4 Steps To Self Discipline That Will Stay With You For Life

The term self-discipline describes our ability to control our feelings in order to stay on track with our goals and in alignment with what we truly want, rather than what may just feel good in the moment.

For example, if you are trying to lose weight you need the self-discipline to get out of bed to go to the gym or to avoid eating unhealthy foods.

4 Steps To Self Discipline That Will Stay With You For Life

Our ability to master our self-discipline is one of the most powerful factors that can determine the direction of our life. It isn’t easy, but the rewards of gaining self-discipline are many.

“With self-discipline most anything is possible.” – Theodore Roosevelt

So how do we become more self-disciplined?

1. Know what you want.
In a world that is constantly filling us with needs and desires, it can be difficult to discern what it is we actually want in life. The first step to creating self-discipline is to get crystal clear on what that is. Do you want to find a relationship? Manage your time better? Perhaps learn a new skill? Whatever it is it is important that you know exactly what it is. 

2. Know your “why”.
Knowing WHY you want to do anything in life will help you to stay focused when the HOW to do it becomes challenging. We will often give up on our goals if we are not emotionally connected to them, so knowing the reason in your heart for why you are doing something will greatly increase your chances of persisting through the difficulties you may face in obtaining them.

3. Identify challenges and weaknesses.
Once you know what it is that you want, and why you want it, it is important to determine what challenges may present that can stop you from achieving it. Being self-aware and knowing what your weaknesses and triggers are is paramount. For example, if you want to quit sugar and you know that you tend to crave something sweet around 3 pm every day, plan ahead. Have something delicious and sugar-free ready for when that time of day strikes, so you are prepared.  

4. Remind yourself that you are capable.
We all have moments of weakness in our self-discipline. It’s normal and HUMAN to drop the ball sometimes. In the moments when you feel like you are weak, remind yourself of the times when you have succeeded in being disciplined. Give yourself evidence that you can achieve your goals.

Cultivating self-discipline isn’t easy but if we can stick to it, we gain so much! Over time as you continue to grow and maintain self-discipline your confidence and self-respect will grow, you will become more determined and ultimately you will achieve more of what you want.