Learning to become an expert in self-discipline can be challenging. Self-discipline is the ability to control your actions, feelings, and emotions. When you understand it, you stay motivated and are bound to make progress. To improve your self-discipline, take a look at the seven habits outlined below, so you can cease your bad habits, accomplish your long-term and short-term goals, and make positive changes in your life.
1.) Remain calm and take action
Whenever you are feeling unhappy and unmotivated, count down from 10 and take deep breaths to calm yourself down. This can help distract your brain from other tasks on your plate and allow you to place all your attention on one goal that you want to work on. By doing a quick countdown, it can also help you into the right mindset to get motivated. At times, all we need is a little push to make that next step. In addition, be sure to enjoy what you are doing so you can make yourself happy as well.
2.) Display your goals where you can see them
Start your day by writing down all the tasks that you want to accomplish for today or in the future. You can make your own calendar and note all the work you need to get done. Then, you can then hang it somewhere where you will be likely to see it every day. It is even nice to motivate yourself by writing down motivational quotes from people you admire. More than anything, try to encourage yourself, be happy, and stay positive. You should spend some time thinking about your future goals and continue to work hard until you achieve them.
3.) Remind yourself why you started
Whenever you face a hard situation, remember that your future goals are your final destination and keep them in mind without forgetting where you started. Do not give up, as you will get through it. Even though it can be challenging to overcome, you will persevere. Remind yourself of your aspirations and why you want to achieve them. You should imagine yourself having assumed total responsibility for your life and achieving whatever particular goals you have set.
4.) Set small and attainable goals
Try not to overwhelm yourself by setting your goals too high. Rather, build your confidence and certainty by defining and accomplishing little objectives before you go for major ones. Tell yourself to be patient and do not get frustrated with the progress you are making. Your time will come. Try not to worry because accomplishing small goals can give you the motivation that you want to keep moving forward.
5.) Practice prioritizing
Decide which tasks are worth dedicating the most effort to and then organize your day to work on them. If you have your plan on hand, you are less likely to procrastinate, and tasks will get done even faster. Put more difficult items at the highest point of your needs, and you will be happy when they are done as opposed to putting them off one more day.
6.) Know your weaknesses
It is important to know your weaknesses so you can work on improving. Knowing your weaknesses gives you a better understanding of yourself and how you function. It also helps you to grow more.
7.) Get friends to hold you accountable
Having friends is key to help you finish your goals because you are less likely to cheat on yourself and get discouraged. Friends will always keep pushing and cheering you on and admire you as well. Not to mention, when life gets tough, you can be there and support each other.