Becoming a master of self-discipline is difficult. Even becoming an apprentice in self-discipline is tricky! The background of self-discipline is in fact a long-term study.
Psychologists have delved into people's mental state, upbringing, current circumstances and more to find out why people sometimes struggle with their self-discipline. The good news, however, is that while it may sometimes seem like you don't have control over certain aspects of your life, you actually do. You just don't know yet.
Self-discipline is one of those things that requires constant practice and care. And as with anything that takes time to develop, you can also improve your self-discipline.
What is self-discipline?
Self-discipline is essentially your consistent ability to control your actions, feelings, and emotions. As an example, when it comes to your finances, self-discipline is your ability to stick to your plans to avoid debt, save and invest. When you really have self-discipline under control, you stay motivated and have a better chance of success. It is very strongly linked to willpower, which is the control of one's impulses and actions.
Willpower describes your ability to stay focused, while self-discipline means taking consistent action to help you willpower to improve. Both self-discipline and willpower go hand in hand.
Benefits of Self-Discipline
Improving your self-discipline has many benefits, including:
Reduces Anxiety
If you are in control of how you act, you are less likely to feel anxious.
Increases ability to achieve long-term goals
With fewer distractions and self-imposed setbacks, self-discipline can help you achieve your goals. It also means you can achieve your goals faster than if you were distracted.
You feel happier
When you are on your way to achieving your goals, you feel happier because you are making progress. Self-discipline makes an important contribution to this.
You become more resilient
As your self-discipline increases, your ability to resist temptation increases. This in turn makes you more resilient as you navigate through different conditions.
7 Simple Ways to Improve Your Self-Discipline
By learning how to build self-discipline, you can give up bad habits, achieve long-term and short-term goals, and completely change your life. Think of it as investing in yourself.
We list seven steps to build your self-discipline and work towards the better life you deserve. But… if you work for it.
Countdown and then take action
If you feel particularly unmotivated, then count down from five and then force yourself to do whatever you do. A quick countdown can help you get into the right mental space to get motivated. Sometimes all we need is a little push to take that next step—that's how self-discipline begins.
Set small goals first
Try not to overwhelm yourself by setting the bar too high. Build your confidence by setting a small goal and achieving it before going for a big one.
For example, if your ultimate goal is to run 10 miles without stopping, set your first goal to run a mile without stopping. Be patient with yourself and try not to get frustrated with the process. Just enjoy the process. Reaching those small goals first can give you the motivation you need to keep going.
Practice prioritizing
Determine which tasks are worth putting the most effort into, then organize your day to crush them completely. If you create an action plan, you are less likely to put off the less appetizing tasks. Put things you don't necessarily love at the top of your priority list, and you'll be relieved to have them done instead of putting them off to another day.
Show your goals where you see them every day
Writing down a goal makes it all the more real. Hang it somewhere you will see it often and inspire yourself – on your desk, in your bedroom, in your car, etc. Write the goal in your yearly planner. Put it in your kitchen calendar.
You can also set real calendar reminders on your phone to go off regularly. But be kind to yourself. Don't scare or be ashamed of your goals; rather be happy, positive and encouraging.

Increase self-discipline through motivational quotes adding people you admire. Not sure if you have the right goals? Spend some time reviewing your goals to make sure they align with the things you really want for yourself.
Remind yourself why you started it
Keep your end goal in mind without letting yourself forget where you started. Constantly remind yourself – especially when the going gets tough – how and why you set this goal and what you'll have accomplished when you're done!
Visualize that you have taken full control of your life and accomplished every specific goal you set. Set reminders on your phone to tell yourself how far you've come and how proud you are. Affirmations are also a great way to keep yourself focused on your why.
Know your weaknesses
Know your own weaknesses and then combat them proactively. Determine how you could slip and how to prevent it. If you know you have to run 5km this coming Saturday, but your friend asks you for a barbecue on Friday night, it might be best to skip this time.
If you know you have to get to work an hour early, but you're a night owl, invest in some melatonin and get plenty of sleep. You have the tools to fight back against your own demons. You just have to hunt them down.
Let others hold you accountable
You're less likely to cheat if someone close to you and admires you is watching you. Have your hero set a goal next to you. You can encourage each other. And when the going gets tough, you can be there to give each other that extra push.
Finally about self-discipline
When it comes to self-discipline, it's all about making the commitment to improve and pick yourself up again if you slip. That said, make sure you identify an area of your life that you want to improve. Then create an action plan to help you improve your discipline.
With time, effort and consistency you will make great progress with your self-discipline!
Sources include CleverGirlFinance (link), FairyGodBoss (link), Forbes (link), Lifehack (link)