Discipline is a key trait that enables individuals to accomplish their goals and achieve success in life. It is the ability to consistently do what needs to be done, even when you don’t feel like it. However, many people struggle with discipline, and they assume that it’s something they either have or don’t have. The truth is, discipline is a skill that anyone can learn if they know how.
The problem with relying solely on motivation, willpower, and good intentions is that they are all fleeting. Motivation wanes, willpower is limited, and good intentions only last for so long. Discipline, on the other hand, is a habit that is built over time through consistent action. Discipline is doing.
Research has shown that people who are disciplined tend to be happier and more successful in life. It makes the difference between watching your belly fat jiggle and using your abs as a washboard, getting stuck in a dead-end job and enjoying a fulfilling career, or staying calm in an argument and saying things you regret later.
However, building discipline is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. If you push yourself too hard in the beginning, you’ll quickly burn out. Building discipline is about making small, sustainable changes over time that eventually add up to significant progress.
Use identity change
One of the most effective ways to build discipline is to use the power of identity change. Every time you delay instant gratification, you see yourself as more of a disciplined person, which makes it easier to act like one. You can start by taking small steps like turning the water to cold for five seconds at the end of your shower, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or going to bed and waking up half an hour earlier. First you must become.
Design your environment
Another powerful way to build discipline is to make your environment work for you. Your environment influences you, but you can choose how. For example, if you’re trying to eat healthier, you can stop buying the junk foods you don’t want to eat. If you’re trying to read more, you can surround yourself with more books. By making these small changes, you make it easier to do the things you want to do and harder to do the things you don’t want to do.
Become clear on your outcomes
Using the clarity of specific goals is also a powerful way to build discipline. Instead of setting airy-fairy goals like “I’ll be more disciplined” or “I’ll read more books,” set specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based (SMART) goals. For example, “I will exercise for 30 minutes every morning” or “I will read for an hour every day.” By setting specific goals, you give yourself a clear roadmap to follow, which makes it easier to stay disciplined.
Understand your mind and body
Finally, using your brain chemistry strategically can also help you build discipline. The mind and body work together in a complicated arrangement. The key is to understand that behind your actions are triggers and patterns. Something happens that leads you to a chosen behaviour Deliberately triggering your brain’s reward system can help you feel good about delaying instant gratification. For example, you can use a habit tracker to monitor your progress and celebrate each small win along the way. By doing this, you’ll start to associate discipline with positive feelings, which makes it easier to stick to your goals.
In conclusion, building discipline is a skill that anyone can learn. By using the power of identity change, making your environment work for you, setting specific goals, and using your brain chemistry strategically, you can build iron discipline and achieve the success you deserve.
