Discipline: Is it innate or learned?
To be successful with goals whether it is starting to workout, eat healthier or work on wellness in other aspects there is always going to be a portion of cognitive restraint (aka discipline).
But is discipline learned or is it something you either have or you don't? Despite popular phases like "I'm just not disciplined", discipline is actually a learned skill. Often when we think of discipline we think restriction which has negative connotations surrounding it. However discipline will actually help you live a freer life by helping you to make healthy choices, not emotional ones. Research shows your happiness and fulfillment levels will improve. So how can you be more disciplined.
Remove temptations. It's hard to stay disciplined when your constantly surrounded by noise. What I mean by that. It's easier to stick to your nutrition goals if you aren't constantly surrounded by junk food. It's easier to be productive with your time if you remove distractions from your work space.
Discomfort training. If you want to be more disciplined. Practice it. We gravitate toward easy, what is familiar. So instead of the easy. Choose the hard. See how it feels. See that it’s not the end of the world. To become a more disciplined person all you need to do is decide to be more disciplined and prove it to yourself one small win at a time. See that you are strong enough and that the results are well worth it.
Mindfulness with urges. We all have urges to quit the hard. Be mindful that your body naturally will gravitate to the easy. But growth in our personal and professional lives doesn't come from the easy. Remember your brain is a suggestion engine you can tell it no too.
Measure it. Things we measure are things we improve. I keep a habit tracker on the fridge at home. A lot of the habits I try and implement in my life are as much about the habit is it is about being more disciplined overall. For example I recently created a habit of reading 5 pages a day. Do like reading? no. Will it benefit me? probably. The real purpose for me however with the habits I am trying to create is actually to practice more discipline as a whole.
If you want to be more disciplined at work, in your personal lives or with your healthy have a go at the above strategies.
