Self-Discipline: It’s Not as Challenging as You Think
Self-discipline is touted as a necessity for accomplishing anything in life. It would be best if you commit to practice self-discipline to improve your self-discipline.
The question arises why is self-discpine important? But, the fundamental question still stands: what, exactly, is self-discipline?
Self-discipline is the ability to exhibit a behavior that is not enjoyable at that time without any outside compulsion to do it. (1)
So, you could get yourself to clean out the attic, even though you would rather be fed grapes and feathered. And you would do it even though you really don’t have to do it right then. You can get to do it simply because it needs to be done. That sounds like a great trait; who would not want that?
The challenge, though, is that self-discipline isn’t something everyone is born with; rather, it’s a trait that needs to be cultivated through time and effort. If you lack self-discipline and are struggling, however, it is important to keep trying.
Top Tips for Developing Self-Discipline
Try these ways to develop your self-discipline to enjoy greater achievement in your life:
- It is important to keep your focus, like a Zen master. Why do monks have so much discipline? Part of the reason is they are great at staying focused on the task and keeping that inner voice that screams “Ugh” quiet. They are an example of active discipline as they do the work and do not think about how much they don’t like doing it.
- Recognize that you have control over your actions. You have free will; you can do as you, please. So, you can participate in an activity that needs to be done, even if you don’t like doing it.
- Keep the result in mind before you get started. If you are focused on the results, getting started is easier. It is usually easier to maintain working on a task than to begin. Focus on the benefits, and the beginning will come.
- Do your task when distractions are at a minimum. Buddhist monks are a good example of self-discpline. They can’t touch money or even shake hands with a woman; they may only own a couple of robes, a bowl, and a spoon. They aren’t even allowed to prepare or store food. The primary reason is to eliminate all distractions.
If you disallow yourself to worry about money, relationships, possessions, clothing, or food, your mind can focus on whatever you choose. So, plan your task when you’re not likely distracted by other more interesting or enjoyable activities.
- Eliminate the stuff from your life that is not meaningful to you. These things take away from the quality of your life and focus and serve as distractions from the things that are more important to you.
Self-Discipline Is A Virtue!
Self-discipline is like anything else; it becomes a positive habit with practice. Self-discipline is about taking one decision at a time. So make every opportunity to experience self-discipline count. It gets easier each time.
As Marcus Aurelius, a Roman Emperor famously said, “You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”
A Word at The End
Don’t give up hope if you struggle with self-discipline. It’s not as difficult as you may imagine. Practice every day. Take smaller tasks, like washing the dishes or folding laundry, and see how well you can complete them without distraction. See how many negative thoughts pop into your head.
Most importantly, acknowledge the times you are successful and show self-control. Any behavior that is rewarded is more likely to appear again in the future.
Imagine your life if you could accomplish your task list without procrastinating. People we consider highly successful have been able to get themselves to do things the rest of us don’t like to do. Self-discipline is the key ingredient to reaching a high level of success in your life.
