Ways To Become More Self-Disciplined

What does it mean to be self-disciplined?

Being self-disciplined means having the ability to direct your mind to do what you should. It means being able to do something important, useful or beneficial – even if you’re tempted to do something else. 

How to become more self-disciplined

Self-discipline can confer many benefits on numerous areas in life. Probably most notable is the fact that self-disciplined people tend to be more successful in work, school, their own businesses and even in relationships. Mind you being self-disciplined doesn’t guarantee success in these areas because there are other variables – but it does play a role.  

Here are some tips for becoming more self-disciplined.

1. Constantly remind yourself of the future (the benefits of being self-disciplined)

Being self-disciplined often means accomplishing goals useful for attaining a good future. The potential benefits of living a disciplined life should be more than enough incentive for you to stay on track.

Remember to constantly remind yourself of the benefits of being disciplined. Always remain conscious of the positive impact self-discipline can have on your future. If you find yourself forgetting, take a moment to remember the ideal future you want for yourself and consider the role self-discipline might play in making it a reality.

2. Put your willpower to use

Self-discipline is largely determined by willpower. Doing what you should be may not always be the most amusing use of your time. Still, though, you must obligate yourself to do it because it is what’s best.

Willpower is a very abundant resource. Even if you feel that this is not one of your strengths, it’s possible to develop willpower. First off, make sure you are in good health, well-rested, you’ve eaten right and you aren’t stressed. On this solid foundation you can start strengthening your willpower by putting it to use more often. Train it like a muscle.

Obligate yourself to do what you should be even if you feel enticed to do something else. Use willpower to continue working even against any desire not to. Eventually, what you may find is your willpower becomes more capable and you’re more able to get yourself on track.

3. Write out a plan and goals

What matters to you most when it comes to self-discipline? What does self-discipline mean to you? When do you know you are self-disciplined? What results will you use to determine how far you’ve come? Answering these could be very helpful for designing your self-discipline strategy.

It’s important to know these things to better understand what you plan to work on and how you will determine if your work is achieving results. Without a firm understanding of these you risk finding yourself in a disorganized journey that has no clear path to success.

Put the answers to those questions on a piece of paper to organize them and refer to them if needed. If  you have something motivating you to want to be more self-disciplined, write that out, as well. This can serve as a reminder to keep you motivated.

4. Don’t procrastinate

Procrastination is one of the biggest indicators of low self-discipline. This is why assuring you minimize or even eliminate procrastination is crucial. Not only that, but you may be procrastinating the actual process of becoming self-disciplined to begin with.

For example, you might say you want to start being more self-disciplined one day and end up just putting it off claiming you will do it another day. No matter what, if you are procrastinating it’s important to stop. 

5. Don’t make excuses too often (sometimes excuses are okay, though)

This is related to procrastination in a way but let’s discuss it separately. Excuses might cause you to procrastinate but they can also hold you back from being more self-disciplined in general. Someone who should eat a healthy diet that contains more vegetables, for example, might make excuses as to why they can’t. This holds them back from being more self-disciplined.

Self-discipline can often mean doing things that you don’t like. Some people like vegetables so it’s easy but other people may be more used to a diet filled with processed food so the transition is more challenging. Maybe you need to start going to sleep earlier and you make excuses not to.

Excuses can be problematic in many areas of self-discipline. Don’t bother making them. If you know you have to do something just get right to doing it. “I have to sleep now?” No phone, distractions or whatever. Just go to sleep. No excuses.

Now, excuses aren’t always illegitimate. You need to be honest with yourself if you find you truly have an excuse. Ask yourself if the excuse is valid and give yourself a truthful answer. There is nothing wrong with being in situations now and again where you might have to compromise on your self-discipline journey. Just don’t make it a habit to accept unreasonable excuses.

6. Give yourself time and grow gradually

If you need time to become more self-disciplined that is perfectly fine. As long as you are constantly trying, building your capabilities up, avoiding procrastination and excuses, and doing the right thing when you can then you’re okay.

Self-discipline may take some time to develop. It is a skill, after all. Just know that with time you are very likely to find yourself getting much more proficient. Stay on your journey and remember…

7. Be resilient

If you fail, pick yourself up and get back on track. If you ended up not doing what you should 20 times, don’t let it become 21. If you feel like you haven’t made any improvements, start making them now; even if they’re small. No matter what, do not give up your journey if you encounter difficulties along the way. Remember, self-discipline is for you and your own good. Don’t allow yourself to lose sight of its importance.