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Friday, October 10, 2025

Kickstart your holiday campaigns

CTV should be central to any growth marketer’s Q4 strategy. And with Roku Ads Manager, launching high-performing holiday campaigns is simple and effective.

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Don’t wait to get started. Streaming on Roku picks up sharply in early October. By launching your campaign now, you can capture early shopping demand and be top of mind as the seasonal spirit kicks in.

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Holiday performance starts now.

We all crave ease — that feeling of comfort, relief, or escape from responsibility. But this quote delivers a truth we can’t ignore: the ease bought with excuses today becomes the difficulty we pay for tomorrow.

Excuses are seductive because they whisper, “You deserve a break.” They help us justify avoidance, delay, or inaction. In the short term, they bring comfort — but in the long term, they bring chaos.

Every time we choose an excuse, we trade momentary relief for future pressure.
Every time we choose discipline, we trade temporary struggle for lasting freedom.

The beauty of this quote lies in its simplicity: it reminds us that the effort we resist today becomes the obstacle we face tomorrow. But the effort we embrace today becomes the ease we enjoy later.

When we push through discomfort — show up, stay consistent, do the thing we’d rather postpone — we strengthen the muscle that creates future peace. Whether it’s sticking to a budget, staying on top of health goals, or following through on commitments, discipline is what turns intention into results.

As Jocko Willink famously said, “Discipline equals freedom.” That freedom isn’t just about time or success; it’s the deep inner freedom that comes from self-trust — knowing you can rely on yourself to do what’s right even when it’s hard.

Context and Origin

The author of this quote is unknown, but its wisdom reflects themes found throughout history.

• Stoic philosophers like Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius taught that mastery over impulse leads to serenity and self-respect.

• Psychologist Walter Mischel’s “marshmallow experiment” showed that those who could delay gratification often experienced greater success later in life.

• Modern thinkers like James Clear (“Atomic Habits”) and Jocko Willink (“Discipline Equals Freedom”) have reinforced the same timeless truth: discipline today builds the foundation for an easier, more fulfilling tomorrow.

The message is clear — life rewards those who invest effort before comfort.

Practical Takeaways for Daily Life

1. Catch excuses early. Notice when you rationalize avoidance — that’s your cue to act.

2. Start with small acts of discipline. Do one hard thing each day — a workout, a tough conversation, or focused work session.

3. Visualize your future self. When tempted to quit, picture the version of you who will thank you for staying consistent.

4. Use “micro-wins.” Build momentum with short bursts of effort — progress compounds faster than you think.

5. Reframe discomfort. Instead of seeing discipline as restriction, view it as the path to long-term freedom and peace.
   

Discipline doesn’t make life heavier — it makes it lighter, one intentional choice at a time.

Resource List: Strengthening Your Discipline Muscle

1. Books:

• Atomic Habits by James Clear – A practical guide to building habits that stick through small, consistent actions.

• Discipline Equals Freedom by Jocko Willink – A powerful reminder that structure and self-control lead to independence.

• The War of Art by Steven Pressfield – On overcoming resistance and doing the work that matters.

2. Videos & Talks:

• “Good” by Jocko Willink (YouTube) – A mindset-shifting perspective on how to respond to challenges.

• “How to Stop Procrastinating Right Now” by Mel Robbins – Practical strategies for taking action despite hesitation.
  

3. Daily Practices:

• The 5-Minute Rule: Commit to working on something for just 5 minutes — momentum often carries you further.

• Habit Tracking: Use a notebook or app to record daily discipline wins, no matter how small.

• Evening Reflection: Ask, “Did I choose ease or effort today?” and adjust tomorrow accordingly.

Final Thought

Excuses may make today feel lighter, but they burden the days ahead.
Discipline may make today harder, but it lightens every day that follows.

Every choice you make today writes tomorrow’s story — so write it with integrity, effort, and purpose.