Tag: self-discipline

In today’s episode of the Inspiration2grow podcast I am outlining 6 powerful tactics that you can implement to master your self-discipline.
But before we dive into the 6 ways to upgrade and master your own self-discipline, I want to discuss the difference between being motivated and being disciplined.

More often than not, I hear people say they lack motivation to make the changes they desire to achieve in any area of their life and stay consistent in their new habits. But, it’s not motivation they are lacking, it’s really the necessary self-discipline and you’re about to find out the difference between the two terms, when you need each of them and which one will get you to where you truly want to be on your health and fitness journey.

Motivation vs. Discipline

Motivation comes from the natural human drive to achieve something.  Motivation doesn’t last forever no matter how much you want something.  It’s a temporary effect created by the brain to boost you in the right direction.

Discipline is the ability to continue pushing in the right direction when you no longer have motivation doing it for you.  Discipline is far more important than motivation and you should never rely on motivation only.

Motivation is about the why behind your actions. In contrast, discipline is about what you do. Think of motivation as your initial burst of inspiration and discipline as the thing that keeps you moving toward your goal long after the novelty has faded.

Despite the fact that self discipline and motivation are both important for success, it is absolutely wrong to think that motivation is prime. Motivation is what will give you the start and then self discipline alone will be responsible for keeping you going.

A quote I heard that resonated strongly with me was: “Motivation is doing what NEEDS to be done when you WANT to do it. Discipline is doing what NEEDS to be done when you DON’T WANT to do it.” These reinforce each other and often you start to become more excited (motivated) to do something when you become good at it.

Something motivates you to make a change and in the early stages, you are motivated to take on the task. At some point, that motivation fades and you then have to tap into discipline to keep it going. Discipline helps you push through the times when motivation is low, so you can keep practicing.
People often ask me: Can you be disciplined without motivation?

Focusing on motivation can help you do things when you feel like doing it but discipline will help you do it regardless of how you feel. Discipline is the priority, not motivation.
 
Why is discipline greater than motivation?

You don’t have to feel like it!

The downside of motivation is that it’s ephemeral or fleeting; meaning it’s here one moment and gone the next.
 
Discipline, on the other hand, means establishing a routine and sticking to it, whether you feel like it or not.
 
Another question I get asked quite a bit is: What causes a lack of self-discipline?
 
Laziness and lack of enough inner strength

Laziness and the absence of inner strength prevent you from being more self disciplined. In this situation, you avoid doing things that require effort and persistence. People prefer comfortable laziness, rather than actions that require effort.
 
For this point forward, I want you to be a person who strengthens their self-discipline every day.  Do the hard things even if you don’t feel like it.  Put in the effort on the days when it’s hard. Show up for yourself and your body in those moments when you could take the path of least resistance.
 
So, let’s have a look at the 6 powerful ways you can master your own self-discipline in literally anything you want to achieve.
 
1.       Start by doing a life audit.

What I mean by that is I want you to focus on the ‘identity’ you’re building.
Don’t just think about the goals you want to achieve.
Think about the PERSON you want to become.
-> What would that person do?
-> How would they behave?
-> How would they think?
Keeping your desired identity in mind helps you take actions aligned with that identity.
 
2.       Set reminders.

It’s easy to forget what we’re supposed to be doing.
Reading.  Working out.  Eating healthy.  These are all easy to do….AND easy NOT to do.
So set reminders on your phone, calendar or to-do list app to help you stay on track.
 
3.       Embrace challenges.

The hardest battles often come from within.
Nothing meaningful is achieved without struggle.
Instead of thinking about how hard things are, they about the incremental progress you’re making over time.
Keep a journal or diary of what work you get done, each win you have and the good choices you make.
Write that goodness down!!
 
4.        Take care of your health.

It’s hard to make good decisions when you don’t feel good mentally, physically, or spiritually.
This starts a downward spiral where everything seems to fall apart.
Stop the cycle by taking better care of yourself in terms of:
-> Mental health by journalling and reading
-> Physical health by exercising and eating well
-> Spiritual healthy by journalling and practicing gratitude
 
5.       Practice meditation.

Self-discipline can:
·         Run you down
·         Take a toll on your mind
·         Make you feel overwhelmed

Dedicate 10 minutes at the end of your day to:
·         Sit in silence
·         Let thoughts come and go
·         Become aware of how you’re feeling
 
6.       Build new habits.

Building a simple, new habit is a great way to build your self-discipline muscle.

Here are 5 habit-building tips:
a.       Start small
b.       Get accountability
c.       Track your progress
d.       Celebrate your wins
e.       Focus on your “why”

I want to leave you with a few thoughts on self-discipline…

The highest level of self-discipline is the self-discipline of the mind. By this I mean, self-discipline is the ability to push yourself forward, stay motivated, and take action, regardless of how you’re feeling, physically or emotionally.

The greatest form of self-discipline is self-love or self-respect.  You are following through with what you set out to do:  exercise every day, eat more vegetables and less processed food, journal 10 minutes a day, write 100 words for that book you want to write.

And, that’s a wrap for Episode 81.

I hope to have inspired you to grow with today’s show.

If you’d like to go over today’s show, go to the show notes on my website: inspiration2grow.com.  I know (that) I talk fast at times and it’s a lot to digest, so every day each podcast episode is available for reading.  Be sure to leave me a comment and let me know your thoughts.  I’d love to know what has resonated with you.

My only hope is that you start to implement some of the ideas, tips and strategies that I talk about and I would love to know which ones have been beneficial for you personally.

I would also like to invite you to become part of the Inspiration2grow community on Facebook.  The group name is: Inspiration2grow for Female Goal-getters.  It is meant to be a community of like-minded women who want to grow strong from the inside out.  There will be daily journalling prompts, nutrition and fitness tips, exercises to try, encouraging conversations among the community and lots more.  So, be sure to join this group for support, new ideas and the necessary rocket fuel to propel your health and wellness to new heights.

You owe it to yourself to take care of yourself, show up for yourself and become the best version of YOU.

In case you haven’t heard it yet today, let me be the first to tell you…

You are incredible, capable and your potential is limitless.  Never forget that I believe in you 100%.  Now, go out there and show the world what you are truly made of.

Til next time,
Lisa  xoxo