Self-Discipline

If you have you wondered why my blogs of late have been sparse and inconsistent, it is because I have been distracted and allowed blogging and several other goals to fall by the wayside. I have lost my self-discipline.

When I lose my focus and I get out of my routine I get to a place that includes self-doubt, lack of confidence, fear of failure, and overthinking. I know if I apply self-discipline and get back on track that everything else will fall into place.

“We don’t have to be smarter than the rest; we have to be more disciplined than the rest.” -Warren Buffett

The truth is that we do not accomplish much in life without self-discipline. If we can apply discipline to the things that move us closer to who we want to be in this lifetime, we will be better for it. Self-Discipline is doing what you need to do, when you need to it, whether or not you want to do it. It is the voice that pushes you to keep striving when you might want to quit. It is called self-discipline for a reason - it means you have the willpower to do these things on your own. Self-Discipline creates habits, habits make routines, and routines become who you are daily.

Self-Discipline:

• Reduces Stress

• Gives you clarity

• You become more resilient and feel accomplished.

I know for me, when I let one thing slide everything seems to fall apart. I am determined to get back on track. I know it will not be easy, but I know it is doable.

Here is the process that I have used before that I am focusing on again:

Choose a goal

I begin by choosing one goal that I want to focus on to develop my self-discipline. If you are like me, you have a lot of ideas floating around in your head. You have to focus and organize your thoughts and figure out what you want. Your goals can be anything you want:

• Writing a blog

• Complaining less

• Losing weight

• Learning to play the guitar

Write it down

• I believe that a goal that is not in writing is not a goal at all. If I write it down, it becomes real to me.

• I work to define my long-term goals, but then I create small steps to work my way towards hitting my goal. Small steps are easier for me to visualize and achieve. Completing the small steps motivates me to continue making progress.

• For example, if your goal is to learn to play the guitar, you can start by learning to play a new chord each week, or practice 15 minutes a day. Going slowly will help you stay motivated, and you are more likely to stick with small incremental changes. Many times, these small steps become habits.

Find your why

• Think about your why. It is your core source of motivation. It is a feeling that compels you to do the work you want to do even if it requires short-term sacrifice.

• I started writing this blog because I wanted to keep my mind on the big-picture, and always find ways to improve and hold myself accountable. When I write about what I am learning, or my success or failures, I must think about them thoughtfully. That process is helpful, and it allows to see where I made mistakes, what I might have done better, or what I did well and should continue to do.

Make a list

• What decisions do you need to make today to start moving toward your goal?

• Keep yourself on track by making a to do list of everything you can think of that you are going to have to do to accomplish your goal. If you have read my blogs before you know that I love lists! Lists serve as visual reminders and help keep you on your path.

• Organize your lists into a plan.

• Checking off each task as you complete it provides instant motivation to keep you moving forward.

• At the end of each day, update your list and ensure you know your priorities for the next day.

• Do something every single day that moves you in the right direction.

“Until my ONE Thing is done — everything else is a distraction.” - Gary Keller

Identify distractions

• Most of us start our day with a plan. There are plenty of days I write down my top 3 priorities but fail to accomplish them. Many of us start our day and just as we begin getting into a rhythm, you get a text someone from someone asking if you have a minute, and the battle begins...

• Your priorities are determined each day by what you act on. Your ability to remove distractions determines the level of your productivity on any given day.

• Your environment sets you up for success. Being honest with yourself about what distracts you is key to your success. I have found for me removing my distractions is the only way I avoid them.

Monitor Your Progress.

• Depending on your goal the way you determine to monitor it may be different. .

• Many goals may have obvious tools for tracking your success such as eating healthy may allow you to lose weight, or if you are learning to play an instrument you should hear those improvements in the music itself.

• If you have a checklist, you will be able to monitor where you are in your plan regardless of the type of goals.

“Success doesn’t just happen. You have to be intentional about it, and that takes discipline.” – John C. Maxwell

What are some daily disciplines you can implement that would provide more freedom in your life? Remember, not every day will be perfect, but each day - with its failures and small wins - is progress, and that is what self-discipline is all about.

Whatever you are looking to accomplish, make a plan and get started!

Until next time... - Leigh