Discipline is a key element necessary to being able to enjoy any dream or goal that you envision for yourself. Discipline will get you out of bed in the morning propelling you forward to put on your socks and running shoes and go for that jog you keep putting off for another day. Discipline will make you stay a little later in the office to make sure you are able to meet your project deadlines with quality work that will not only impress your boss and peers, but leave you feeling immensely proud and satisfied with your accomplishments.
Discipline can make all the difference in your life.
Learning how to be disciplined takes practice. This is okay. Any new habit that you form takes habit. But, you can learn anything, you can do anything!
People often talk about the things they want to do. They want to lose weight, they want to start jogging, they want, they want, they want. But when day upon day passes and they have not started on anything they have talked about wanting to do, this is where the dilemma comes into play. We have all experienced such trying situations. We know what we want, but something keeps holding us back from taking the necessary steps to actualize our desires. Procrastination, fear of success; the reasons are limitless. But they do not have to be obstacles for you anymore.
Whenever there is something I truly want I do everything in my power, find anything that can help me finally obtain all my greatest dreams and visions.
One of the very best practices that has helped me remain disciplined even in the most trying situations are things that I like to call “drop down lists”. These are lists that literally drop down in my mind and illuminate all the reasons why it is immeasurably valuable for me to make the best choices for myself. These lists have helped me, for example, maintain my figure and refuse to eat that fattening chocolate brownie. (Of course, anything in moderation is fine, but it is a perfect example to demonstrate this point.)
To further demonstrate this idea, here is what my “drop down list” looks like when deciding whether to eat or not eat junk food:
- My clothes will fit better
- I will feel better in my clothes
- Less hours will need to be spent working out
- I will have better health
- I will feel better about myself, and the list goes on.
My list is long and there are enough positive beneficial reasons that far outweigh the short-term enjoyment I would experience from indulging in such a dessert. These points keep me disciplined and focused on what is most important; maintaining my health and well-being and ultimately fulfilling my goal.
Everyday I work hard to make these drop-down lists in my mind automatic for every goal and dream I have so that I really don't have to think about them much. The more automatic they are in your life, the less work you need to put into their effectiveness and the more energy you have to focus on other things in your life. Practice makes perfect and, accordingly, I have been able to make these lists automatic by thinking about them long enough, writing them down in a daily journal, reading material that helps to support my goals and dreams, and sharing my ideas with people I know are supportive and believe in me 100%.
These practices came together to help be get to the point in my life where I no one and nothing can steer me away from what I have decided is best for me. Though I am still challenged on a daily basis, discipline is like exercise, the more you practice it, the easier it gets, and the more it holds greater influence over your life. And, with anything in life, if you want to be good at it, you must do some practice “free throw” shots everyday. Tiger Woods still needs to maintain his swing with consistent conditioning, we all do. Discipline is a lifestyle choice that will better your life, like brushing your teeth and cleaning your home.
With everything in my heart, I know self-discipline will be one of the best things I can practice in my life that will allow me to be successful in any endeavor I want to achieve. And, with every book I continue to read about success, this idea is further reinforced in the manifestation of goals and financial visions achieved. You can, will and are making all your dreams come true! Keep focused, keep disciplined, trust your instincts and never let anyone tell you that your dreams are unattainable. Discipline and success go hand in hand; it is practical and logical formula to the life of your dreams.
