A Spoonful Of Discipline

Self-discipline is the key to achieving your goals and dreams.  Whether you want to lose weight, improve nutrition, exercise, quit smoking, create wealth, pay off debt, complete work tasks… and the list goes on.  Doing what it takes to achieve these things can sometimes seem inconvenient, or too hard.  That’s where your friend self-discipline comes in.  It teaches you to be responsible, creates good behaviours and ensures you get what you want.

Everyone has the ability for self-discipline, it just requires a decision to use it.  Numerous research studies have been conducted on self-discipline, but I think Roy Baumeister, PhD, a psychologist at Florida State University, describes it most simply. He concluded there are three necessary components for achieving objectives:  First you need to establish the motivation for change and set a clear goal.  Second, you need to monitor your behaviour toward that goal.  The third component is willpower - willpower is a critical step to achieving that outcome.

Test the theory now – write down a personal or work goal.  You can start small, but make it something that you strongly desire.  Then write down the actions you need to take to ensure you achieve it.  You must read the goal at least every morning and every night to keep it in your focus.  Commit to doing all the actions required and watch your results. 

Thinking you have no self-discipline can often be an excuse.  Fear, limiting beliefs and doubt can definitely creep in.  We all encounter these feelings at some point, but don’t let that rob you of the fantastic rewards you’ll get from sticking to your action plan.  Stay consistent and have faith in yourself.  Follow the steps above and keep your reason ‘why’ strong in your mind.

Your self-discipline is within you.  Exercise it regularly and it will get stronger each time you use it.  Believe in yourself and reap the rewards.