So many of us desire to begin the new year on a positive note. This explains the widespread use of New Year’s resolutions.
fresh year, fresh opportunities, yes? But it’s also pretty typical to be motivated at first, then give up in the middle.
It occurs to many of us.
When trying to reduce weight, you eat more and exercise less; when trying to write a book, social media is a constant source of distraction.
Wanting to earn more money yet being restricted to your existing position
wanting to quit procrastinating yet being unable to act, etc.
Self-control is what we need to get through it. You may be more consistent, stay focused, and prevent your emotions from influencing your job and financial decisions by exercising discipline.
But it’s simpler to say than to do to be more disciplined. Discipline requires two things that are essential: Doing less comes first. Your time and energy are more effectively utilized when you do less. Consequently, you don’t lose motivation easily.
secondly lowering resistance.
I once joined a gym that was well-stocked and had everything, even a sauna. The setting was lovely. However, the trip took twenty minutes, and wasn’t even on my way to work. The outcome? I probably only visited twelve times in a calendar year.
Then, on the way to my office, I stopped at a gym. I had no defense. Since going to the gym was so simple, I did it virtually daily.
When you have both, exercising discipline is much simpler. You see what I mean. We don’t need to talk about the subject any further.
It’s far more crucial to break any unhealthy habits you may have. The behaviors that are impairing your self-control.
You can give up these 3 behaviors in order to reach your 2023 objectives.
Being too harsh on yourself
Being too critical or coddling oneself has different meanings. After all, a lot of people are taught from a young age that they must be hard on themselves in order to succeed. Adhering to “hustle culture” is also ineffective.
Jesse Livermore, a Wall Street trader in the early 20th century, describes it this way:
If a man wants to succeed in his line of work, he must have faith in his own abilities and judgment.
To succeed, we all need to have a healthy dose of self-confidence. Self-talk that is negative is ineffective.
Unhealthy self-criticism frequently originates from being overly fixated on one’s accomplishments. The problem is that we have little influence over a lot of our outcomes. I could, for instance, create a book with the intention of reaching the top of the NY Times Best Sellers list. But I have no direct control over book sales.
How many people purchase my book is beyond my control. However, I have control over the level of the book I produce. I am also in charge of the time and energy I put into marketing it. And it’s my responsibility to create and carry out a marketing strategy to boost sales.
So it is a waste of energy to criticize yourself for outcomes you have no control over. Instead, concentrate on giving it all you’ve got while working towards your objectives.
Want to get in shape? Start daily jogging or walking. Or pick a regimen that works for you and follow it every day. Decide not to skip. And even if you do miss it because life gets in the way, pick up where you left off the next day.
Do you want to pen a book? Today, write one page. The next day is another. … and so on.
Looking to switch careers? Find time each day to practice talents that can earn you money by researching them. You can use those skills in your new work and career when you’re ready.
It all comes down to following the method consistently. and giving each day your best effort. The outcomes will come after. And since you know you tried everything you could to avoid it, you won’t need to berate yourself for it.
The idea of accepting distractions in your life rather than eliminating them is common among those who think they lack discipline. Instead of trying to resist temptations or finding ways to focus harder, it can be more effective to remove distractions altogether. For instance, if you find it difficult to work at your desk due to the presence of your phone or a TV, it may be better to keep them out of sight. Additionally, keeping your workspace tidy and clutter-free can help you stay focused on your work.
Ignoring what truly matters to you is another factor that can hinder your ability to be disciplined. It’s challenging to maintain consistency when you force yourself to do something you don’t enjoy. It’s crucial to understand your strengths, values, and interests to identify what motivates you personally. By doing things that you truly enjoy, you can become consistent in your actions and achieve your goals.
While learning and planning are necessary, execution is what brings results. Committing a set amount of time to an action that gets you closer to your goal, no matter how small, can make a significant difference in the long term. Avoid making excuses for not taking action and start doing what you can now. Consistency is key to achieving success.
To summarize, the author suggests two key principles for becoming more disciplined. First, it is essential to remove distractions from your environment rather than trying to cope with them. This can involve keeping your workspace tidy, eliminating temptations, and creating a work environment that suits your needs. Second, it is vital to identify what truly matters to you and find motivation in your strengths, values, and interests. This will help you maintain consistency in your actions and achieve your goals.
The author emphasizes the importance of taking action and executing your plans. Learning and planning are necessary, but they won’t bring results unless they are accompanied by consistent action. Even small steps towards your goal, such as committing to 15 minutes of exercise every day, can have a significant impact over time. The key is to avoid making excuses and start taking action now.
In summary, to become more disciplined, it’s important to remove distractions, find motivation in what matters to you, and take consistent action towards your goals.
The author also highlights the significance of self-awareness and knowing yourself, including your strengths and values. This knowledge can guide you in finding the things you truly enjoy and care about, which can motivate you to become more disciplined in pursuing those activities.
Furthermore, the author suggests that it is essential to focus on the present moment and not get caught up in waiting for the perfect conditions to start taking action. Procrastination and excuses can hinder your progress, so it is crucial to begin taking action now, even if it’s just a small step towards your goal.
Lastly, the author acknowledges that becoming more disciplined is not an easy task and can require a significant amount of effort and energy. However, by applying these principles and taking consistent action, anyone can develop the discipline necessary to achieve their goals and improve their life.
The author also notes that discipline is not a fixed trait that some people have and others lack. Instead, it is a skill that can be developed through consistent effort and practice. By approaching discipline as a learned skill rather than an inherent trait, individuals can avoid feeling discouraged or defeated when faced with challenges or setbacks.
The author also suggests that it’s helpful to focus on one goal or habit at a time and not overwhelm oneself with too many changes all at once. Making small, sustainable changes over time can lead to significant improvements and help build discipline in the long term.
Finally, the author encourages readers to be patient with themselves and not expect immediate results. Discipline is a journey that requires time, effort, and commitment. By adopting a growth mindset and focusing on progress rather than perfection, individuals can maintain motivation and continue developing their discipline over time