Build Self-Discipline

Some people may disagree, but discipline really is freedom.  Discipline to a lot of people is a dirty word that mean freedom is absent, which is the complete opposite of the truth.  Undisciplined people lack freedom that is associated with possessing certain abilities and skills, such as speaking a foreign language or playing a musical instrument.

Self-discipline entails acting not by how you currently feel, but instead, what you think.  It often involves sacrificing the thrill and pleasure for what matters the most to you.  With Self-Discipline, you will be driven to:

·  Work on a project or idea after the enthusiasm for it has gone away

·  Exercise even when you would rather watch TV or lay down to rest

·  Wake up earlier than usually to work on yourself

·  Not slip from your diet

·  Only check online social networks and emails two or three times per day

Self-discipline is a weakness to many people, and as a result some find it very difficult to do certain tasks.  But as you approve, you will feel much better about yourself you will accomplish more.  For example, you might wake up at 5am to exercise and then write an article before work instead of staying curled up in bed.  You gain a sense of purpose and you strive off of it.  Self-discipline CAN be developed, so remember that if you struggle with it. 

FIVE TRAITS OF DISCIPLINE

1.  Self-Knowledge

Regardless of how you feel at the moment, discipline means behaving in a way you feel is best, therefore self-knowledge is the first trait.  What behavior reflects your values and goals the best?  The process of this requires self-analysis and introspection, and when written it is the most effective.  It is highly recommended that you write your goals, ambitions and dreams down on paper.  Writing the statements gives you a better understanding of who you are, what you are about and what you value. 

2.  Conscious Awareness

Conscious awareness, what you are and aren’t doing, is depended on with self-discipline-e.g. staying away from the gym, biting your nails, constantly checking your emails or eating a cookie.  It takes time to develop self-discipline and the key is being aware of your behavior that is undisciplined and with time, doing this will be much easier.  You will be able to catch yourself being undisciplined before you act out.  By then, you will have the chance to make the right decision to better align with your values and goals. 

3.  Commitment to Self-Discipline

You need to make an internal commitment to your written values and goals.  Think of it this way.  Your alarm goes off at 6am and you think, “Just another 10 minutes…” or, you struggle to complete a project because your enthusiasm faded away.

If you are struggling with your commitment, begin making a decision to follow through with EVERYTHING that you are saying you are going to do.  Not only WHAT you said, but HOW you said you would.  It is also recommended that you track your commitments.  Measure your commitments in order to track improvement. 

4.  Courage

It is extremely difficult to self-discipline.  Think of a person who just exercised and was soaked in sweat.  Passions, appetites and moods are very powerful forces to go against, which is why courage is highly needed for self-discipline.  Don’t try to pretend that things are easy when they are truly very hard and/or painful.  Instead, use your courage to face this difficulty or pain.  Your self-confidence will grow, as well as your courage when you start to accumulate small victories and eventually it will come naturally.

5.  Internal Coaching

Self-talk, often harmful, but when you have control over it, it can be very beneficial.  When you are tested, it is suggested that you talk to yourself, reassure yourself and encourage yourself.  After all, you can be reminded of your goals, reinforce your commitment, gain courage and keep your task conscious in your mind.  Remember this when you realize your discipline is being tested: “The pain of regret is always more than the price of discipline.”  Bury this quote deep into your memory and when you find that you are being tested, recall it and it just may change your whole life.

Build self-discipline for happiness

It is true.  Self-discipline can make you a happier person.  It is hard to believe sometimes that highly self-disciplined people are happy, but research shows that self-control can make you happier now and later in life.  For example, if you are striving to lose weight, the path to succeed this goal can be difficult and long.  However, after each exercise that you make it through, you will feel as sense a success, which in return makes you happy.  In the long run when you have lost the weight you originally set as your goal, you feel a sense of success, confidence and happiness.