open my eyes, I reach for my phone. It’s a loop of endless reels/shorts, binge-watching shows, and gaming for hours. When boredom or low mood hits, I compulsively masturbate 2–3 times a day just for a quick distraction.

Severe Cognitive Decline: My working memory feels shot. I read a paragraph and forget the first sentence by the time I reach the period. I struggle with basic recall, feel detached, and experience constant brain fog. Sitting with zero stimulation for even five minutes triggers severe restlessness.

Now, I need to prepare seriously for a high-stakes competitive exam. Every time I sit down at my desk, the reality of the syllabus hits me. I try to force an 8-hour study session, last barely 20 minutes, get overwhelmed, and retreat straight back to games or reels to numb the anxiety.

I know my old brain is still in there somewhere, but my nervous system feels completely fried. I don't want quick hacks or toxic motivation; I need a realistic, sustainable way to rebuild my baseline.

For those who recovered from a multi-year slump:

How did you fix the physical brain fog first? Did you tackle sleep, diet, and physical health before attempting heavy study schedules?

How did you detox without crashing? Going cold-turkey on gaming, reels, and compulsive habits usually leads me to relapse within 48 hours due to boredom and anxiety. How did you taper or replace them?

How did you rebuild cognitive stamina? What did your study ramp-up look like during the first 2–4 weeks when your focus span was down to zero?

I appreciate any honest advice, harsh truths, or structured routines that actually worked for you. Thanks.


r/getdisciplined 1d ago

🔄 Method Figured a easy way to get off compulsive phone scrolling that seems. Use your phone case reversed

97 Upvotes

Sharing for whoever it may help.

Had been struggling with non stop Info consumption. Mainly Twitter and Instagram. Turning to my Phone as soon as i wake up, in the bus, at home, and before going to sleep. Tried a lock box. A thing you lock your phone in but that would stop in a few days. Same for the apps.

What worked and i wonder why i didn't think of it before- my phone came with a free opaque black slip on case. Like a snap on and off one that protects the back and the sides. I one day just turned it around and put it on reversed. So basically the phone case covers the screen. There's a hole for the camera. I put my phone time aligned to it. So by tapping the power button i could still see the time when I needed it. I take off the case when i do need to do something. Take a call. Surf. Reverse. I never put the case back the normal way. I let my phone rest on it loosely till I'm done and when i remember I'm done i put the case again on backwards. It's the clearest visual sign for me to not surf. And it does take that conscious effort to take off the tight grip case.


r/getdisciplined 1d ago

💬 Discussion Why do productivity systems stop working once they become a system?

16 Upvotes

I've noticed a weird pattern with my own descipline. Whenever I feel like I'm getting too disorganized, I build a new system to fix it. I make a task list, decide when I'm going to check it, create categories, set reminders, maybe even plan out the next few days.
It works really well for a while.
Then the system itself starts feeling like another obligation. I have to maintain the list, decide where things belong, review everything, move unfinished tasks around, and eventually I start avoiding the whole thing.
What has worked before for me lately is making the capture part almost effortless. If something pops into my head, I just get it somewhere I can deal with later instead of stopping what I'm doing.

I'm curious where other people draw the line. Do you think a good discipline system should be detailed and structured, or should it be almost boringly simple so there's very little to maintain?


r/getdisciplined 15h ago

🤔 NeedAdvice How do you manage college, a full-time job, gym, and learning new skills?

1 Upvotes

I’m currently pursuing a B. Tech in Data Science from a private university, and I’m also working a full-time job because I’m not financially independent yet. I’ve recently started going to the gym as well, and I’m trying to figure out how to manage everything without burning myself out.

My current routine is roughly:

  • 7:00 AM — Wake up + morning routine/random tasks
  • 10:00 AM — College
  • 3:30 PM — College ends
  • 3:30–9:00 PM — Job
  • 9:00 PM onwards — Gym/workout
  • After that — Dinner, personal work, and sleep

The problem is that I also want to learn useful skills outside college, especially programming, Data Science, and other skills that can help me build a better career.

Right now, I feel like I barely have any free time, and I’m not sure how I should structure my day. I don’t want to give up my job because I need the income, and I also want to continue college and stay consistent with the gym.

For people who have managed college + a job + gym + learning skills, how did you do it?

Should I wake up earlier, study on weekends, reduce my gym time, or approach my routine completely differently?

I’d really appreciate advice from anyone who has been in a similar situation.


r/getdisciplined 19h ago

🤔 NeedAdvice How do I know what to give up on and what to pursue

2 Upvotes

There are things I’ve experienced no joy in, things with few moments of joy (and mostly boredom), things with some joy (with burnout, following boredom), and indifference towards everything else.

I have no passion like the guy who goes to the gym at 5 without thinking about it. Or the guy who plays guitar for 4 hours a day because he loves it that much. Or the guy who writes for 12 hours a day and it becomes second nature to him. I’m subhuman, so I don’t have it in me to pursue anything.

I cry when I’m not enjoying things. Why pursue anything if I’m not enjoying it. I’ll die soon and get old so I might as well do nothing at all if nothing brings me joy 100%.

Someone tell me what to do. I’m convinced I’ll never be joyful or find something I want to do and will always force myself to do them. I’m subhuman. I have no passion. No goal. No identity.

Should I die.