Voluntary imposition of constraints

“What characterizes binding behavior is the voluntary imposition of constraints (that are costly to overcome) on one’s future choices in a strategic attempt to resist future temptations.”
–Dan Ariely 

It might feel stupid to try all this habit-building stuff. It might feel silly to impose constraints upon yourself to increase your productivity. Until you realize the person who is most likely to sabotage you is you. 

If you feel like the constraints don’t mean anything because you’re the one setting them up for yourself, then they won’t mean anything. But when you realize that you’re the only one who is willing to work for your success, you’ll realize these constraints mean everything. Self-discipline and self-respect are powerful.