16 Proven Methods For Gaining Self Discipline

16 Proven Methods For Gaining Self Discipline 

Self discipline is the most vital component for attaining any worthy goal.
It’s that drive that makes you move forward to continue - especially when you have times that you don’t feel like it. Whether you’re trying to improve your skills, do better at work, or trying to get in shape without self discipline, you simply won’t have the momentum to make the progress you want. 
Fortunately, there are things you can do to learn self-discipline and gain the willpower to achieve your goals and live a happier life.
If you’re looking to take control of your habits and choices, here are some powerful things you can do to master self-discipline!

Number 1 - Understand Yourself

First, to build self discipline you need to understand in what areas of your life you are not being disciplined.
Where would you like to be more disciplined?
What are the areas that you’re struggling with the most?
What are some important things in your life that you keep putting off - but yet know that if you were to do them, they would make a huge impact?
Write these things down, and also write down why you are currently not doing them.

Next to each, write down why you want to do them.
Re-frame your situation into a positive - and look at the benefits of actually doing something about it.

Number 2 - Focus On The Long-Term

What are your long-term goals?
What are you trying to achieve in life?
Think about the long-term benefits of taking action now.
For example, you may find it hard to get off the couch and go to the gym, or go for a run.
In this case, think about how the actions you take today will affect your health and your overall well-being.
Focusing on your long-term goals will help you understand the importance of why you need to do something now.

Number 3 - Set Realistic And Achievable Goals

People often make the mistake of setting a goal that is next to impossible to achieve hoping they will have the self-discipline to see it through.
But, it doesn’t work that way.
You need to learn to set realistic goals and set milestones for your long term goals.
This will not only help you improve your self discipline, but it will also allow you to easily monitor your progress and it will also boost your motivation for further goals.
If you need help with this, check out our article about setting goals – you can find the link in the description box below.

Number 4 - Don’t Wait For It To “Feel Right”

If you want to develop self-discipline, you have to change up your usual routine.
At first, this can be extremely uncomfortable and awkward, and your brain will resist the change in favor of what it has already been programmed to do.
You need to acknowledge that it will take a while for the new routine to feel right but, you need to keep moving forward if you want to build up your self-discipline.

Number 5 - Remove Temptations

Like the saying goes, “out of sight, out of mind.”

It turns out, this little phrase offers some powerful advice.
By simply removing your biggest temptations from your environment, you will greatly improve your self-discipline.
For example:
• If you want to eat healthier, toss the junk food in the trash.
• If you want to improve your productivity at work, turn off social media notifications and silence your phone.
You get the point…
The fewer distractions you have, the more focused you will be on accomplishing your goals.
Set yourself up for success by ditching bad influences.

Number 6 - Create New Habits By Keeping It Simple

Acquiring self-discipline and working to instill a new habit can feel daunting at first - especially if you focus on the entire task at hand.
To avoid feeling intimidated, keep it simple.
Break your goal down into small, doable steps.
Instead of trying to change everything at once, focus on doing one thing consistently, and master self-discipline with that goal in mind.
For example:
• If you’re trying to achieve better sleeping habits, start by going to bed 15 minutes earlier each night.
• If you want to eat healthier, start by prepping a lunch bag the night before.
Take baby steps.
Eventually, when you’re ready, you can add more goals to your list.

Number 7 - Practice Self-Denial

Learn to say no to some of your feelings, impulses and urges.
Train yourself to do what you know to be right - even if you don't feel like doing it.
For example:
• Skip dessert some evenings.
• Limit your screen time.
• Resist the urge to yell at someone who has irritated you.
Stop and think before you act - and think about consequences.
When you practice self-restraint, it helps you develop the habit of keeping things under control.

