What the Maasai Can Teach Us About Mindfulness, Discipline, and Building a Purposeful Life

Last night as I was scrolling through last year’s photos I came across our trip to Tanzania where I had the privilege of spending time and observing the Maasai people. Known for their bright red shuka’s, deep-rooted traditions, and resilience, the Maasai live in harmony with the land—and in alignment with values we often overlook in our fast-paced, modern lives.

As a business and personal coach, I couldn’t help but draw parallels between their way of life and the tools I use with my clients to create sustainable success: discipline, mindfulness, and community. The Maasai live these principles daily. And in doing so, they offer us powerful reminders of what it takes to live with purpose.

1. Discipline Is Devotion

Each day, I watched young Maasai boys, some as young as 6 years old—barefoot and focused—herding cattle or goats depending upon their age across vast plains all alone. Their tasks weren’t dictated by mood, but by commitment. This isn’t just routine; it’s identity.

In the Western world, we often associate freedom with lack of structure. But the truth is, discipline is what creates freedom. Whether you’re building a business or reinventing your life, consistent effort—not inspiration—is what moves you forward.

We met a young Maasai man, just 20 years old, who shared a powerful story from his childhood. When he was around seven, he was out herding his family’s goats when a hyena appeared and began attacking the animals. As he struggled to fend it off, a second hyena emerged and killed another goat. When he returned home, his father beat him—not out of cruelty, but as a harsh lesson.

It was heartbreaking to hear, but what struck us most was his perspective. He didn’t express anger or self-pity. Instead, he said, “It was okay—I had to learn. Our livestock is our livelihood. If we lose an animal, it affects not just my family, but the entire village.”

Rather than seeing himself as a victim, he viewed the experience as a turning point. He learned how to better protect his herd and made sure it never happened again. His story is a reminder of how responsibility, resilience, and community values are instilled early—and how adversity, when met with the right mindset, can shape strength and growth.

Takeaway: Make discipline a part of your identity. Small actions, done daily, compound into extraordinary results. Building our resilience makes us stronger for the next obstacle.

2. Community Over Competition

The Maasai culture is rooted in shared responsibility. Livestock is communal, elders are revered, and individual success is always tied to collective well-being.

Contrast that with our culture’s obsession with doing it alone. As a coach, I see so many people burning out because they’ve internalized the myth that asking for help is weakness.

While we were there, we sat around the fire with the tribal leader and we had what he called Fire TV time.  It is their time to share stories passed down from their elders and pass those along to the next generation.

Takeaway: We grow faster and stronger together. Surround yourself with a supportive community that reflects your values. Find a networking group, create a mastermind group with shared end goals, or start a weekly walk with a friend to brainstorm ideas. Take time with your family to share stories and pass those lessons learned along to our next generation.

3. Mindfulness Is a Way of Life

The Maasai move through their environment with grace and presence. They observe. They listen. Every action is intentional.

Meanwhile, many of us operate on autopilot—rushing from task to task, rarely pausing to reflect. But mindfulness isn’t just a buzzword. It’s the foundation for clarity, connection, and good decision-making.

Takeaway: Bring awareness to your daily life. One mindful breath or intentional pause can shift your entire day.

4. Embrace Hard Things

Life in the savannah isn’t easy. It requires grit, patience, and endurance. But the Maasai don’t resist the struggle—they accept it. They know it’s part of life, not a sign they’re doing something wrong.

In my coaching practice, I often remind clients that growth is inherently uncomfortable. If you’re challenged, you’re on the right path. It is so easy to start with the tasks that we like to do but not necessarily the ones we know we need to do. Doing the ones that we often resist is how we grow.

Takeaway: Stop chasing ease. Great things require effort—and that effort is worth it.

Bringing It Home

The Maasai live by values that are simple, yet profound. In a world full of distractions and shortcuts, they remind us that purpose is found in presence, discipline, and shared strength.

So if you’re ready to create something meaningful—personally or professionally—begin by living a little more like the Maasai:

• Stay grounded.

• Show up consistently.

• Build your tribe.

• Do the hard thing.

Transformation doesn’t happen overnight—but it does happen when you commit to the journey. I’ll never forget the incredible people we met along the way. They spoke with gentle voices, but each word carried a quiet strength and depth that left a lasting impression.