The problem isn’t not knowing what to do, the problem is a lack of execution.
You ever just sit around, thinking about everything that needs to be done, and then do... nothing? The secret sauce is discipline, which can be built!
Discipline Is Your Superpower
Discipline isn't just about punishing yourself or following rules. It's about consistency, perseverance, and showing up for yourself Every-Damn-Day. It's the bridge between where you are and where you want to be. So let’s take action:
1. Start Small, Dream Big
Discipline doesn’t happen overnight. Pick one habit and stick to it for a week, then build from there. Go slow and set realistic expectations (especially around timelines). Keep track of what you're doing and implement patterns that make it easy for you to remain consistent and those that need some tweaking.
2. Create a Routine (and actually stick to it)
Our brains love patterns, so go ahead and set specific times to get things done. Pay attention to what feels the most natural at different times of the day/week. Jumping between projects can take up more of your energy than actually completing one item at hand; build routines that make sense chronologically.
For example, my gym is next door to the grocery store, so when I have to go shopping, I pop in right after the gym (because it makes sense, it’s on the way, and ultimately saves time).
3. Embrace the Power of 'No'
Depending on where you are in your journey, you’re going to have to get comfortable saying “no”. Saying no to family, friends, vacations, junk food and any other distractions. Saying no to one thing can mean saying yes to your goals. It's not always easy, but it's worth it. Please take some time to think about what/who you should be saying no to.
4. Fail Fast
You’re going to fail.
There’s gonna be a day when you fall off completely, or things don’t go as planned. Don’t wallow in pity or self-loathing thoughts, get back up and try again. These failures are the perfect opportunity to explore just why you failed. Sometimes, it’s forces outside of our control, other times it’s a little deeper and requires a course correction.
Don’t forget to give energy to your successes too! Treat yourself, sit in the moment, positive reinforcement works wonders.
5. Preparation: Make it Easy to Win
I cannot stress how important preparation is in pretty much everything. We’re playing offence, baby. Think about your weaknesses and be prepared for the challenges once they arise. You know yourself best, you know your shortcomings and you’ve gotta counteract them.
Can’t control yourself around junk food? No chips in the house… at all.
Social media taking over your life? Set time limits on your phone.
Continuously forget to eat until it’s way too late and now you’re a raging monster due to extreme hunger? It’s called “meal prepping”, my friend.
Lately, I’ve been having a difficult time waking up at a reasonable hour (I’ll keep the dirty little details of how late I sleep in to myself). I constantly disrespect the alarm clock on my phone, so guess what? I’ve incorporated an actual alarm clock into my life so that I have to get out of bed in the morning to turn it off. I also prepare my workout stuff the night before, so there’s one less thing to do in the morning.
Tips From Your Bestie (me)
Discipline isn't about perfection, it's about progress. Here are some small things that help me stay in check:
Time blocking my day - having an idea of the flow and stacking things in a way that makes sense for me.
Fitting my meetings into one day of the week and not taking meetings before 12pm
Being realistic with how much I can get done (this is a big one and helps me avoid disappointment).
Incorporating unstructured time into my calendar whenever possible.
Forgiving myself for falling off (it’s inevitable).
Doing the things I don’t like at the beginning of the day OR pairing them with something I love (eg. watching mindless tv while completing my admin).
Roping in enjoyment whenever possible - being disciplined can get boring and monotonous, try to switch up scenery and romanticize the small things (I love getting a new pen or notepad or even working from another city for a “work trip”).
Building discipline is a journey, not a destination. It takes time, effort, and a whole lot of patience, but it's soooo worth it. I'm rooting for you! *Tyra banks voice*
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