Thinking Traps I Just Need More Discipline

 I love discipline, order, and the ideals of strong character that can endure hardship without complaining. I believe that a growing sense of self-control brings a feeling of freedom.

However, I also believe that you can cultivate the discipline you long for without guilt, shame, or sporadic attempts at living a Spartan life.

This longing for more self-control shows up frequently in the realm of food and exercise.

In my coaching practice, I am always talking about a different path to self-control: one that is easy to follow and built through small steps.

When you blame your overeating or inconsistent exercise routine on your lack of discipline, you are left with self-criticism and feelings of failure. It seldom leads to creative thinking or problem-solving. Instead, it narrows the problem down to one cause: your lack of discipline.

Have you noticed this way of thinking producing any good ideas or results?

When you feel defeated or useless, you are not usually motivated to take the next step that leads to progress.

Here are four steps to start building discipline in any area you find difficult:

1. Write down what you want to achieve. What habit would you like to become part of your lifestyle?

2. Write down all the reasons why this habit is important to you. How would it help you? What would life be like if you could practise it consistently?

3. Write down any behaviours that you think would help you achieve your aspiration, even if you don't think you could do them. Aim to find 10–20 specific behaviours that would help.

4. Circle 1–3 behaviours that you think you could do on your hardest day, and start with them tomorrow.

   
   

If you would like to bring your aspirations to my next coaching session, we can work through them together using these steps.

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