How to improve self discipline
Improving self-discipline can be challenging, but it can be improved with practice and effort. Here are some points on this.
Set clear goals: Identify your goals and make them specific and measurable. Write them down and track your progress. There are multiple apps on the internet which can help you write down and keep track of progress. My favorites are google keep and a simple old fashioned notebook.
Prioritize: Focus on the most important tasks first and avoid getting distracted by less important ones. Meeting and keeping touch with friends is important but not when you have an important exam tomorrow.
Create a routine: Establish a daily routine that includes time for work, exercise, rest, and relaxation. The most famous framework for this is the 8–8–8 rule where you spend 8 hours for work, 8 hours for leisure/family and friends and finally 8 hours for sleep. This keeps the life balanced.
Break tasks into smaller steps: Dividing larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps can make them less intimidating and more achievable. Trying to solve world hunger can feel like an impossible task, but you can always give food to the next hungry person that you meet.
Eliminate distractions: Minimize potential distractions such as social media, TV, or other activities that can take away from your focus. Unsubscribe from that netflix account, uninstall instagram from your phone. Take advantage of that saying “Out of sight, out of mind”.
Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness practices such as meditation or deep breathing can help you stay focused and calm. Just take some regular time off everyday and sit alone in a room. That room should not have anything. Another method that you can try is going for a long walk alone.
Hold yourself accountable: Take responsibility for your actions and hold yourself accountable for achieving your goals. NEVER BETRAY YOURSELF. Its ok to give yourself some leeway, but always follow what you promise yourself.
Celebrate progress: Reward yourself for making progress toward your goals. Celebrating small wins can help you stay motivated and continue to make progress. For example you can promise to renew and binge watch seinfield episodes for a weekend if you are able to not watch netflix the rest of the month. Just remember that rewards should come after the goal and not before. “Pay yourself first” is not for these situations.
Remember that improving self-discipline takes time and effort. Be patient and keep practicing these habits to develop greater self-discipline over time. Best of luck.
