All great performers are highly disciplined. Look no further than to Hall of Fame athletes, who often reflect on their careers and understand that self-discipline was an essential ingredient to their success. Improving your self-discipline will have a profound impact on maximizing your potential. Consider these 10 tips:
- Set attainable goals: Start small and set yourself up for success.
- Make them your priority: Design your daily life around taking steps toward achieving the goals you have set.
- Reward yourself: When you meet a goal, treat yourself to something you love.
- Involve others: Turn to those you trust and who care about your success. If you are now accountable to them, not just to yourself, you may find that you are more motivated to stay the course.
- Come up with a phrase that will be your reminder when things get tough: Practice self-talk. Something like “keep going” or “yes, I can!” might work well.
- Strengthen your inner focus: Spend some time each day or week on an activity that requires quiet focus.
- Don’t stop because of setbacks: If you slip, don’t let that be an excuse to quit altogether.
- Avoid distractions: Until you are in a stronger place with your self-discipline, avoid people or places that will derail your efforts.
- Get on a routine: The power of a routine cannot be overemphasized. It creates a flow to your day that you will soon find yourself addicted to.
- Eliminate excuses: Do not allow yourself to make an excuse for missing a single day in working toward achieving your goals.
