Self Discipline
How do you want to be seen by others?
SOmeone with Self Discipline ...
... gives maximum effort, has commitment, possesses inner strength, has perseverance, shows initiative, can resist temptations, is ambitious, has drive, is decisive, can be successful, remains in control, works hard, shows resolve and has strength of character.
someone with a Lack of self discipline ...
... is lazy, works in a comfort zone, is weak, enjoys being in the safe zone, fears failure, gives in to temptation, procrastinates, has no ambition, is indecisive, struggles, is impulsive and lets emotions control actions.
Sylvester Stallone's character Rocky Balboa demonstrates self discipline and strength of character in his 1979 sequel to cult classic film Rocky.
If this doesn't give you goosebumps, nothing will!
Despite what many may think, self discipline is a learned behavior. It requires practice and repetition in your day-to-day life. To improve your own self discipline, test out these 5 proven methods for gaining better control. This regimen will help you to establish good habits, break bad ones and improve your control by making simple changes to your everyday routine. Improved self discipline will allow you to live a freer life by helping you to make healthy choices, not emotional ones. Give it a shot. Your happiness will thank you for it!
1. Remove temptations
Removing all temptations and distractions from your environment is the first step when working to improve your self discipline. If you are trying to have better control of your eating, toss the junk food. If you want to improve your focus while working, turn off your phone and remove the clutter from your desk. If you want to improve your behaviour in lesson, choose a desk away from friends. Simple, isn't it! Do you have the will power and strength to commit to this though?
2. Eat healthily
Studies have shown that low blood sugar often weakens a person’s resolve. When you’re hungry, your ability to concentrate suffers as your brain is not functioning to its highest potential. Hunger makes it difficult to focus on a task, not to mention making you grumpy and pessimistic. You are much more likely to have a weakened sense of self control in all areas of our life including: diet, exercise, work and relationships. In order to stay on track, make sure that you are well fuelled throughout the day with healthy snacks and meals every few hours.
3. Don’t wait for it to feel right
Improving your self discipline means changing up your normal routine, which can be uncomfortable and awkward. Habit behaviours are traced to a part of the brain called the basal ganglia - a portion of the brain associated with emotions, patterns and memories. Decisions, on the other hand, are made in the prefrontal cortex, a completely different area. When a behaviour becomes habit, we stop using our decision-making skills and instead function on autopilot. Therefore, breaking a bad habit and building a new habit not only requires us to make active decisions, but it will also feel strange.
4. Schedule breaks, treats and rewards for yourself
Self discipline does not mean your new regimen needs to be entirely drill sergeant-like in execution. In fact, giving yourself zero wiggle room often results in failure and you end up giving into your old ways. When practising self control, schedule specific breaks, treats and rewards for yourself. No Yellow Cards in a two weeks? Treat yourself to something nice. Stuck to your revision schedule all month? Then buy that new book. Self discipline can be hard. Reward your effort.
5. Forgive yourself and move forward
You will have ups and downs, fabulous successes and total failures. The key is to keep moving forward. When you have a setback, acknowledge what caused it and move on. It is easy to get wrapped up in guilt, anger or frustration, but these emotions will not help you to build improved self discipline. Forgive yourself and get back in the saddle without delay. The longer you’re off your game, the harder it will be to keep going in a positive direction.
Self disciplined Characters
Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002)
Stars: Hayden Christensen, Natalie Portman, Ewan McGregor (PG)
The Incredible Hulk (2008)
Stars: Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth (12a)
The Karate Kid (1984)
Stars: Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue (15)
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