Self-discipline is often cited as the key to success. But what is self-discipline, really? And how can you develop it?
Self-discipline is the ability to stick to a task or a plan, even when you don’t feel like it. It’s about delayed gratification, about putting off short-term pleasure for long-term gain.
Self-discipline is a muscle that can be developed. The more you use it, the stronger it gets. But like any muscle, it can be fatigue and it needs to be rested and refueled.
Here are 10 ways to develop self-discipline:
1. Set clear goals
The first step to developing self-discipline is to set clear goals. Without a goal, it’s hard to know what you’re working towards. And without a clear goal, it’s easy to get sidetracked or to give up altogether.
When setting goals, it’s important to be specific. Vague goals like “lose weight” or “get in shape” are too easy to ignore or to forget about altogether. Instead, set specific goals like “lose 10 pounds in the next 3 months” or “run a 5K in the next 6 weeks.”
2. Make a plan
Once you have your goals set, it’s time to make a plan. This is where you’ll decide how you’re going to reach your goals. What steps do you need to take? What resources do you need?
Again, it’s important to be specific when making your plan. A vague plan is not going to help you develop self-discipline.
3. Set a deadline
In addition to setting clear goals and making a specific plan, it’s also important to set a deadline. This will help you stay on track and motivated.
4. Get accountable
One of the best ways to develop self-discipline is to get accountable. This means finding someone who will hold you accountable to your goals. This could be a friend, family member, or coach.
5. Remove temptation
If you want to develop self-discipline, you need to remove temptation. This means getting rid of anything that might tempt you to stray from your goals. If you’re trying to eat healthier, for example, you might want to clear your pantry of all the junk food.
6. Find a role model
One of the best ways to develop self-discipline is to find a role model. This is someone who has already achieved what you’re trying to achieve. They can show you what’s possible and give you the motivation to keep going.
7. Take baby steps
If you’re having trouble developing self-discipline, it might help to take baby steps. This means starting with small goals that are easy to accomplish. As you start to see some success, you can then set bigger and bigger goals.
8. Give yourself a reward
Another way to develop self-discipline is to give yourself a reward. This could be something small, like a piece of candy, or something bigger, like a new pair of shoes. The key is to find something that will motivate you to keep going.
9. Set up a system
If you want to develop self-discipline, you need to set up a system. This means having a set of rules or guidelines that you follow. For example, you might set a rule that you will only eat out once a week. Or you might set a rule that you will only watch one hour of TV a day.
10. Get started today
The best way to develop self-discipline is to get started today. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll see results. So don’t wait – start working on your self-discipline today!