For some of us, the word self-discipline is an anathema, the mere mention of it initiates a visceral response in our being.
Nevertheless, without mastering self-discipline, or the discipline-of-self, we are at the mercy of procrastination, distractions, and remaining slaves to habits and behaviours that can have a negative impact on ourselves and others close to us.
The Psychology Dictionary describes self-discipline as - controlling our impulses and desires, to have a grip over own self, to organize tasks and behaviours in a better way.
Self-discipline and self-control or the control-of-self are closely aligned.
Matt DeLisi (2014) suggests, “Low self-control makes more difficult the likelihood of getting along with others, performing well in school, maintaining and sustaining relationships and work commitments, and engaging in healthy lifestyle habits. When an individual's self-control is significantly discrepant from others', the result is a disorganized, chaotic life of impulsively living from moment to moment”. His article Low Self-Control Is a Brain-Based Disorder, extrapolates how low self-control is associated with specific regions of the brain and its correlation as a potent predictor of crime, which is a very insightful read.
So, the million-dollar question is how can we develop the art of self-discipline?
Choose a sustainable goal – start with something small that can be achieved over a shorter time frame, and then incrementally increase the duration and type of goal as your self-discipline/control increases.
Identify your motivator – identify the motivation for your goal and frame your motivation from a positive perspective, not from a punitive orientation.
Pinpoint potential obstacles – success in any endeavour requires identifying potential obstacles that may trip you up along the way and put in contingency plans to circumvent their impact and distraction from your goal(s).
Monitor progress – critical to boosting your capacity, is becoming increasingly mindful of the positive impact self-discipline/control is having on your life. Keep a journal or log of how you are feeling, i.e., more energised, increased excitement, improved mood, increased productivity, improved health, or more in control. Reflecting on these impacts on your life, become intrinsic motivators in continuing to develop your self-discipline/control.
Reward – celebrating the wins along the way toward your goal is a sure-fire way to reinforce your self-mastery and triumphs.
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