How to Incorporate More Discipline in Life — 5 Tips
What is discipline? No, not the textbook definition. The REAL one. Here’s my attempt at defining it in the way I’ve understood it over the last two weeks of writing every day. Discipline is the courage to say no to short-term pleasures to achieve long-term goals.
I recently spoke to a friend and an ex-colleague and asked him for feedback on the content I am putting up every day. He said, “Well, I liked your article on staying active and going to the gym; it motivated me to get off my ass and work!” Now, I feel THAT is progress. If I don’t become a LinkedIn influencer overnight, that’s okay. I know I need to and will keep writing as long as I make a difference in someone’s life, even if it is just one person. So, today, I wanted to give you five tips on building discipline in your life.
Challenge Yourself
Have you heard the saying, “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss it you will land among the stars.”?
Well, I am practicing to live by it every single day now. In case you haven’t noticed, I created an ambitious goal of posting an article every single day for 30 days. I decided that no matter what, I will do it.
It’s a national holiday? Doesn’t matter, I have to post.
It’s the weekend? Doesn’t matter, I have to post.
I don’t feel like it today? Doesn’t matter, I have to post.
I am hospitalized and can’t move my fingers? Doesn’t matter; I will recite the post to my friend, who will still post it on my profile!
Okay, maybe the last one is an exaggeration 😂, but you get the point. Stay Consistent! No matter what!
Focus on Consistency. Not a Mammoth Task
I did not commit to saying that I will write an entire book every day. Simply because it is impossible (At least for me at this point. Unless I have the NZT tablet they talk about in the Bradley Cooper movie Limitless)! 😂 Instead, I committed to posting a 500-word article. The idea is to develop consistency with a minor task first and then jump on to the more significant tasks.
Have an Accountability Partner
I have two friends that I send the article link to every single day. Not only do they give me constructive feedback on the same, but they also hold me accountable. The other day I was a little late posting the article, and I immediately got a text from them. Sarcastically they said, “That’s it?” And I knew I could not let them down. Moreover, I could not let MYSELF down!
Make a Social Commitment
I am so vocal about my challenge on LinkedIn because I wanted to make a social commitment. This way, I am outsourcing the job of accountability to not just two but thousands of others I am connected with on LinkedIn. Neat trick, hunh? 😜
Just Do It
Lastly, this meme keeps me going!
Want to start a new project and don’t have an accountability partner? Ping me, and I’ll be more than happy to assist you on the path to glory and self-improvement!
Onwards and Upwards!
