Writing a novel or building self-discipline both begin with small steps and grow through persistence. At first, writing even a single paragraph feels overwhelming, and early drafts may seem unworthy compared to bestsellers. What we forget is that every successful author once struggled too, refining their craft over years of practice until stories began to flow naturally.
Self-discipline develops in the same way. A person who appears highly disciplined—waking up early, exercising daily, maintaining a balanced life—didn’t achieve this overnight. They started with one small habit, like waking up 30 minutes earlier or choosing healthier meals, and gradually built more on top of it.
The journey is slow, often discouraging, but progress is cumulative. Each small action creates habits, those habits reshape lifestyle, and lifestyle shifts transform identity. Over time, the small steps compound into remarkable achievements.
Consider the example of Virat Kohli, who once struggled with fitness and diet early in his cricket career. By starting small—eliminating junk food and introducing daily fitness routines—he steadily built discipline that transformed him into one of the fittest and most consistent players in the world. His journey reflects the truth that discipline, like storytelling, is built word by word, habit by habit, until it becomes part of who you are.