editor’s note

When I think about my life and my journey, I think the one thing that’s made everything happen is self-discipline. When you work a job people make the standards for you, building alone you have to make your own.

Im glad I did.

Ibrahim/ICXN

discipline is freedom

Let’s talk about one of the biggest contradictions in the creative world.

We all say we want freedom:

Creative freedom.
Time freedom.
Financial freedom.
Freedom to move how we want, live how we want, build what we want.

But here’s the part that doesn’t get said enough:
The real way to get freedom isn’t through vibes—it’s through discipline.

Not sexy. But it’s the truth.

We’ve been sold this idea that freedom is waking up whenever you want, working only when you feel inspired, and having endless flexibility. But ask anyone who’s actually built something sustainable, and they’ll tell you: freedom has a routine behind it.

If you want the freedom to focus on your art without stressing about bills?
You need a system for your money.

If you want the freedom to travel, to take time off, or to explore new creative projects?
You need structure in your workflow.If you want the freedom to choose who you work with, audience, and output? You need discipline in how you show up, promote, and package your work.

I used to think the more structure I had, the less creative I’d feel.
But it’s the opposite.

When I had no structure, I was constantly reacting—juggling too much, distracted, and burnt out. But when I created habits, carved out protected creative time, and held myself accountable, something shifted. I felt more free within the structure.

Because discipline removes the guesswork.
It gets rid of you overthinking .
And it creates consistency—so creativity has space to thrive.

3 Areas Where Discipline Becomes the Real Flex

1. Time Discipline = Creative Output

You can’t get into flow if you’re scattered.
Discipline with your time doesn’t just help you get more done—it helps you go deeper into the work that matters.

Set non-negotiable creative hours
Use time blocks instead of to-do lists
Turn your phone off when you’re building

Creativity isn’t just about spark—it’s about space.

2. Financial Discipline = Ownership

You don’t need to be rich, but you do need to be responsible.
The more control you have over your finances, the more freedom you gain in your choices.

Know your monthly burn rate
Separate your personal and creative finances
Reinvest in tools that save time and build leverage

Financial chaos kills creative flow. You can’t create clearly when your rent is stressing you out.

3. Focus Discipline = Clarity and Momentum

Most creatives don’t fail because of a lack of talent—they fail because they’re trying to do everything at once.

Pick one main priority per season
Say “no” to anything that pulls you in the wrong direction
Review your progress weekly to stay real with yourself

You don’t need more ideas. You need more execution on the ideas that matter.

Everyone wants freedom, but not everyone is ready for it.

Because real freedom isn’t doing whatever you want. It’s doing the work that sets you up to choose what you want, every single day. And that kind of power only comes when you’re willing to be disciplined—even when nobody’s watching.

Discipline isn’t about being rigid or robotic.
It’s about creating systems that allow you to move with intention instead of chaos.

So if you want the lifestyle, the success, and the peace that comes with freedom?
You need to build the discipline that sustains it.

You ready?

Ibrahim/ICXN

family spotlight

spotlighting our forevafam* members - join to be shared.

Name: Layla

Job Title: Photographer & Videographer

Socials: @lays.perspective

What should people know about you: one thing all my friends know about me is that i love old drake. guaranteed if you see me with my airpods in or in the car it’s either old r&b or old drake playing🤣 idc for his new stuff as much though

What makes you feel free?: being independent! I am very glad that i’m not afraid to go eat by myself or go out by myself, i’m actually planning my first solo trip right now to japan!