As mentioned earlier, self-discipline is all about understanding oneself without resistance so that the discipline can be in its natural order. It awakens when you are constantly watching and learning about yourself.
Conforming to pre-established actions and calling that “discipline” is pretty straightforward, but it can be quite conflictual. On the contrary, self-discipline comes through self-knowledge – by being aware and mindful of each moment.
Learning how you think, feel and act are essential for self-discipline. This act allows you to cease all bad, mediocre habits and helps you accomplish realistic goals and transform your life significantly.
1) Understand Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Everyone is unique and blessed with different talents and abilities. Understanding this is a tremendous realization, making you embrace what you and others are capable of in your own ways. (2)
Paying attention to your strengths and weaknesses is a form of self-awareness. This is one of the powerful tools to help you expand your comfort zone.
2) Start With Small Steps
People often tend to overwhelm themselves by setting the bar far from their reach. Self-discipline doesn’t create a duality between big and small goals. Every step has its significance and therefore builds confidence as you complete them.
Along with confidence, you will also have patience and mental clarity. Keeping up with small daily goals can motivate you to improve your focus and attention span.
3) Be a Light to Yourself
Being a light to oneself means you are not dependent on anyone – inwardly and psychologically. Remind yourself that outer motivation can only help you temporarily. When you observe this as a fact, you will not depend on anybody and become in charge of your life.
People, your close ones or strangers, can guide you to a certain extent. However, it can never bring about a quality of self-reliance and freedom. These qualities are highly essential to being self-disciplined.
4) Observe Your Daily Routine
Observe your routine nature – how you think, feel, act, behave, and talk to people or yourself. These qualities build your personality. Always remember to reflect on your daily activities before going to bed so that you can organize them better the next day.
It is essential to give yourself mental and physical breaks and, at the same time, recognize at what time of the day you are most productive. For instance, if your most productive time is in the mornings, and you occupy with non-related-works during that time – that’s not good.
5) Live in The Moment
Ambitions and goals may be supreme to someone and not so important to the other. So, no matter what your goals are, never burden yourself with them. Overwhelming yourself with goals is not going to help you achieve them effectively.
Try not to overanalyze your failures or success. The moment you do either, you cease to live in the present and imagine situations that are nothing but illusions. So, embrace your journey and pay attention to them without judging. Doing this promotes a sense of mindfulness, helping you see things more clearly.