What is self-control? Why is it important and how to build self-discipline?
In a study conducted in 2011, 200 people were asked to write down the day that they will start to commit to their dreams fully.
Interestingly, 92% of those people wrote a day in the future. Most of them were not willing to start right away.
They all had some excuses; some were busy with their jobs; some lacked the resources; others were just too lazy. But I think there is only one thing those 92% people lack: self-discipline.
You need an immense amount of self-discipline to stay fully focused on thing alone. Doing something consistently for years is not an easy task at all.
If you wish to be successful, you should master the art of self-discipline.
I have been working on this blog for a few years now, and have personally experienced the power of self-discipline. This post will teach you how to build unbreakable self-discipline.
Let’s dive right in!
What is Self-Discipline?
Self-discipline is that ability to control your actions without the need for someone to tell you to do something.
“Discipline is the refining fire by which talent becomes ability.”
Roy L. Smith
You will achieve discipline when you are able to focus on doing something that helps you move forward in life. Self-discipline along with determination, and motivation sustained over a long time can make you successful.
What is the Importance of Self-Discipline?
The ability to control one’s behavior can help you set long-term goals on any activities including, losing weight, eating healthy, studying better, exercising, controlling emotions, and having healthy relationships.
According to various studies, self-control reduces your anxiety and stress levels to a great extend. It also increases your confidence and is indirectly related to happiness. If you’re a disciplined person, chances are that you’ll be happier than your peers.
Know what you want and how to get there
Self-discipline requires knowing what you want and how to get there. Aimlessly wandering through life does not require self-discipline because there is nothing for you to work towards.
Identifying what you want is the first step of self-discipline. If you know what to work towards, you can focus on what you need to do to get there.
Knowing what you need to do to get what you want is the next step of self-discipline.
You can break your goal down into small pieces to identify the steps in achieving a goal.
If you want to achieve a goal badly enough, you will be willing to put in the effort to do it. This involves completing all the steps in your goal.
You will be so focused on achieving your goal that you will automatically be disciplined enough to do so.
Always keep what you want in mind
Let’s face it, sometimes doing what you need to do isn’t fun. Sometimes you have to make sacrifices to get what you want.
For example, all your friends might be going to a party, but you have to stay home to study for an exam. Remembering that you’re studying to pass a class that will help you get the job you want will help you say no to going out.
Develop good habits
Developing good habits goes a long way towards self-discipline. Say you’re an aspiring author. If you develop the habit of writing one page in the morning before you go to work, eventually you will become self-disciplined enough to finish writing your book.
But how long does it take to do that? It takes about 66 days to develop a habit and make it automatic.
As hard as it can sometimes be, do what you need to do to develop your habit. Eventually, it will become automatic, and you won’t need to focus on it anymore consciously. It will be a part of your routine.
Let yourself have fun
Self-discipline isn’t always about work. Sometimes you need to take a break to have fun.
If you’re not taking time to relax, you will become overworked and unsatisfied. You will think that what you’re working towards what you want is no longer worth it if you can’t have any fun, and your self-discipline will crumble.
Always balance self-discipline with taking time for fun.
Self-discipline is required for you to achieve your goals. It’s not always easy. It requires focus.
Knowing what you want, the steps to achieve your goals, remember that your discipline will help you achieve your goals, develop good habits, and take the time to relax are ways you can harness the power of self-control.
Also Read: 6 Tips to focus on the right things how to build self-discipline if you’re a student.
