What happened? I thought you said you were going to start that new business? What about that exciting novel you were going to write or how about taking that next step in your life? What’s stopping you from achieving those goals?
Sometimes when you get the inspiration to do something, the lack of self-discipline may be the reason why you can’t achieve those goals. At the moment, it seems like a brilliant idea, but when it’s time to execute the plan to get things done, nothing happens.
So, what is self-discipline and why is it important?
What is Self-Discipline?
Self-discipline is the ability to control your feelings and overcome your weaknesses. It’s also a character trait that helps you form, cultivate, and work continuously towards improving yourself and your life. Take note of these important pillars of self-discipline: acceptance, willpower, hard work, industry, and persistence.
Improving self-discipline can have a positive impact on your entire well-being, your mental and physical health, and your career and personal life.
Although it’s better said than done, self-discipline can be very difficult to achieve if not worked on consistently. Like a muscle, the more you work on developing and using it, the stronger self-discipline becomes. For example, people who exercise regularly, show higher levels of self-esteem and have a great sense of self-discipline.
When you master self-discipline, get ready to unleash the power to overcome any goal you set for yourself. Studies show that students with high levels of self-discipline are able to absorb more information than those without it. The students with strong self-discipline are also more careful with their assignments, which in turn, helps them improve their performance.
Here are five tips to help you master your self-discipline and achieve your goals:
Always, Always Write Down Your Goals
When combined with goal-setting and planning, self-discipline can be a very powerful tool. This is why it is important to write down a list of your goals and take action on your smaller goals first. Always finish one goal at a time before moving on to the next goal. The goals that you set should be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound). Lastly, be sure to stick to your goals no matter the challenge.
Identify Your Weaknesses
As the definition suggests, part of developing self-discipline is about overcoming your weaknesses. So, how do you overcome your weaknesses? First, you must identify the challenges that are holding you back from achieving your goals. Once you have them written down, figure out where the challenges stem from and come up with a strategic plan to overcome them.
A great place to start is to research different journal prompts that answer questions like these: What do you struggle with while achieving your goals? What will you do differently when faced with this obstacle again? When answering these questions, be as truthful as you can in your responses.
Form New Habits
Once you’ve conquered your challenges/weakness, replace the old, bad habits with new, productive habits. The healthy habits will help you to forget about the old habits. Additionally, the new habits will support you in future goals and strengthen you on your self-discipline journey.
Keep Track of Your Progress
Throughout your self-discipline journey, pay attention to how you feel as self-discipline develops and strengthens within you. Try filming or writing down your progress in a journal so you can see how much you’ve changed for the better. Remember to keep track of your self-discipline goals to reinforce positive changes you’ve implemented into your life. The recorded progress will also show you how to apply some of these newfound practices to other parts of your life.
Remember Your Why
When you feel yourself wanting to give up or quit, remind yourself of why you got started in the first place. Keep a journal of the reasons why you want to achieve the goals and refer to it whenever you feel like throwing in the towel. Find other creative ways to stay motivated towards your bigger goals. If you have to share your goals with people you trust, have them hold you accountable in a loving way so you can reach your goals faster.
Josie D
How do YOU develop self-discipline to help you achieve your goals?
Follow Josie on Instagram @sincerely_josied and @susquehannastyle, and hashtag #Susquehannastyle to let us know. For all things self-care, personal growth, fashion, and travel, check out thecheetahbuzz.com.
