The Habit You NEED if You Want to Succeed: Self-Discipline

My first goal with this post is to get you feeling uncomfortable. I like to work by pushing the envelope, get you moving outside of your comfort zone.Why? you ask.Because growth and forward progress can only happen if you're willing to feel uncomfortable. Too often we shy away from discomfort because we are taught to make our lives comfortable, to make them work.Today I am going to show you how to practice being uncomfortable while you develop the number one habit you need to master if you are going to reach your goals, and reach your next level of success.Most of us translate the word “habit” into meaning a practice you want to get rid of. This is very damaging because ultimately, our habits are good things. They help us set up the structures in our lives needed for success. One such habit is the habit of self-discipline. Oh yes! Your favorite word I'm sure. ;) There are two main reasons why we lack self-discipline. The first is that we are spoiled. The second is that human beings have a natural propensity to avoid fear and failure.As a society we are spoiled by instant gratification. We are used to getting things quickly via television, internet, smart phones and other technological advances. Often, when we don't reach our goals within the expected time frame, we lose our motivation and self-discipline to stick to it and work harder.If you're not disciplined in the pursuit of your goals, how can you expect to achieve success?The second reason why we lack self-discipline is that it avoids fear and failure. We bombard our subconscious minds with thoughts such as: “If I do it wrong what will they say? What will they think of me? What if it doesn’t work? It takes too long!” Essentially, we act on the assumption that if we do not act then we avoid the risk of making a mistake.You already know these assumptions are counteractive to productivity and success. So how can you strengthen and develop the much needed habit of self-discipline?

Making Self-Discipline a Habit

First and foremost, you have to start by viewing the word ‘habit’ in a positive way. Your habits shape your successful existence. They are good things to be embraced, cultivated and protected.Second, start to view self-discipline as a positive effort, rather than one of denial. It was Jane Fonda who said, “Discipline is freedom.” It doesn’t get more simple than that beautiful concept. Developing and strengthening the habit of self-discipline will deliver to you a life of freedom.Here is an exercise you can use to help you develop your new habit of self-discipline.Schedule a task for a given time of the day and focus on practicing ‘Deliberate Delaying.’Here is what I want you to do:1. Schedule a particular task in the morning and one in the evening2. The task should not take more than 10 minutes3. Wait for the exact scheduled time4. When the scheduled time comes, start the task5. Stick to the schedule for at least 4 weeksThis exercise will benefit you in the following ways:When you schedule what needs to be done it helps you focus on your priorities. By making your focus the start of a task at a specific time, you avoid procrastination.Schedule a task, hold yourself accountable to its completion at a specific time (I mean it!) Don't act on impulse no matter how hard the urge. The purpose of these short, regularly scheduled tasks is to practice making a commitment, and refine the act of doing and getting results.Self-discipline is like a muscle that grows with use. By keeping one promise to yourself, you set-up the next one to be easier. For example: If you exercise tonight, it gets easier to exercise tomorrow night.Remember, the tools for change ultimately lie within your hands. The choice is yours. Make the choice to do what it takes to maximize success. Develop the habit of self-discipline so that you can commit yourself to making forward progress towards your success.I encourage you to share this post with at least one friend, and hold each other accountable to regularly schedule and complete tasks of importance. The difference between success and failure is simply summarized in one beautiful word: Self-Discipline.Download your Free Productivity E-book: “28 Quasi Unconventional Ways to Become Highly Productive Today.”

Let's hear from you! Do you struggle with self-discipline in your business? In your personal life? How do you practice strengthening the habit of self-discipline?