One of the keys to a fulfilled and satisfying life is mastering self-discipline. However, it can often become quite hard to implement discipline in our daily lives.
The Importance Of Self-Discipline
Self-discipline is an integral part of achieving what you want in life. But, it is not an easy thing to master. In fact, being disciplined can seem to be downright impossible at times. This often results in people getting demotivated and giving up altogether.
If you have a goal and a plan to reach that place or you want to transform your life, then you must practice self-discipline in your life. It is important to remember that you cannot achieve most things in your life if you do not stay on a dedicated path. That’s why following a regimen becomes important.
In the end, efforts without discipline don’t amount to what they could potentially be. Self-discipline is a crucial ingredient in the recipe for success of any kind.
The Role Of Motivation In Maintaining Self-Discipline
So, what role does motivation play in practicing self-discipline?
When you start being more disciplined in your life, the process can get tougher with each passing day. The enthusiasm with which you start on the journey wanes as time progresses. That is where motivation plays a pivotal role. It allows you to find the inspiration to stay on the course and not give up.
Motivation can be in the form of a goal. Or it can be the desire to change something for the better. It can even be the yearning to be the best version of yourself.
Whatever your motivation be for practicing self-discipline, it is the spark that keeps the flame alive.
“No person is free who is not master of himself.”
― Epictetus
Tips To Practice Self-Discipline With Motivation
While it is true that practicing discipline intentionally in your daily life can be challenging, it is quite possible when you follow certain caveats.
Becoming disciplined can look different for different people. It depends on the individual’s intrinsic characteristics like learning style, habit formation patterns, beliefs, and strengths and weaknesses. It also depends on external factors like the surrounding environment, degree of freedom, availability of resources, etc. However, there are some core practices that are universally helpful in practicing self-disciplined.
In this post, let’s take a look at 6 such guidelines that can help you practice self-discipline while remaining motivated through the process.
1. Aim For Enough, Not Perfection
In a world that glorifies perfection, we often forget the importance of being enough. Discipline is hard to achieve if you have an all or none attitude. It is not remotely feasible to be perfect always. And yet, you cannot give up every time you attain less than stellar results.
So, the solution to practicing self-discipline sustainably is to aim for enough. Do what needs to be done. Start first, worry about perfect results later.
If your goal is to exercise every day, do not begin with a plan that requires you to work out for an hour at the gym daily. Rather, look for 15 minutes long doable routines that can be completed from home. You can always go to the gym on some days. But unless you have extreme motivation, it is highly unlikely that you will go there every day. In that case, even one missed day will make you feel out of control.
However, when you aim for enough, you can take back the control and continue on your journey toward leading a disciplined life.
2. One Thing At A Time
Multitasking can be a bad idea most of the time. If you want to lead a disciplined life then you need to have focus. Trying to multitask will not allow you to give that kind of laser-sharp attention to the task at hand.
Hence, learn to do one thing at a time instead. Prioritize and complete your jobs to make the process time-efficient and optimum. But stop trying to do more than one thing at a time.
The idea is to be intentional with your life and that will lead you to your goal.
3. Beyond Habits
The common notion is that self-discipline is a matter of habit.
Well, it actually needs to be more than a habit in your life. Doing things out of discipline must be like second nature. Consider something like brushing your teeth. While it may seem to be a habit, in reality, it is much beyond that. It is akin to nature. We brush our teeth because it is an integral part of our lives. But as kids, we did not think so. We took a habit and practiced it till it became core to our living.
Self-disciplining efforts should be like that to be effective. Otherwise, it can not only become tedious but also uninspiring.
4. Remove Temptations
We all have our share of weaknesses that never fail to tempt us. Now, commonly, you might be advised to overcome your temptations. While that sounds great, it isn’t exactly easy. Not everyone has the same degree of willpower. And quite frankly, that piece of cookie magically seems more delicious when you try to willfully not eat it.
Instead of controlling your temptations, remove them. Do not buy the cookie, lest you be tempted at your weak point. Understand your triggers and then devise plans to avoid them. Trust me, this is way easier and doable than just trying to conquer your urges.
5. Have Clarity Of Purpose
Understand what your efforts will lead to. We often forget to keep our eyes on the prize when the path gets difficult.
When you actively try to become more disciplined in your life, you will encounter moments when you will question your choice. During those times, it is important to never lose clarity of your purpose. The goal that you have in your mind is your greatest source of inspiration if you truly believe in it.
6. Take Breaks And Reward Yourself
In life, it is supremely important to learn how to balance things. In this case, you must know when to slow down and when to pat yourself on the back.
Staying motivated in this endeavor is not an easy task. Hence, learn to recognize those small wins and reward yourself for them. That will inspire and motivate you further. At other times, listen to your body and mind and prevent burnouts by taking breaks. Taking time off to recharge yourself is a crucial part of moving ahead. You must prioritize rest at certain points so that you can come back with renewed vigor and energy and continue with your self-discipline practices.
Peace.
Do you have any related experience or story to tell? Please share in the comments below. I would love to hear from you.
Related Reads
- The Vital Importance and Benefits of Motivation
- Why is Discipline Important? 10 Benefits Worth Considering
- The Difference Between Motivation and Discipline
