The Power of Self Discipline
Turning your dreams into reality through the art of self-discipline.
The new year has come and I’m sure you’re eager to kickstart your goals, aspirations and intentions. Many of you know what you’re supposed to do, and what is needed to accomplish your goals for the year.
Unfortunately, we often start off strong but end up falling short when it comes to showing up, staying consistent and actually checking our goals off. But why is it that we fall short of reaching these goals? Well, in simple terms, we lack self-discipline. Yes, WE. I include myself because I even struggle to this day. No one is perfect, but I’d say from being a full-time student while working full-time to now working a more demanding full-time job while running my business; I’ve had no choice but to learn to be disciplined.
So what is self-discipline? As defined by the Oxford Dictionary, “The ability to control one’s feelings and overcome one’s weaknesses; the ability to pursue what one thinks is right despite temptations to abandon it.” In other words, it’s what sets your dreams into reality.
#1 - Acceptance
From trial and error I have learned that you always have to tackle everything from within. Self-reflection. For you to be willing to make changes in your life you need to be self-aware. Ask yourself questions like:
“Why do I want change?”
“What is my purpose to be self-disciplined?”
“How strong is my self-discipline?”
“How often do I keep promises to myself and why?”
“What challenges are easy to me and what challenges are too difficult?”
Being brutally honest when answering these questions will bring the best results. Realizing the damage and hurt you have done to yourself and accepting it. Accepting that “I’m lazy” or “I’m a procrastinator” or “I’m hindering my own growth” whatever realization you make, accept it and use it as fuel to motivate you to make those changes. Knowing your why will not only keep you focused and motivated, it will fuel your fire to dig deeper to make your dreams come true.
#2 - Maintaining Motivation
Now, you know where to start. What now? Plan! Plan! Plan! Write down all areas of your life you want to change, improve or leave behind. Start with one thing at a time and write down small steps you can take to start. In order for a habit to really stick, you need to slowly ease your way in. You cannot go 0 to 100 and expect to stay motivated to keep going. Maybe some of you can, but for my people who can’t that’s okay! Small strides are still strides.
"In order for a habit to really stick, you need to slowly ease your way in."
Just Start!
If your goal is to wake up earlier, set your alarm 5 minutes earlier. If you need to study/work on projects, set a timer for 10 minutes of uninterrupted work. If you want to start working out; start with a walk or a 5 minute YouTube video of whatever workout you want.
All in all you just have to start! And with my self-discipline series I’ll be sure you stay disciplined. Stay tuned, next I will cover discomfort and willpower.
With Love,
Ney