Self Discipline: The Key To Mastering Yourself
Self discipline can be a very difficult thing to develop. Some people are born with a trait that makes if favorable to them, but anyone can develop discipline with some habitual practice.
But that's the rub. Habitual practice.
You need discipline to develop habitual practice, and you need habitual practice to develop self discipline. It's actually quite paradoxical.
Paradoxical, difficult, but not impossible.
Think back to a time when you were a kid and, all of a sudden, you had these chores and responsibilities dumped into your lap. It didn't make sense at the time and you probably thought it was a masochist act from your mom to infringe on your Saturday.
But it was for a reason.
That was the beginning of your journey to self discipline. For my sister and I, it started with sweeping, polishing the furniture and straightening our room. Then I started taking out the trash and making store runs.
Of course I hated it at the time, but I'm forever grateful for those times. Some of my other friends had more chores than I did because of their circumstances, but their parents made it a point to get them ready for their journey as well.
It's hard, but the benefits you get from developing self discipline are priceless. You can almost literally define what kind of life you want to have by how much discipline you practice.
So let's take a look at what self discipline is, how to develop it and why it's so important for your success in life.
What Is Self Discipline?
Self discipline is the ability to stay focused on a goal and resist distractions or temptation. It requires willpower, self control and is the foundation for everything in life and in between.
Again, remember being a child and having chores and responsibilities.
- Make up your bed
- Clean up your room
- Take out the garbage
- Wash the dishes
- Brush your teeth before bed
- Go to bed at your bedtime
It was all for the purpose of developing discipline for yourself
As a child, we are given these responsibilities all in the name of building character and self discipline. The kind of self discipline that can take you through your adult life.
In reality, self discipline is one of the hardest things to maintain over a period of time. You have to be consistent in your efforts or it won't stick and become habit forming.
How often have you made a “resolution” to work out, eat right or be on time for all of your appointments?
Then dozens of distractions and unforeseen circumstances get in the way of that.
Nonetheless, self discipline can be a key to change your circumstances and get on the winning side of life.
Why Is Self Discipline Important?
Self discipline is important because it helps to:
- Set and achieve goals
- Build self confidence
- Improve concentration and focus
- Control impulsive behavior
All of these things are very important in life if you want to be successful. self discipline techniques can help you master yourself. It requires practice, consistency and determination. But, the rewards are definitely worth it!
Start with small goals that you know you can accomplish. Then work your way up to bigger ones. Remember to celebrate each accomplishment along the way. This will help to keep you motivated.
One self discipline technique that has always worked well for me is setting a daily or weekly goal list. I write down what needs to be done and then I sort it in order of importance and priority.
What Are The Benefits Of Self Discipline?
There are many benefits of self discipline but here are a few.
- Helps you to stay on track and achieve your goals
- Teaches you how to control your emotions and impulses
- Increases your self confidence
- Gives you a sense of achievement and accomplishment
- Helps you to live a more balanced life
All of these things are important in one way or another. They can help you to be successful in any area of your life. Whether it's personal, professional or spiritual, self discipline is the key that will unlock the door to success.
Are you ready to start mastering yourself? Remember, it won't happen overnight. But, with consistency and determination, anything is possible! Just take it one day at a time.
How Can You Improve Your Self Discipline?
There are a number of ways that you can improve your self discipline.
- Set realistic goals for yourself and then take small steps to achieve them.
- Start with something easy like waking up 15 minutes earlier each day or making your bed each morning.
- Remove distractions from your environment and focus on one task at a time.
- Make a list of the things you need to do each day and then prioritize them.
- Take a break when you feel overwhelmed or stressed. Go for a walk, meditate or read something inspirational.
All of these things will help you to improve your self discipline little by little. Just be patient with yourself and don't give up! You can do it!