We all have people or things in our lives that dictate our discipline. Whether it’s our loved ones which we are making a living for or upholding a certain level of approval. Or it could be those big ambitious things that we are working towards or maintaining what we have such as our health or peace of mind. All these things require a certain level of discipline to ensure that they are accomplished.
Discipline plays a huge role in achieving what you want because it comes down to what was consistently done and is being done. The greater your discipline the better chance you have of attaining what you desire. It is not a guarantee, but it increases your probability. It comes down to how well your routine is and that routine should keep you on track consistently. This clearly identifies what is acceptable and what is not. The choices you make are based on what will keep you on track.
The question is how do we become disciplined? It is naturally occurring or can it be learned. The answer is both but they both require it to be developed. For some, discipline comes naturally to them where they like order being maintained because they understand what they are working towards. For others it can be a drag because they operate well with freedom, but it can be learned and incorporated. Below are some helpful ways to further your discipline.
Know what you are working towards
When you know what you are striving for you, you have a better understanding of what it takes to get you there. Whether it’s inventing something or earning more money, you clearly identify where you are headed instead of aimlessly wondering around. We all have 24 hours in a day and the challenge is what to do and how to do it.
In the case of inventing something it requires learning what problems exist that currently does not have a solution or at least a good one. Or it could be improving the ways things are done. Either way, this requires initiative to take the time to figure it out. Where you dedicate time to it without anyone following up to see if you are.
Even if you don’t know what you are working towards, having an idea of how you envision yourself. You may not know what exactly you are going to do but you do know what qualities you want. Look at the people you admire, your heroes and you’ll find certain traits that you want. This could be things like confidence, courage, precision or being thoughtful. All these things require discipline to develop because something like confidence comes from doing things well which starts with more repetition. Or courage comes from facing what is fearful.
Find out how committed you are
Come to ask yourself if you are committed to achieving what you want. When you are committed to something you make no excuses and find out a way to get things done. Are you willing to make sacrifices for the things you are committed to? To give up certain conveniences to uphold your commitment? Things such as reading instead of watching tv or staying in, cooking at home to save money instead of going out to a restaurant.
These questions help check yourself to see if what you are working towards is the right fit. Some commitments require more time away from friends and family and that might not be for you at that time. This does not make you any less disciplined but it’s identifying what you should be disciplined for based on your priorities.
Many high achievers in certain fields prioritize their craft or profession above their personal life. Foregoing spending time with friends and family so they can accomplish what they set out for. For others they may be committed to their family or a life of balance where they make sure they always have time for them or things that center them. Whatever you are working towards, make sure to be committed to it.
Knowing what not to do and what to do
Much of being disciplined comes down to saying no. No to distractions that take your focus away from what you want. It’s okay to have that down time to recuperate but not where you drift completely from what you set out for. If you want to get in shape, have those lazy days to rest but not too many where you tend to remain there. Objects in motion tend to stay in motion and objects at rest tend to stay at rest.
This comes down to asking is what I’m about to do going get me closer to what I want. If the answer is no then don’t do it, but if the answer is yes then you do it. The more you consistently do this the higher chance you have of achieving what you set out for yourself. Temptation will always be there, but when you reject it enough it can become less enticing. This further develops your discipline.
By knowing the things that take away your discipline you clearly see what you need to do to strengthen it. Wanting to get in shape requires saying no consistently to sugary and highly processed foods, say no to lounging around in your free time. It instead requires eating healthy balanced meals, being active by working out or doing things around the house.
Final thoughts
Discipline is a vital trait to what you want out of yourself and life. It serves as those guardrails to keep you on track. The greater your discipline the greater chance you have at doing great things. It’s about doing the ordinary things consistently exceptional that leads extraordinary results. Know what you are being disciplined for and the process will be worthwhile.
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