For years, my approach to being self-disciplined was to regularly say “ok, starting tomorrow I will [insert change here]”. Though I had the best of intentions, I would implement the change for a few days and eventually fall back to my old ways.
Becoming a master of self-discipline has countless benefits:
- Accomplishing your goals
- Improved productivity
- Better health and well-being
- Financial stability
- Increased self-confidence
Just to name a few.
However, self-discipline is hard because you are your own boss. You don’t have to answer to anyone if you don’t want to and that little voice that says “screw it!” can be very persuasive.
If this sounds familiar, I got your back.
Here are six tactics that you can use to help stay disciplined in any aspect of your life.
1) Set SMART goals:
Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
This is a great system to use as a foundation for goal setting to give you clarity and direction. If your goals are too vague or unachievable, you will burnout fast. For example, instead of saying “I want to lose weight” your goal can be:
Specific – Lose 10lbs in two months by exercising five days a week and eating a healthy diet.
Measurable – I will track my progress by weighing myself twice a week at the same time of day and keep records of the numbers.
Achievable – Being disciplined and consistent with this plan, losing 10 pounds in two months is absolutely doable
Relevant – Losing weight is a priority in my life as it will contribute to my overall health and boost my confidence
Time-bound – Giving myself two months is a healthy timeline to implement daily habits that will help me achieve this goal
2) Practice time management:
Use techniques like Pomodoro or time-blocking to allocate specific time slots for tasks.
I’ve talked a lot about time management on bearocklife as it is imperative to productivity. By organizing your time, you will be amazed at how much you can get done and how much free time you gain.
3) Break tasks into smaller steps:
Divide larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps to maintain motivation and progress.
Example: Completing a project at work
- Identify the specific objectives of the project
- Prioritize the tasks based on the deadlines and importance
- Breakdown each of those tasks into smaller subtasks and create a timeline for completion
Overall, this process should take you no more five minutes before the project and can lead to a much more productive work session.
4) Develop self-awareness:
Understand your triggers, habits, and patterns to better control and manage them.
So many of us don’t take the time to fully understand our own personalities. But by doing a deep dive who you are, you will be able to get ahead of the things that derail your discipline and stay on track. A great place to start is a book called Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman
5) Build healthy habits:
Establish daily routines for healthy habits like exercise, healthy eating, and good sleep hygiene.
This tactic may seem obvious, however it is so important to the overall picture. Consistency is crucial to discipline. Start small and focus on one new habit that you implement every day. When you make it to two months, add a new habit. Repeat every two months.
6) Surround yourself with positive influences:
Associate with individuals who inspire and motivate you to stay disciplined.
As the saying goes, you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. If you want to be better and more disciplined, surround yourself with people that share those values.
An Essential Tool
Self-discipline is a tool that needs to be sharpened every day and is essential in becoming the best version of yourself. It will help you overcome obstacles, develop new skills, and accelerate your personal growth.
Self-discipline changed my life and opened new doors that didn’t know existed. Use these six tactics and dramatically improve your lifestyle and become the rock that you are meant to be.
