The Rise and Fall of Self-Discipline Obsession

The Rise of Self-Discipline as a Status Symbol

Waking up at 5am, peeling off tape placed over your mouth to enhance your breathing during sleep, and plunging into ice-cold water—this might sound extreme, but it’s part of a growing trend that promises to boost focus and discipline. Afterward, you might listen to a podcast where the host insists that making your morning routine more punishing is the key to success. While you’re freezing and exhausted, you feel a sense of superiority, believing you are more disciplined than those who haven’t even hit snooze.

Self-discipline has become a form of humblebragging. The desire to push ourselves, use willpower, and believe it makes us better people has seeped into our daily routines, social media feeds, and weekend plans. Over-indulgence is out; an Instagram-friendly version of asceticism is in. Some refer to this as “monk mode,” drawing parallels with the minimalist, isolated lifestyle of monastic traditions.

If you’ve ever scrolled through exercise or wellness-related posts on social media, you’ve likely encountered motivational videos urging you to eliminate distractions, cut out fun, and focus on becoming the best version of yourself. Phrases like “Disappear and come back unrecognizable” are common, implying that erasing any flaws, weaknesses, or quirks is the ultimate goal.

It seems we’re all expected to engage in some form of self-improvement, with the more punishing the better. If you enjoy swimming, make sure the water is icy for a metabolism boost. If you like reading, swap novels for books on productivity, mastering mornings, or maximizing willpower. According to Nielsen data, self-help and popular psychology were the top non-fiction genres last year. Running? Sign up for a marathon—or at least share your sub-half-hour 5k time.

The shift in how we work out is particularly noticeable. A decade ago, fitness trends revolved around novelty classes—think glow sticks, trampolines, and retro pop songs. Now, the focus is on consistency, precision, and focus, such as Pilates, pole-dancing, or functional fitness challenges like Hyrox. These workouts promise the lean body type that symbolizes discipline, which appeals to many.

Then there’s the rise of grueling endurance tests like 75 Hard, where participants commit to 75 days of rigorous routines: sticking to a diet, exercising twice daily, reading non-fiction, avoiding alcohol, and drinking a gallon of water. Participants also take progress photos every day, as the appeal lies in tracking and sharing their journey, often making others feel lazy in the process.

Anthropologist Dr. Lollie Mancey notes that our current fixation on self-discipline reflects a deeper societal shift. She says, “Self-improvement has become performative, commodified, and positioned as a kind of moral superiority.” Practices like cold plunges, intricate morning routines, biohacking, and productivity hacks are not just wellness activities—they are status symbols. They signal control, high-functioning, and worthiness.

The urge to improve ourselves through willpower and self-mastery isn’t new. Psychotherapist Eloise Skinner points out that evidence of this can be found in early human history, from biblical texts to Sun Tzu’s The Art of War. Ancient Egyptians also valued self-control, celebrating the “silent man” as a model of virtue.

While self-discipline has always been a pursuit, today’s motivation often stems from external validation rather than personal growth. Bex Spiller, founder of The Anti-Burnout Club, explains, “People aren’t necessarily chasing self-discipline for the improvement it’ll make in their lives, they’re chasing it for the dopamine they’ll get from the approval of others.”

Social media plays a significant role in spreading this ideology. It acts as a grand stage where people showcase their best selves. Wearable technology adds another layer, turning self-optimization into a game. Smartwatches and fitness trackers provide visual proof of achievement, making it easy to share progress.

Dr. William Van Gordon, associate professor in contemplative psychology at the University of Derby, notes that the focus has shifted from spiritual or communal goals to personal achievements that can be monitored and publicized. This reflects a more individualistic and technology-driven culture.

Mancey agrees, stating that older traditions tied individual flourishing to community responsibilities. Today’s practices often ignore the broader social context, focusing solely on the individual.

While setting goals and following routines can be beneficial, the risk lies in neglecting relationships and connections. The World Health Organization has declared loneliness a global health concern, with studies showing it can increase the risk of premature death. Van Gordon warns that being overly self-orientated can lead to mental health issues and reduce prosocial behavior.

Skinner suggests that self-discipline may also serve as a form of self-protection, offering a sense of control in an unpredictable world. When institutional trust is low, people turn inward, finding comfort in managing their own actions.

However, this mindset promotes hyper-individualism, treating the self like a startup. Mancey argues that it erodes connections with others, reinforcing a worldview where collective care is neglected.

“The solution isn’t more spreadsheets, more tracking apps or colder plunges,” Mancey says. “It’s connection. It’s meaning. It’s remembering that flourishing is not a solo project.”