The world knows many successful people, all of whom have achieved great heights in different ways. But in every such story, there is one important detail: none of them would have achieved anything without self-discipline. This skill allows for maintaining high productivity.
No matter what talent a person possesses, no matter what unique idea they come up with, no matter how much they love their work - nothing will be accomplished without hard work and the ability to deal with routine. Discipline and self-discipline are important not only in fields related to calculations and planning. Creativity and even the process of finding a job are impossible without them. Discipline brings order to life, allows you to take control of it, and improves its quality. It is the key to giving up harmful habits, maintaining a healthy diet, and regular exercise (which we desire but find difficult to start).
In short, self-discipline is a real superpower that helps us get closer to perfection. But how do we acquire it?
Despite everything mentioned above, not everyone thinks about the necessity of this trait. They are always running out of time, their plans fall apart, dreams remain dreams - but they don't see (or don't want to see) the true root of all problems. So, the thought of how important discipline and self-discipline are in a person's life can already be considered the first step toward perfection. The second step is realizing that being disciplined means completing all endeavors, which means halfway control is not enough.
The best motivation for self-discipline will be an honest look at the volume of problems associated with its absence. You need to admit to yourself what makes you feel bad. Don't think of discipline as a negative self-limitation - it is not an obstacle but a step toward success.
Once this initial stage is completed, it's time to create an action plan. It involves not only allocating time and energy for something specific but also setting a general course. Determine the following for yourself:
Sounds good, but how does it work in practice?
The biggest mistake made by those who want to start a new life (let's say, starting from Monday) is the desire for drastic global changes. Trying to conquer everything at once, quitting smoking immediately, diving headfirst into work, or engaging in sports on par with professionals is simply impossible - and that's okay. However, for some, this impossibility becomes an excuse to give up self-discipline.
In reality, it's best to start small. This not only allows you to achieve what you've set out to do (or at least a part of it) and gives a sense of satisfaction ("I've accomplished something!"), but it also eliminates the excuse of impossibility. If the task is trivial, there is no reason to say, "No, I can't."
For example, if someone wants to start running, they don't have to aim for marathon distances. Starting with just 10 minutes is enough. Need to write a lengthy report? Begin by writing a couple of paragraphs.
Breaking down big tasks into smaller stages helps initiate the implementation process and provides a sense of control over the process.
One of the major obstacles on the path to project realization is the aversion to difficult and boring tasks. It's much easier to engage in familiar activities or completely avoid routines and focus on entertainment. Feeling discomfort when trying to return to important tasks? That's normal! The main secret to improving self-discipline lies in transforming this discomfort from a negative field to a positive one. Perceive it not as punishment but as stepping beyond the basic level. Make small but bold ventures out of your comfort zone every day. Eventually, the moment will come when pursuing the extraordinary becomes more customary and desired than indulging in the mundane.
During the process of accomplishing a big and intricate task, the desire to quit often arises. The ability to self-discipline lies in controlling these impulses that hinder goal attainment. Some people postpone their plans under the pretext of completing other tasks. The typical outcome is that the house sparkles with cleanliness, but the important text remains unwritten.
In practice, you can gain control over this by allocating specific time periods solely for the intended task. This timeframe may be short, and the task itself may be small, but what matters is consistency. If you don't engage in the necessary task during the allocated time slot, it means you're not doing anything at all. And if you want to do something, focus solely on the task at hand.
For convenience, all of the above can be combined into a system called interval training.
The number of intervals required may vary depending on the task. After 3-5 repetitions, it's time for a longer break. This will help avoid burnout while getting closer to the desired result.
The path to success can be challenging. If you find yourself struggling, it's important to tap into deep motivation. Assistance from others can be a powerful stimulus that disciplines and empowers a person. There are two primary types of motivation in this regard: the benefit of the result for loved ones and the sharing of important experiences. For example, engaging in sports not only improves health but also sets a positive example; creativity can inspire others.
Another harmful psychological mindset that hinders achieving results is a negative attitude towards failure. Many people give up precisely because of mistakes and failures. Some may give up after numerous attempts, while others may give up after just one.
In reality, failure is also a victory, no less significant than success. It means that a person has already taken the first step towards their dream. Perhaps it was in the wrong direction, but that simply means it's time to try other approaches. Failure does not break motivation; it becomes a valuable experience that helps build a more accurate strategy. Self-discipline goes hand in hand with persistent effort, so embrace failures as opportunities to grow and improve.
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