Saturday, May 7, 2011

3 Simple Ways to Be More Disciplined

Lack of self-discipline can often be an annoying “catch-22.” You find that you need a certain measure of self-discipline in order to become more disciplined, and not having it can cause you to go around in circles trying to make positive changes in your life.

If you are struggling to build up your level of self-discipline, it may not be as difficult as you think – provided you start with these 3 simple steps:

Start with willpower

Self-discipline eventually becomes a habit, just like any other activity you do on a regular basis. Until then, however, you are likely faced with the challenge of overcoming your other habits while trying to form new ones.

One good way to get over this hump is by asserting your willpower, consciously and repeatedly. “Willpower” is defined as “energetic determination.” That means making a conscious CHOICE to take a certain action (or to avoid taking certain other actions).

When you find your self-discipline slipping, remind yourself that you have the power to choose what you do or don’t do – by pure force of will. Avoid allowing outside influences to make your choices for you. Turn your attention inward and make a conscious decision about your actions.

Keep the end result in mind

The reason temptation is so seductive is that we get sidetracked by what we stand to gain right now, instead of what we stand to gain at some later time. Telling yourself you prefer a healthy, strong body six months from now may be difficult when you’re staring at a donut dripping with sweet, gooey icing. All you can think about is the pleasure you’ll gain from eating the donut now, rather than the benefits you’ll gain from sticking to your health program.

In order to keep temptation from sabotaging your self-discipline efforts, keep a strong reminder of your ultimate goal with you at all times. This can be a photograph from a magazine, a written description of your dream, or even a written vow to yourself.

When you feel tempted to abandon your goals for a momentary pleasure – stop and ask yourself if it’s really worth it. Take out your reminder and revisit your goal again. If the goal is still vitally important to you, you should have no trouble choosing the right action.

Repetition and reinforcement

Self-discipline is formed one decision at a time! You may think of self-discipline as something you either have or don’t, but it’s not usually that simple. Developing true self-discipline is an ongoing process, not a one-time event.

If you make this insight a part of your long-term plan, you cannot fail! Simply keep making conscious choices for yourself moment to moment, and your self-discipline will be formed as you go along.

In addition, be sure to keep giving yourself positive reinforcement. When you slip up, be sure NOT to beat yourself up over it. Instead, acknowledge that you made a poor choice, and make a better one next time. When you do make a positive choice, shout it from the rooftops! (At least inside your own mind.) Praise yourself and reward yourself for being able to stay aware and faithful to your long-term goal.

The more positive reinforcement you can give yourself, the less painful will be your journey to true self-discipline.

67 comments:

  1. I had a lack of selfdiscipline a few years ago but now I can say that I'am proud of myself. I lost like 30 kg in 5 years but I'am sure that i can improve! Anyway useful Tips thanks!

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  2. I really need discipline, thnx. This will help me out and damn your blog looks good! Especially your background.

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  3. Very good motivation piece! Loved it!

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  4. thanks for that ! very helpfull

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  5. Definitely some great advice. I personally take it to heart. The one thing I lack the most is discipline.

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  6. Very interesting and helpful read :)

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  7. you have to really want it, and you will need a reason for doing it. some kind of goal to work towards, saying "i want to be more self Disciplined" isn't really a goal so much as a means to obtain a goal. I will be more self Disciplined so I can do A B and C.

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  8. If only this worked in real life... At least for me :P

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  9. Very well made, I need to be more self-disciplined. Thanks for the tips because I really need these, my self-discipline is bad. I always get side-tracked with other things that change my goals and I never really thought that much into it, but now I should.

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  10. Another brilliant post, I think you have a future as a motivational speaker!

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  11. these seem like great ideas, i recognize a lot of it from myself

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  12. i am still reading some books to help me with that, and i am improving!

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  13. Great post, although I find this easier said than done.

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  14. You're such an inspirational writer, thank you.

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  15. Following guidelines like this can really make a difference in one's life. Willpower and determination can go a very, very long way!

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  16. Thanks for the help to everyone. Keep these coming!

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  17. "keep the end result in mind" ... am i stupid that i have never thought of this ? will now !

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  18. It can take 6 or more months to overcome a bad habit. Discipline doesn't come over night. Just force it until you hate not having it.

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  19. ill have to try one of those heh

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  20. seems like sound advice, thanks

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  21. very interesting what you said about wilpower!

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  22. I could use some self discipline. Thanks for posting this.

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  23. Youve adequately captured the struggle of man(kind) against his own desires. Good advice.

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  24. thanks for posting this, I actually really need this one right now, as I am studying for my exams :/
    I will definitely follow as I really like these instructions :)
    rb

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  25. The exact kind of advice I need right now, I have a problem with discipline!

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  26. I'll start trying this tomorrow!

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  27. I'll try this.

    Thanks for info.

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  28. Thanks for this Info, Great blog. Keep posting!

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  29. This post motivated me to leave this comment. Thanks!

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  30. Great read! Very helpful. Thanks a bunch!

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  31. Great advice here. I bet lots of people could get their productivity up just by maintaining discipline.

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  32. hmmm good advice, might think about it

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  33. Thanks for the advice

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  34. I have so many willpower issues

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  35. in dire need of this at the moment. thanks!

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  36. great tips, thank you for sharing them!

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  37. I'll try to remember this , thanks for the advice!

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  38. keeping your eye on the goal, that's what gets me out of bed

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  39. wow great blog! glad I found this :) thanks for the advice man

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  40. I'm on a willpower mission at the moment (eat less chocolate!), so found this very helpful :)

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  41. Inspiring information! this advice will take you far in life ;D

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  42. Man i still have not my disipline... something to think about!

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  43. Thanks for the great advise, although I still need work ;)

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  44. Wow nice, cool blog as well!

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  45. haha, good guide, i need to be more disciplined:-D

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  46. not that bad advice. But dont do weed should be on there to, it is pure antimotivation

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  47. Great advice, I gotta keep at it.

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  48. I always remember #2. Never begin any task without the endgame in mind.

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