Let’s look at a dictionary meaning for self-discipline.
Discipline and training of oneself, usually for improvement: eg Acquiring the habit of promptness requires self-discipline.
the ability to make you do things that should be done.
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I’m the first to admit I don’t have this self-discipline thing mastered yet (to be honest I’m not sure anyone 100% does. I think it’s more a case of we all have our moments!)
I’m always working on improving my self-discipline. Sometimes I’m ahead, sometimes behind but I am always trying to improve.
So what is self-discipline exactly and how does it impact our lives?
It’s the glue that holds your dreams, goals, to-do list and bucket list together.
It’s how we get stuff done!
Self-discipline is how we take amazing holidays, build our dream home, be great parents and get promotions. It’s how we move forward in life.
It is an essential ingredient in how successful we are.
Self-discipline can be tricky. In certain areas of our lives, many of us have tonnes of self-discipline, whereas in other areas we suck!
Sometimes we have an abundance of self-discipline and at other times we feel drained of every ounce of get up and go and nothing seems to be able to make us do the things that should be done.
Here are a few ideas that have helped me increase my self-discipline lately.
Pick your priorities
Don’t try to be Superman and do everything. Pick your priorities.
I will give you an example. I have dirty dishes in my sink. I have time to write this blog post or wash up but not both.
The blog is more important, so here I am. Don’t run yourself ragged trying to do everything. You will exhaust yourself and that’s when your self-discipline is most likely to disappear.
One book I found helpful that looks at both your self-discipline and habits is Better Than Before by Gretchen Rubin. Gretchen’s plan is to have you create better habits that in turn help your self-discipline. When the two work together they can be extremely powerful.
Improve on your personal best
One thing self-discipline loves is seeing results.
Don’t compare yourself to other people because it can be demotivating. Work to improve on your personal best and watch your self-discipline increase.
Related post – Don’t Compare Yourself to People on Social Media
Find something that you like doing
If you are going to flex your self-discipline muscles start with something you love.
It’s much harder to force yourself to do things that you hate. Once you flex your self-discipline muscle you might even find doing things you dislike slightly easier.
Related post – 5 Ways to Make Doing Something You Hate Easier
Repetition helps build self-discipline
Let’s use exercise as an example. Do you think you will have more self-discipline to go for a jog if you have been once a fortnight or if you have been going every day for a week?
Go for the repetition.
Related post – How to Have More Self-Discipline
Work on your habits
If you want to weave more self-discipline into your life, take a serious look at some of your day-to-day habits and see where they can be improved or changed to benefit you.
Related content on habits –
- 10 Best Books on Habits – Learn how to break old habits and create new ones
- 10 Situations Where Awareness Can Help in Changing Habits
- 20 Quotes on Habits – Get Inspired to break old habits and create new ones
Where possible make self-discipline fun!
If you can’t quite manage that, make sure when you are having downtime that you are having fun and enjoying yourself!
Self-discipline is the difference between having a great life and letting life pass you by. Which one will you choose?
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Read Next – 10 Important Ways to Make Yourself a Priority