10 Terrific and Timely Tips for Improving Your Self-Discipline

We strive for more self-control. We imagine how much easier life would be if eating right wasn’t such a struggle or a trip to the gym wasn’t a fight with self, or waking up early didn't mean conquering the desire for an extra hour of sleep.

You may think self-discipline and you don't go together.

Do you catch yourself beginning sentences with the phrase: "I've never been good at ........"?

Fill in the blank.

I promise this: you and self-discipline can go together better than Ben goes with Jerry.

That is because, thankfully, self-discipline is a trait that anyone can master. You don’t have to be born with the ability. In fact, by following a few simple tips, you can start improving your self-discipline skills almost immediately.

Here’s how:

10 Tips for Improving Your Self-Discipline

1. Understand What’s Particularly Tempting

We all have a weakness. Whether we can’t say no to the salty snacks or wind up staying up too late night after night, we’re looking at the same problem: A lack of self-discipline. By knowing what our triggers are, it’s a simple matter to defuse them.

2. Change Your Environment

Once you know what tempts you, the simple solution is to remove the trigger from your environment. Salty snacks? Stop buying them. Staying up late? Remove the light bulb from your bedroom. Don’t be afraid to get radical and more than a little creative.

3. Set a Goal

Without a plan, how can you accomplish anything? Ask what you’re trying to change. What does your new future look like for you? Make an action plan to take you there.

4. Practice

Self-discipline doesn’t happen overnight. The only way you’re going to learn it is to practice it. Look at the plan you just created. What small steps does it require? Push yourself to act on those steps, daily.

5. Break Things Down

Change is more natural to make when the steps are kept small and very simple. Break things down to their smallest components. What’s something small you can do today to help you build the habit of self-discipline?

6. Pay Attention to Your Body

Your physical health will always affect your willpower, so taking care of the basics, such as getting enough sleep and exercising regularly will help you to have better self-discipline.

7. Gain a New Perspective

The moment you start thinking you have no self-discipline, or that your willpower is a finite resource, you start limiting yourself. By changing your inner dialogue, you’re more likely to have success. Remind yourself often: “I’ve got this.” It truly is about mind over matter.

8. What’s Plan B?

When going into a difficult situation where you know self-discipline will be challenged, create a backup plan. Know before you begin just what you’re going to do if the worst happens. Implement as needed.

9. Use Rewards

When you succeed in your goals, don’t be afraid to allow yourself a small reward. As human beings, we’re wired to work our best when we know we’re going to get something out of the experience that we want.

10. Know How to Move On

Thrown your cares and discipline to the wind? Who hasn't?  Forgive yourself. Keep going. It’s normal to mess up now and again. It’s what you do next that matters.