It goes without saying that self-discipline is a crucial success principle. It is essential for any important achievement and it might be that something which stops you from achieving the results that you want. So what does it mean to be self-disciplined?
To be self-disciplined means to do what you know you should do and when you should do it, whether you feel like it or not. The problem is that so many times we don't really "feel like it"... And instead of doing something that would bring us closer to the manifestation of our dreams we stick to our old lazy habits and do what is fun and easy instead of what is necessary.
Why is it so hard to do what we know we should do? I guess it's part of our human nature, we always seek the easiest way to do things and we want to achieve our results with the least effort and time investment possible. We all want instant gratification. And we do want our reward before paying for it, but any great achievement requires dedications. In other words, you have to pay the price for the prize.
Even though it may seem that discipline is related to some kind of slavery and limitations it actually creates a lifetime of success, wealth and freedom. Author and ex-olympian gymnast Dan Millman says, "Discipline brings excellence and excellence brings freedom."
When you think of success principles author Brian Tracy is someone who comes first to my mind. In his books he shares a lot of insights about achievements of all kinds. I like what he has to say about self-discipline. Below you can read Brian Tracy's simple and yet effective seven steps that will help you become more self-disciplined.
Discipline yourself to do what you know you need to do to be the very best in your field. Perhaps the best definition of self-discipline is this: "Self-discipline is the ability to make yourself do what you should do when you should do it, whether you feel like it or not."
It is easy to do something when you feel like it. It's when you don't feel like it and you force yourself to do it anyway that you move your life and career onto the fast track.
What decisions do you need to make today in order to start moving toward the top of your field? Whatever it is, either to get in or get out, make a decision today and then get started. This single act alone can change the whole direction of your life.
There is a powerful seven step formula that you can use to set and achieve your goals for the rest of your life. Every single successful person uses this formula or some variation of this formula to achieve vastly more than the average person. And so can you. Here it is:
Decide What You Want
Step number one, decide exactly what it is you want in each part of your life. Become a "meaningful specific" rather than a "wandering generality."
Write it Down
Second, write it down, clearly and in detail. Always think on paper. A goal that is not in writing is not a goal at all. It is merely a wish and it has no energy behind it.
Set A Deadline
Third, set a deadline for your goal. A deadline acts as a "forcing system" in your subconscious mind. It motivates you to do the things necessary to make your goal come true. If it is a big enough goal, set sub-deadlines as well. Don't leave this to chance.
Make A List
Fourth, make a list of everything that you can think of that you are going to have to do to achieve your goal. When you think of new tasks and activities, write them on your list until your list is complete.
Organize Your List
Fifth, organize your list into a plan. Decide what you will have to do first and what you will have to do second. Decide what is more important and what is less important. And then write out your plan on paper, the same way you would develop a blueprint to build your dream house.
Take Action
The sixth step is for you to take action on your plan. Do something. Do anything. But get busy. Get going.
Do Something Every Day
Do something every single day that moves you in the direction of your most important goal at the moment. Develop the discipline of doing something 365 days each year that is moving you forward. You will be absolutely astonished at how much you accomplish when you utilize this formula in your life every single day.
Here are two things you can do to put these ideas into action immediately.
- First, decide exactly what you want, write it down with a deadline, make a plan and take action -- on at least one goal -- today!
- Second, determine the price you will have to pay to achieve this goal and then get busy paying that price -- whatever it is.
Want to know how to accomplish more in a month than most people accomplish in a year?
Brian Tracy's audio program, The Miracle of Self-Discipline, will show you how! Training yourself to complete important tasks -- even when you don't want to -- is a vital skill that every Top Achiever should master. To get your copy today, click here.
“Self-disciplined begins with the mastery of your thoughts. If you don't control what you think, you can't control what you do. Simply, self-discipline enables you to think first and act afterward.” - Napoleon Hill
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