Tips to Improve Self-Discipline
By Paul Rothbart
One of the most useful, yet elusive traits a person can have is strong self-discipline. When you have it, self-discipline gives you control over your life. It can help you consistently achieve goals, succeed in your occupation, and manage your finances. It can even help you build strong and lasting relationships. Mastering self-discipline takes time and considerable effort but the rewards make it worthwhile. Here are some tips to start you on your path to mastery and help you improve your self-discipline now.
Start With Small Goals
When setting goals, it's best to start with smaller ones and build over time. Bigger goals can feel overwhelming and sap your resolve. By starting out with smaller, more easily attainable goals, you can build confidence each time you accomplish one. Confidence is a powerful motivator and can make things seem easier. You also build momentum. As you achieve more and more goals, you can move on to the larger ones. Like anything else, self-discipline builds over time, and success fuels it.
Write Your Goals Down
There's something about putting words on paper that makes them more tangible. By writing down your goals, you can place them somewhere you can always see them, such as on your desk. They will always be accessible and this can help you keep working toward them. I find that when I write things down, I won't be satisfied until I can cross them off a list. You can even set reminders on the calendar app on your smartphone. Awareness of what you are trying to accomplish and when you want to complete it can be a great aid to self-discipline.
Prioritize
Having multiple tasks that need doing can be challenging. You often don't know where to begin and nothing gets done. This is where prioritizing shows its value. Determine which tasks should be done first. There may be some chores necessary to enable you to complete others or perhaps some have sooner deadlines. It can also help to do things that appeal to you the least before doing the ones you enjoy. Getting them completed and out of the way can boost confidence and bring a sense of relief that can drive you toward finishing everything on your list.
Self-discipline is one of the most powerful tools you can use in just about every aspect of life. It can seem difficult to master, but by working at it little by little, you can build your self-discipline and become more efficient, more successful, and enjoy life more.
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