Have you ever been frustrated because you were struggling to complete a task or achieve a goal? If so, then you already understand the importance of self-discipline. Working to improve your self-discipline is a challenge that will take some real effort on your part, but the results will be well worth your investment of time. Having self-discipline means that you do not need to have anyone else watch over what you do or give you instruction for doing it. You don’t need an “adult supervisor”. All you need to do is decide within yourself that you want something enough to go out and achieve it.
Tips for developing your self-discipline:
1. Be specific. Whether you’re striving toward a career goal or working to finish a project at home, be absolutely sure about what you want to do. For instance, rather than saying. “I’ll try to lose some weight,” say instead, “I will lose 10 lbs in 3 months.” I know this sounds like a matter of semantics, but semantics are important here. Adopting the attitude, “I will,” demonstrates much more self-discipline than saying “I’ll try.” As Yoda says, “Do, or do not. There is no try.” Set yourself up for success by making a firm decision to accomplish your goal.
2. Focus. Self-discipline requires that you get focused. What you plan to do or want to do must be so vitally important to you that it stays in the forefront of your mind until it is achieved. Try leaving yourself a sticky note so you will remember what you are doing. Try taping it to your bathroom mirror or your computer where you will see the written goal frequently. I have notes, slogans, and sticky notes all over my home to remind me of my goals. Actively visualize what reaching your goal will look and feel like.
3. Embrace failure. Expect to fail once in a while. One of the best ways you can learn about self-discipline is to flounder at least once. This way, you will experience first hand the gravity of not getting or accomplishing whatever it is that you seek. Tell yourself, “Okay this is just a slip, a temporary setback and it is completely normal. Now I’m going to get my act together to pursue my goal and do what I’ve set out to do.” Use failure productively. Investigate your missteps and outcomes. Then tell yourself that you will work even harder at getting it “right.”
4. Celebrate successes and record milestones. Keep track of the tasks, projects and progress that contribute to your goals and celebrate your achievements along the way. Achieving milestones and taking special notice of them will provide impetus to continue moving forward.
5. Hang out with people you admire. One of the best ways to learn how to improve a particular area of your life is to gravitate toward those people who seem to do well in that area. Make friends with people you admire for their self-discipline, their ability to follow through, their tenacity and ability to accomplish goals. Apply your keen observation skills to see how they do what they do. Pay attention! Ask questions. Compliment them. Then, apply what you learn to work harder to achieve what you set out to do. Let yourself be inspired to develop more self-discipline by people who are living and pursuing their dreams.
Increasing your self discipline is always possible, but results will not come overnight. Avoid letting failure deter you in your quest to develop your self-discipline and achieve your dreams. Instead, use the setbacks, short falls, etc. to motivate yourself to try harder.
Picking yourself up after a fall is the very heart of self-discipline. Keep at it and you will have developed this critical skill, which you can apply to every area of your life.
Thoughts?
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