There’s something special about Bruce Lee—an aura of self-confidence as if he was already a star, and indeed, he was. Bruce Lee always believed in himself, but where did this unwavering confidence come from? According to Lee, faith in oneself is a state of mind that can be conditioned through self-discipline. Bruce Lee was incredibly self-disciplined. Despite his busy schedule, he made time every day to read, write, reflect, and train.
Throughout his life, Bruce Lee faced many challenges, and it was his self-discipline that helped him overcome them. But what was the secret behind his self-discipline? Bruce Lee believed that the mind and body are interconnected, constantly empowering one another. He also believed in controlling his thoughts, equating clarity of thought with success in life. For Lee, clarity of mind was the foundation of discipline and mastery.
Bruce Lee carried a small 2x3-inch notebook everywhere he went. In it, he not only noted his workout routines but also wrote down philosophical ideas, reflections on self-discipline, and thoughts on personal growth. He treated this practice seriously, even signing his notes like a legal contract, signifying his commitment to incorporate these ideas into his martial arts practice with sincerity. For Bruce Lee, martial arts was much more than just fighting or physical exercise—it was a way of life and a path to self-mastery, something even Warner Brothers Studios would later realize.
The Power of Affirmations
Bruce Lee often used affirmations as a foundation for his self-discipline and mastery. He considered "Will Power" to be the first step toward success. He once said, "I know the power of will—it is the most powerful force within me. I will consciously use this power every day." For Bruce Lee, willpower was not just a mental concept or a voice urging him to take action. He described it as a mysterious inner force that drives a person to live and grow. He believed that mastering willpower meant tapping into this life force within, connecting with it in every task and action.
Bruce Lee made a promise to himself: "Every day, I will do at least one thing that helps me connect with this inner power."
The Role of the Subconscious Mind
In one of his writings, Bruce Lee mentioned the importance of the subconscious mind in shaping willpower. He emphasized the need to create a clear, vivid image of his goals in his subconscious mind. He would consistently visualize his main purpose in life, ensuring that he had a clear picture of both his big and small goals. By repeatedly submitting these images to his subconscious mind, he conditioned his mind to focus on his desires and objectives.
Bruce Lee also recognized the importance of good plans and ideas. He said, "I will use my imagination every day to develop successful ideas and strategies." He believed in the power of a strong memory and would often organize his thoughts, adding positive ideas and knowledge to keep his memory sharp.
For years, Bruce Lee had a clear image in his mind of becoming a lead actor in Hollywood. He believed that the way you habitually think about yourself shapes who you become. He urged people to be mindful of their negative thoughts, not to fight or suppress them, but to simply observe them and remind themselves, "I am not someone who is troubled by these thoughts."
Mastering Emotions and Desires
Bruce Lee knew that both positive and negative emotions existed within him. He aimed to increase positive emotions and channel negative emotions into useful actions. He understood the importance of directing his desires wisely, using intelligence and logic, and listening to his inner conscience to distinguish right from wrong. He vowed to never back down from doing what was right.
After delivering a hit film in Hong Kong, Bruce Lee got his big break in Hollywood. He was given the chance to play a lead role in a movie called Enter the Dragon. Bruce himself wrote the script, but Warner Brothers Studios initially removed all philosophical elements, turning the film into a simple action movie. Bruce Lee, however, stood by his principles, believing that there was a deeper message behind kung fu and martial arts. Even though he risked losing his opportunity in Hollywood, he refused to compromise his vision. Two weeks later, Warner Brothers had to accept his terms.
The Instinct for Growth and Expansion
Bruce Lee often spoke of his "instinctive urge for expansion and growth." In his book Striking Thoughts, he writes, "The person who recognizes their own willpower has only one goal—to expand and grow." Bruce believed that values like willpower and self-discipline are the mysterious powers found within ourselves. He emphasized the importance of searching within to uncover these inner strengths.
Bruce Lee’s life and teachings offer valuable lessons on self-discipline, willpower, and personal growth. You can take inspiration from his practices and develop your own habits to cultivate self-discipline in your life.