How to Create Self Discipline
By definition, it's "the ability to control one's feelings and overcome one's weaknesses; the ability to pursue what one thinks is right despite temptations to abandon it." Self discipline is basically our consistent ability to control our actions, feelings and emotions. It can seem like we have no control over certain aspects of our lives, but we do. All we need to do is learn some self discipline tips.
Learning how to master self discipline behaviors will help us stay motivated and therefore we are more likely to reach a goal. Some of my favorite benefits of having self discipline are:
less anxiety
achieving long term goals
feeling happier (making progress feels good)
gaining resiliency
There are 7 key habits that help anyone to create self discipline, even if you've never had it before.
Countdown backward from 5 and force yourself to DO the thing.
This is how self discipline begins - a little push to get to the next step. This is the part that feels uncomfortable. We live in a world where feeling uncomfortable is avoided. This is detrimental to GROWTH. If we want something to change, something's got to change! Stop avoiding discomfort and start embracing change for the sake of improving something about your life.
Put your goals where you can see them every day.
On your bathroom mirror, fridge, in your car or setting alerts to pop up on your phone at different points of the day are a great way to subconsciously train your mind to be focused on your goal. What we focus on grows and that's why successful people make it a habit to review their goals daily. The repetition helps you to remember where it is you're going, not where you've been. You start thinking about possibilities, expansion and how it will feel once you achieve the goal. It's called manifesting, actually, and it works.
Set small goals first.
We all like checking off to-do boxes right? That's how it feels when we break down one large goal into several smaller steps that help us get there. It's positive momentum, and positive reinforcement. For example, if your ultimate goal is to run five miles without stopping, set an initial goal of running a quarter mile without stopping. Then check off that box!
Get better at prioritizing.
This one is really hard for me. It ALL feels pressing and important at times but prioritizing your tasks according to the MUST DO's first. I like to put the things that I don't really like to do at all at the top of my list. I am always relieved that they are done and I don't have to worry about them for the rest of the day.
Know your weaknesses.
We have to get better at recognizing where we are struggling in order to be proactive at combating our weaknesses. Figuring out where we might make a mistake (has this happened before?) can help us prevent it from happening this time.
Accountability squad.
Get someone that you admire and tell them about your goal. We are so much less likely to slip up when our hero is watching us! Tell your BFF, mom or sister all about your goal and see if they will set one with you so you can work on it together.
Fostering a positive mindset.
This is the most difficult part - reprogramming old limiting beliefs and repetitive negative thoughts! I had help when I started on my self mastery journey - some of my favorite self discipline books that helped me to get into this mindset are:
The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy
The Bullet Journal Method by Ryder Carroll
The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod
To learn more about how we can work together to improve your mindset, health + fitness and personal growth, apply for a spot in our Fit Club where we will work on all of it at the same time!
If you would like to learn more about becoming a BODi Partner in my organization, click here.
Who we are and how we earn weekly paychecks