If self-discipline were easy, everyone would be doing it. Everyone would be smashing their goals one by one, accomplishing what they set out to do, and seeing their dreams come to life. The main reason why many people struggle with following through is that self-discipline is not easy. Many people start something but never complete their plans.
Perhaps you might even have one of those plans which you still haven’t accomplished, or worse, started. You may have relegated it to the back burner out of frustration that you can’t seem to simply do it. Yet, you still hope that maybe one day, you will finally make it happen.
Self-discipline is something we all need, and yet not all of us practice. In a way, it is one of the prices one has to pay for success. Accomplishing many of the things worth having in your life requires self-discipline. Through it, the essential attributes of persistence and perseverance are brought into play.
Being disciplined is not something we are born with, though. That is good news because it means we all have an equal chance to practice it and improve it. It is simply like a muscle that anyone can build and strengthen with more use.
Here are a few ways you can effectively improve and develop the habit of self-discipline.
Do Not Underestimate The Power Of A Small Step
We all need self-discipline to reach our goals in life. This enables us to power on in spite of challenges and obstacles that normally come our way. But here’s something we also need to remember – self-discipline doesn’t have to come in only in your grandest plans and loftiest goals.
Building self-discipline starts with the smallest things. Having a set bedtime and sleeping on time every night might be simple, but accomplishing this is a great start. Waking up on time; showing up when you don’t feel like it; or ignoring notifications while you’re trying to be productive at work all seem little actions – but they all build up the discipline muscle. A small step can make or break this muscle. Remember – small steps, in the right direction.
Know Yourself and Understand Your Weaknesses
It’s important to know yourself, including your weaknesses. In this way, you will know what you need to stay away from, and what may need extra effort. For example, if you have weight loss problems, you can avoid the tendency to overeat by not buying your favorite snacks and putting them in your pantry.
By knowing yourself, you will better understand why you are seeking after the things that you are. It is difficult to build and strengthen self-discipline when you don’t know the purpose behind your efforts. So know yourself and avoid the temptations that can be your greatest weaknesses.
Have A Plan and Remove Temptations
When you determine what you need to avoid, work on the how. When it comes to self-discipline, “out of sight, out of mind” is very effective, whereas, allowing yourself to be tempted, and relying on your willpower to do the heavy-lifting of avoiding it, will backfire. Environment eclipses willpower, every time.
Draining your strength and capacity to exercise your willpower will make it more challenging for you to take control of situations. The best way to set yourself up for success is by taking the temptation out of the picture first so it won’t become an issue.
Practice It And Repeat Constantly
To really improve your self-discipline requires practice and constant repetition. Practice and repetition may seem boring, but it is the secret to mastery. Just like learning any new skill, this applies to self-discipline, too. The more you exercise your self-discipline muscle, the better you will strengthen it. In time, self-discipline will become your automatic response, and almost everything will become easier.
Cut Yourself Some Slack If You Don’t Succeed
No one is perfect, not even the most disciplined of persons. In practicing discipline, there will naturally be times you will fail in your efforts and give in. Occasionally, this is normal and all a part of being human. Do not be too hard on yourself, but simply allow yourself to move forward. Never give in to failure by being discouraged by it, because doing so will set you back more, and you will find yourself constantly failing, too. Adopt a growth mindset instead, and make a habit of success.
Get Enough Sleep Every Night
The ability to practice self-regulation and discipline is a brain function. The prefrontal cortex is that region in the brain responsible for these actions. Studies show that a lack of sleep naturally depletes this reserve. Getting at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night is the best first step to ensure you maintain your ability to practice self-discipline.
Final Thoughts
Working and practicing these ways to improve your self-discipline will produce positive results. You need to practice self-discipline daily and forgive yourself if you mess up. It is possible to improve your self-discipline! Work at it!