There are two types of people in the world. 

The first type places self-discipline above all else. The answer to everything is more. These are the David Goggins-types. Push yourself more. Just work harder. 

The second type places self-compassion above all else. The answer to everything is to be nice to yourself. Your mental health is more important than anything else. Just love yourself. 

I’ve learned that this is a false dichotomy. Sustained high performance requires both. As Brad Stulberg says, “Fierce self discipline requires fierce self compassion.” 

If you’re too far on the self-discipline side, be kind to yourself when you slip up. You’ll have rough patches. We all do. You cannot get the most out of yourself without occasionally failing. The more you berate and judge yourself, the less likely you are to keep progressing. 

If you’re too far on the self-compassion side, it’s time to raise your expectations. Aim higher. Where can you be more disciplined? Where can you be more consistent? Demand more of yourself. Find someone who will hold you accountable. 

Self-discipline alone leads to flaming out. Self-compassion alone leads to accomplishing little. 

Top performers marry self-discipline with self-compassion.