Essay

First Principles of Discipline

February 16, 2026

A calm man looking out a window while journaling.

Discipline starts with honesty.

If your plans fail repeatedly, your standards are unclear. Strong men do not rely on motivation alone. They create constraints and return to them daily.

A practical frame

  1. Pick one standard.
  2. Make it measurable.
  3. Review it nightly.

What gets measured gets repeated.

Author portrait illustration

Author

Michael Kove

Writer focused on discipline, judgment, and practical philosophy for modern men.