5 Simple Rules for Building Unbreakable Self-Discipline

Self-discipline is the ability to assert willpower over basic desires, and it's a crucial skill for anyone who wants to be successful. Being disciplined means doing things right when you are supposed to do them, keeping promises, and being committed to being true to yourself. Self-discipline is also synonymous with self-control. There are practical rules to apply right away in your life to build self-discipline.

Why is self-discipline important? No matter what your goals are, you must work hard to achieve them. Without discipline, you will probably procrastinate and won't put in any effort. Being able to delay gratification and short-term temptations is crucial if you want to be successful.

There is a big difference between being disciplined and self-disciplined, and it's all about willpower. For example, having a personal trainer is much more effective for losing weight than working out by yourself. The most important aspect is motivation and accountability. There's a huge difference between working out by yourself and working out with a trainer. Being self-disciplined means that you will show up, do the work, and do it as promised. It also means having good habits, and it's essential for behavior change interventions because habitual behaviors are elicited automatically and are therefore likely to be maintained.

Here are five simple rules to help you build unbreakable self-discipline:

Rule 1: Remove Temptations

The first step is to remove everything that is keeping you from doing what you are supposed to do. Our brain is built to avoid struggle, pain, or effort, so between working and watching Netflix, we choose Netflix because it's easier and provides instant pleasure. It all becomes a lot easier if you have nothing else to do than work. For example, canceling your subscription to Netflix, uninstalling Instagram, or making procrastinating inconvenient.

Rule 2: Properly Set Achievable Goals

Goal setting is a skill that will help you get things done faster. You have to be realistically ambitious when setting goals. Studies for goal setting and task performance show that specific and challenging goals lead to higher performance than easy goals. Do your best, or no goals. Goal setting is most likely to improve task performance when the goals are specific and sufficiently challenging.

Rule 3: Don't Wait for the Right Mood

Be honest here; did you ever postpone work because you didn't feel like it? We all have. Here's a secret: you will probably never feel like it. Even if you do, you'll get started with the work and then stop after ten minutes because you won't be in the right mood anymore. Our brain is not built for productivity; it was built for instant gratification. So, don't wait for the right moment; do it anyway. Use the three-second rule: whenever you are not doing what you are supposed to do, count three and then do it.

Rule 4: Focus on Building Habits

Building habits is the key to making self-discipline effortless. When we form habits, we don't have to think about doing things; they become automatic. Habits help us save time, reduce stress, and increase productivity. To build a habit, start small, focus on consistency, and be patient. It takes around 66 days to form a new habit.

Rule 5: Use Visualization Techniques

Visualization techniques are a powerful tool for building self-discipline. They help you imagine yourself in the future and give you the motivation to work hard today. Visualization helps you create a mental image of your goals and makes them more tangible. You can use visualization to overcome obstacles, create a positive mindset, and increase motivation.

In conclusion, self-discipline is a crucial skill for achieving success in any aspect of life. It requires asserting willpower over basic desires, delaying gratification, and having good habits. While being disciplined means doing things right when you are supposed to do them, being self-disciplined means showing up, doing the work, and doing it as promised.

By following the five simple rules outlined in this article, you can build unbreakable self-discipline: remove temptations, make procrastinating inconvenient, don't wait for the right mood, properly set achievable goals, and use accountability.

Remember, self-discipline is a skill that can be learned and mastered, even if you're starting from zero. So, start small, be consistent, and practice these rules every day to build unbreakable self-discipline and achieve success in all areas of your life.