Written by: Deeana Tate, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Have you ever had a particular goal in mind that you wanted to achieve? Perhaps you have begun to take the necessary steps to get started such as enroll back in school to complete that degree, started saving while paying off debt to buy that house, purchasing a gym membership to get healthy or even fine tuning that resume to apply for higher paying positions, but somehow things just came at a complete standstill? You know that you are following the correct steps yet things are not flowing.
Upon evaluating the situation to try to figure out how and why things are not flowing smoothly, you must ask yourself questions such as “Am I consistent with what I’m doing?” and “Am I disciplined enough to see this task through to the end?”
We can make all of the preparation for the task we want to accomplish, however if we are not utilizing self-discipline as a tool to get there, we will not remain focused. Self-discipline causes us to self-access to fix the problem areas that may be hindering our growth, self-discipline is what enables us to get that particular task done. Self-discipline, according to Merriam-Webster, is described as “correction or regulation of oneself for the sake of improvement”.
You may be reading this and thinking to yourself, “I need to become more disciplined but I just don’t know how”. Pub Med Central states, “Self-control is defined as the capacity to exert conscious control to override impulses and direct responding to promote abstract and distal objectives ( e.g. being healthy, obtaining good grades or a professional advancement, to keep out of trouble) when threatened by competing fast, exciting and attractive returns…” see here. Self-discipline in one area of life usually causes self-discipline in other areas as well.
Here are 5 ways to practice self-discipline:
Figure out your “why”. What makes you want to accomplish this task/goal? Why is it so important to you? Why now? You must completely know the reason behind it.
Identify what ways growth is needed. Self-assessment is such as gem in that it causes us to look within to find the possible root cause of why things happen. It can cause a person to grow is implemented correctly. Self-discipline is used during that growth process.
Getting rid of bad habits and replace with good habits. Self-discipline caused the mindset shift to want to only practice good habits. Good habits produce productivity.
Be specific with your goals. Know the intricate details of what you want to accomplish. Have you begun to align yourself fully to be able to accomplish said goal?
Start with one goal at a time. To eliminate the feeling of being overwhelmed, work on one goal at a time. Once that goal is mastered, you can move on to other goals.
Here are 5 benefits of self-discipline:
Healthier relationship with one’s self. When you adhere to your own rules via self-discipline, you are keeping your own word by doing what you said you would do. Other people see that as well and can consider you credible and feel that you are trustworthy.
You are more productive in life. You are able to effectively accomplish goals within a reasonable timeframe to your liking, which can lead to further goal setting and accomplishments.
You develop a heightened sense of awareness. You are able to recognize what makes you “tick” and affects you overall. With self-discipline you are able to perceive those things well enough to control the narrative. Our words, thoughts, actions and patterns must align with the end goal that’s looking to be accomplished. We must spend our time wisely each day to navigate our lives in a positive direction. The navigation of our words, thoughts, actions and patterns positively is self-discipline that will benefit mind, body and spirit.
You become healthier. Self-discipline when mastered leads to better lifestyle choices. According to a study done in 2011 by the National Library of Medicine, “…higher self-control was related to fewer mental and physical health symptoms and less avoidance coping.”. Again, the shift in the mindset causes conscious decisions to constantly be made.
It leads to self-care. Self-discipline keeps you grounded. You are thinking clearer and you are more focused. You are able to prioritize tasks. You are providing self-care by eliminating any unnecessary stress and anxiety due to lack of discipline.
To conclude, self-discipline is a tool that is designed to help us live a higher quality of life, it’s used appropriately. We have our best lives ahead of us so let’s get disciplined!!!
Read more from Deeana!
Deeana Tate, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Author of you: yes YOU: Comprehensive self-care for the everyday busy lifestyle and Founder/Owner of Beaute’ de la dame D LLC (Lady D’s Beauty), Deeana has been in the Beauty industry since 2015, correlating it with the Health and Wellness industry helping others look and feel their best. She decided to make strides to become a certified Health and Wellness Coach. Furthermore, Deeana decided to focus on Weight Management and Nutrition Coaching, to be able to assist others who may be struggling with lifestyle choices but have the desire and willingness to do better. Changing lives for the better, one mind at a time. Signed, your wellness strategist & health coach.
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