discipline

Every goal requires discipline, and that very discipline is exactly the trouble most people have–myself included! How does one develop discipline? Hellifiknow, because it usually looks like sheer willpower–which, as we all know, is a diminishing resource. You have way less of it at the end of the day then you do in the beginning! That’s why diets are most often broken after 3pm.

Instead of focusing on sheer discipline, try asking yourself this question: what is it you want to be disciplined about? Then ask: does that thing – whether it’s exercise, health, or a business activity – does it actually serve you? Does it accurately align with your goals and who you want to be? If you are finding it difficult to stay disciplined, then the answer might well be ‘no.’ If it’s not in alignment, then like a car out of alignment, you are always fighting it. If you find you simply can’t stick to your workout routine, for instance, maybe that particular workout or way of working out isn’t for you. Try something new — get out of the gym and go bouldering instead, or drop a Shell in the water and go rowing! Find the exercise that energizes you, serves you, and matches your goals. Then it doesn’t feel like work. You no longer have to fight it–it simply doesn’t require as much forced willpower. It becomes a joy!

I know what you’re thinking — not everything is joyful all the time, even those things that align with your goals. True.  But this is an important place to start, so we’ll discuss the hard stuff next week.