Number 8 - Schedule Your Time

Scheduling your time is a great way to develop self-discipline.
For example, let’s say you’ve been wanting to write a book, but you’re finding it hard to get started.
If you schedule 30 minutes of writing time each day for the next 7 days - by the end of the week, you will have spent 3 and a half hours writing your book! 
The key is to stick to the time you have scheduled.
Obviously allow for some flexibility - however, if you can’t work the 30 minute scheduled time frame, make sure you do it at an earlier or later time.
If it can’t be done that day, make sure you add an extra 30 minutes to the following day - otherwise, you will find yourself slacking.

Number 9 - Make A Daily Checklist

To help you exercise self discipline, it’s helpful to create a daily to-do-list.
Take a few minutes, and on a piece of paper write down the tasks that you want to accomplish for the day.
Prioritize the list, and start working on the most important one.
When you have a clear idea of what you want to achieve for the day, the chances of you accomplishing those tasks will be much higher.
By sticking to your to-do-list, you’ll not only improve your self discipline, but you’ll eliminate excuses and never miss a thing in your daily routine!

Number 10 - Be Your Own Coach

Positive self-talk can be extremely beneficial.
When you find yourself being tested, talk to yourself, encourage yourself and reassure yourself.
For example, if you’re trying to shed a few pounds, and there’s cake at the office you can remind yourself how close you are to your target weight, and eating that cake would only set you back.
Self-talk has the ability to remind you of your goals, call up courage, reinforce your commitment and keep you conscious of what you’re trying to achieve.

Number 11 - Engage In Sports

Playing sports is an excellent way to improve self-discipline.
It trains you to set goals, focus your mental and emotional energies, become physically fit, and to get along well with others.
Participating in sports, provides a situation where you learn to work hard and strive to do your best - which in turn, teaches you to integrate the same thought process and discipline into your everyday life.

Number 12 - Track Your Progress

Tracking your progress is an effective way to remain focused, motivated, and disciplined.
It enables you to see how you’re progressing, and where you can improve.
In a journal, keep track of the things that are working and the things that are not.
Check your journal entries periodically, and make adjustments that benefit your progress.

Number 13 - Look For Inspiration

When facing adversity, inspiration becomes paramount in keeping self-discipline alive.
Gather inspiration from people, books, quotes, movies, and current events that support and validate your progress.
Try to find someone who has successfully achieved a goal that you want to achieve.
You will probably learn a lot of things from this person - and it will help you along your journey.
Look into what specific behaviors empowered them, and what challenges they faced - and how they overcame them.
Learn about other people’s success stories, and you’ll be more likely to follow your own goals with courage and determination.

Number 14 - Reward Yourself

Give yourself something to be excited about, by planning a reward for accomplishing a goal.
Just like when you were a little kid and got a treat for good behavior, having something to look forward to, gives you the motivation to succeed.
Anticipation is powerful!
It gives you something to obsess over and focus on, so you don’t just get stuck thinking about what you’re trying to change.
And once you achieve your goal, find a new goal and a new reward to keep yourself moving forward.

Number 15 - Don’t Beat Yourself Up When You Fail

Even with the best intentions and well-laid plans, we sometimes fall short.
It happens.
You will have ups and downs, great successes and dismal failures.
The key is to keep moving forward.
If you stumble, acknowledge what caused it and move on.
Don’t let yourself get wrapped up in guilt, anger or frustration, because these emotions will only drag you further down and impede future progress.
Learn from your mistakes and forgive yourself.
Then get your head back in the game, and refocus on your goals.

Number 16 - Find A Partner With Similar Goals

To gain self-discipline, it’s always good to surround yourself with an encouraging environment.
Having a partner with similar goals can be beneficial - as you can be accountable to each other.
You can motivate one another, and provide encouragement when one of you is struggling.
Developing self-discipline is one of the key elements to creating a better life - and with regular practice, you can greatly improve your self control.
Additionally, gaining self-discipline in just one area of your life can lead to increased willpower in other areas of your life as well.
Want do you think? 
In what areas are you most self-disciplined?
And what areas do you feel like you need to improve?
Let us know in the comments below!
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