3 Tips to Developing Unbeatable Self-Discipline
Self-discipline can be defined as the drive to continue with a course of action, long after the initial excitement and novelty has worn off. A good example of this is someone who starts the day motivated and ramped up to start them new diet and manages to stick with it, even after lunch time, the first hunger pangs and a flagging resolve have all rolled around. Self-discipline is something that most people feel they "should" have. They think that with more self-discipline, they can be everything they've ever wanted to be an do everything they ever wanted to do.
Here are a few good tips that can help you cultivate a lasting sense of self-discipline and overcome the superficial, short-term gratification so that you may prevail in the long term.
Set Up a Reward System
As human beings we generally require some kind of incentive in order to do or not do something. For example: if you are halfway through a 2 mile run and feel like you can't possibly make it another step, motivate yourself to keep going until you reach the next tree by promising to slow down after for x number of steps. You are essentially rewarding yourself with a brief rest in order to inspire you to push forward. Another example of this is to promise yourself a really special treat for dinner if you manage to hold off snacking for the next few hours.
Involve Others
When we're doing something on our own, it tends to be easier to slack off or even quit. This is why in the military we run in a group formation rather than individually. This can be applied effectively to all areas of your life as well, whether it's with people at work, schoolmates or your friends and family.
Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
In all likelihood, developing self discipline will be an ongoing process and not without its setbacks. You're only human, you're going to succumb to temptation every once in a while. Don't like a minor slip in your resolve weigh on your conscious or impede your overall progress. Instead, let go of the mishaps and focus instead on the milestones.
While it's true that it does help, don't feel like self-discipline is a cure to all life's problems. The most important motivator for doing the things that you do should be that you truly want to do them. If it is important enough to you, you'll find that self-discipline comes naturally on its own.
Here are a few good tips that can help you cultivate a lasting sense of self-discipline and overcome the superficial, short-term gratification so that you may prevail in the long term.
Set Up a Reward System
As human beings we generally require some kind of incentive in order to do or not do something. For example: if you are halfway through a 2 mile run and feel like you can't possibly make it another step, motivate yourself to keep going until you reach the next tree by promising to slow down after for x number of steps. You are essentially rewarding yourself with a brief rest in order to inspire you to push forward. Another example of this is to promise yourself a really special treat for dinner if you manage to hold off snacking for the next few hours.
Involve Others
When we're doing something on our own, it tends to be easier to slack off or even quit. This is why in the military we run in a group formation rather than individually. This can be applied effectively to all areas of your life as well, whether it's with people at work, schoolmates or your friends and family.
Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
In all likelihood, developing self discipline will be an ongoing process and not without its setbacks. You're only human, you're going to succumb to temptation every once in a while. Don't like a minor slip in your resolve weigh on your conscious or impede your overall progress. Instead, let go of the mishaps and focus instead on the milestones.
While it's true that it does help, don't feel like self-discipline is a cure to all life's problems. The most important motivator for doing the things that you do should be that you truly want to do them. If it is important enough to you, you'll find that self-discipline comes naturally on its own.
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