7 Hacks to Obtain More Self Discipline
Discipline is more important than motivation because it’s a trait we can work to improve rather than rely on like motivation. When we rely on motivation, things often don’t get done because ACTION creates motivation first. But motivation alone is not enough to stay consistent. One of the most frequently asked questions I receive from clients is how they can improve their self discipline to stick to their workouts and nutrition goals.
Fifteen years of running cross country and track gave me the structure I needed growing up to create a solid foundation of self discipline as a kid that would later help me master my solid routine and workout habits as an adult. Even if you did not grow up playing sports, fear not- consider these seven hacks to improve YOUR own self discipline NOW.
1. Become more present
There are things we partake in on the daily that either get you closer from achieving your goal or take you further away from it. Being more present will help you identify what some of your unconscious self sabotaging habits might be. Tune in!
2. Have a strong WHY
This goes without saying, if you don’t have a strong enough WHY, you won’t be able to push past through those tough days. From my experience, the why needs to be a bit deeper than wanting to look good naked. Finding a bigger reason and a more meaningful WHY is imperative to take you to the next level. Dig deep and find YOURS.
3. Focus on the small steps along the way
It’s the small things you do on a consistent basis that add up to the big changes over time- not the big things you do once in a while. Small things you habitually do everyday make the biggest impact on your long term results. Things like: consistently meal prepping on a weekly basis, working out 3-4x a week, sleeping 7-8 hours a night, stress management, etc.
4. Lean into the discomfort
We MUST get comfortable being uncomfortable. Change means leaning into the unknown and sometimes not knowing what will come from that- and that’s OK! Lean into it anyway. We find comfort in our routine so changing that up won’t be easy but will be necessary to step your game up to the next level.
5. Learn from your failures
Instead of wallowing in shame, use every failure as a data collection and an opportunity to learn and get better. You WILL fail inevitably- stop hiding from it and learn from it! Failure leaves clues.
6. Hold yourself accountable
Having an accountability partner is a great way to hold yourself accountable and as a coach, that’s a huge part of my job for my clients; showing up for them and giving them that extra push when needed. But no one should care more about your goal than YOU. Put it into your weekly planner, tell your friends, hire a coach, create lists and ask yourself DAILY if you accomplished what you wanted for that day. If not, what can you do differently tomorrow? ACTION CREATES motivation. Get it done!
7. Don’t quit!
Long term sustainable healthy habits and change take TIME to master. Be patient and don’t quit! It may take longer than a week, month or even a few months to see progress. But you can’t be disappointed with not seeing results if you put in half ass work. The day you plant the seed is NOT the day you eat the fruit. Stay consistent and commit to the process! Enjoy the journey and the results will come.
I believe in you. You got this!