What things in your life do you want to accomplish but you just don't
will yourself to do? Get a new job? Lose weight? Apply for that
promotion? Do you turn to immediate, pleasurable activities but end up
putting off what you really want? Does answering email, surfing the net
or putting another kettle of hot water on in the break room suddenly
peak your interest more than following up with a client on
a big deal?
Successful people apply self-discipline to their lives and their work. The ability to delay gratification and focus on what really matters leads to big rewards in life. Learning to build discipline will bring greater, more sustainable happiness without the ups and downs of immediate gratification.
The good news: build discipline in any area of your life and reap the positive rewards in other areas. Choose one of these examples below and apply it to your life today.
1. Go the distance.
Park your car farther away from your destination. At work, choose the spot farthest away, not the spot by the front door. This will help you overcome physical resistance. This will build your self-discipline by having you choose the more challenging route, not just the quick-fix solution of getting from point A to point B as fast as possible. Making things a little harder on yourself in simple areas will develop your ability to do things even when there's something much easier or exciting before you, such as a quick walk rather than the "trek" across the parking lot.
2. Face it.
Your boss has sent you an urgent e-mail: "In my office. Now!" You look at it, shut your office door, and busy yourself with talking to your best friend on your cell phone. Stop yourself. Realize you are trying to avoid the inevitable. Take a deep breath. Exit your office. Meet with your boss. Face what you fear. Develop the self-discipline to face unpleasant interactions. Don't hide out. Obviously, your boss can--and will--find you, which can worsen the situation.
3. Get healthy.
You know you need to exercise and you want to eat healthier. Usually you grab a hamburger and fries and eat it at your desk for lunch. Today you have a 30-minute lunch break. You want nothing more than to get an ice mocha at the corner coffee shop and veg out at your desk. Instead, grab the carrot and the bagel you packed for yourself. Head out for a brisk walk.
4. De-caffeinate.
How many cups of coffee do you drink a day? Reduce your intake by one cup per day. For example, if you normally drink three cups, drink only two today. Or drink decaf instead of caffeinated coffee for one week.
5. Think before you speak.
Sometimes you may find yourself blurting things out without thinking. For example, Simon, a passionate manager, found himself blurting things out at executive meetings to his own detriment. This behavior prevented him from getting a promotion. Before speaking, stop yourself. Ask: What do I want to say? If you just want to stir things up, consider whether you really want to do that or not. Discipline yourself to speak wisely.
Which discipline step will you apply today? Pick one; then build to 2 by next week. Once your discipline has strengthened, go for your goals. Jump on the treadmill to drop those extra 20 pounds. Block out four hours of focused time to create that winning proposal. Take the next logical step to develop a thriving business. You can do it. Like anything, begin--and then practice.
a big deal?
Successful people apply self-discipline to their lives and their work. The ability to delay gratification and focus on what really matters leads to big rewards in life. Learning to build discipline will bring greater, more sustainable happiness without the ups and downs of immediate gratification.
The good news: build discipline in any area of your life and reap the positive rewards in other areas. Choose one of these examples below and apply it to your life today.
1. Go the distance.
Park your car farther away from your destination. At work, choose the spot farthest away, not the spot by the front door. This will help you overcome physical resistance. This will build your self-discipline by having you choose the more challenging route, not just the quick-fix solution of getting from point A to point B as fast as possible. Making things a little harder on yourself in simple areas will develop your ability to do things even when there's something much easier or exciting before you, such as a quick walk rather than the "trek" across the parking lot.
2. Face it.
Your boss has sent you an urgent e-mail: "In my office. Now!" You look at it, shut your office door, and busy yourself with talking to your best friend on your cell phone. Stop yourself. Realize you are trying to avoid the inevitable. Take a deep breath. Exit your office. Meet with your boss. Face what you fear. Develop the self-discipline to face unpleasant interactions. Don't hide out. Obviously, your boss can--and will--find you, which can worsen the situation.
3. Get healthy.
You know you need to exercise and you want to eat healthier. Usually you grab a hamburger and fries and eat it at your desk for lunch. Today you have a 30-minute lunch break. You want nothing more than to get an ice mocha at the corner coffee shop and veg out at your desk. Instead, grab the carrot and the bagel you packed for yourself. Head out for a brisk walk.
4. De-caffeinate.
How many cups of coffee do you drink a day? Reduce your intake by one cup per day. For example, if you normally drink three cups, drink only two today. Or drink decaf instead of caffeinated coffee for one week.
5. Think before you speak.
Sometimes you may find yourself blurting things out without thinking. For example, Simon, a passionate manager, found himself blurting things out at executive meetings to his own detriment. This behavior prevented him from getting a promotion. Before speaking, stop yourself. Ask: What do I want to say? If you just want to stir things up, consider whether you really want to do that or not. Discipline yourself to speak wisely.
Which discipline step will you apply today? Pick one; then build to 2 by next week. Once your discipline has strengthened, go for your goals. Jump on the treadmill to drop those extra 20 pounds. Block out four hours of focused time to create that winning proposal. Take the next logical step to develop a thriving business. You can do it. Like anything, begin--and then practice.
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