Just like we are what we eat, we are also what we think.

”We must all suffer one of two things:
the pain of discipline, or the pain
of regret or disappointment.”

The Power of Discipline

Quite simply, if you don’t discipline yourself now, you are just setting yourself up for disappointment in the future.

And in the quote lies a truth that some people won’t tell you. If you want to succeed in life and achieve all that you’re capable of, there will be times when it’s not all fun and games.

You are going to have to be self-disciplined enough to do what you must do during those times, especially when you don’t want to do them.

It sometimes means saying “no” to those things that you may want, or saying “yes” to things that you don’t want. All in the name of achieving what you’re “really” after.

Still, while self-discipline is most certainly a powerful attribute to have, I’ll be the first to admit that it can also be a challenge at times to obtain.

Fortunately, there are some specific strategies that you can incorporate into your daily life so you can become a master of self-discipline and stay on task.

With that in mind, below you will find five techniques that you can put to work immediately to begin building your “self-discipline muscle” and making it one of your greatest assets.

1) Hold yourself accountable.

Accountability is crucial. If you don’t do what you said you would or vice versa, it’s vital that some sort of discipline be imposed. Continue holding yourself accountable long enough and you’ll eventually develop the self-discipline you’re seeking.

2) Accept no excuses.

There is nothing easier than to come up with an excuse as to why you didn’t do something. Become someone who does not accept excuses from yourself or anyone else. Simply put, you can have excuses or results, but not both.

3) Be patient.

Psychologists say it takes up to thirty days of conscious effort before you are able to act in an unconscious manner on something you’re learning. This means that for awhile you’ll have to consciously think about it, but at some point it becomes part of your new behavior at an unconscious level.

 4) Invest the effort required.

Let’s face it: learning to control yourself through self-discipline is not easy. Chances are, it is going to take a sustained effort before you see the results you are looking for; but I can assure you that it is well worth the effort.

5) Talk to yourself in positive ways.

Use self-talk to program your mind for the results you are looking for. Tell yourself the following ten times per day until you begin to know it’s true: “I am a highly disciplined person. I am totally in control of my own actions.”