Self-discipline can transform your life; studies show that self-discipline helps us to be healthier, more financially stable, more productive, more successful, and even happier in our relationships. But let’s be real: it’s not always easy to stay on track. It can be easy to say that you’ll be more disciplined… tomorrow. Maybe you’ve been feeding yourself that same line for years.
Well, we have some good news: if you want to make a change, it’s not too late. Self-discipline is like a muscle—the more you work it, the stronger it gets. Here are some simple tips to put that self-discipline muscle to work.
Set Clear Goals 
Having a vague idea of what you want to achieve is like setting off on a long journey without a map. You might get somewhere, but it probably won’t be where you intended. To improve your self-discipline, it’s crucial to set clear, specific goals.
Instead of saying, “I want to get fit,” try something like, “I want to work out for thirty minutes, four times a week.” This way, you know exactly what you’re aiming for, and it’s easier to track your progress. When you have a clear goal in mind, you’re more likely to stay disciplined because you know what you’re working toward.
Start Small & Build Up
One of the biggest mistakes people make when planning to be more disciplined is biting off more than they can chew. It’s like deciding to run a marathon when you’ve never even jogged around the Savannah before. Instead, start with small, manageable tasks that you can build on over time.
For example, if your goal is to go to bed earlier, don’t decide you’re going to bed at 9:00 pm if you’ve been staying up until 1:00 am every night. Start by going to bed fifteen minutes earlier each day, until you reach your desired bedtime. This gradual approach will make it easier for you to stick to your new habit, and over time, you’ll build up the discipline to tackle bigger challenges.
Eliminate Temptations
Self-discipline is a lot easier when you’re not constantly surrounded by temptations. If you’re trying to eat healthier, for instance, it’s going to be tough if your kitchen is stocked with cookies, chips, and ice cream. Get rid of anything that’s likely to derail your progress and replace it with healthier options.
This doesn’t just apply to food, either. If you’re trying to focus on work, eliminate distractions by turning off phone notifications, closing unnecessary browser tabs, and creating a clutter-free workspace. The fewer temptations you have around, the easier it will be to stay disciplined.
Know your Strengths & Weaknesses
It’s easy to imagine a magic time in the future where you are so disciplined that you never stray from the path. But that’s not realistic. We all have strengths and weaknesses and the best ways to cultivate self-discipline is to play to your strengths and have a plan to combat your weaknesses.
For example, maybe one of your weaknesses is procrastination. Try to come up with strategies to beat it in advance. For example, maybe you break big tasks into small, simple tasks. If your goal is to write a book, that can be overwhelming. So, maybe you decide to write for at least fifteen minutes a day. At the same time, you need to play to your strengths. If you’re a morning person, the best time to write may be first thing in the morning. Self-disciplined doesn’t look the same for everyone and it will be easier to be disciplined if your approach is tailored to you.
Get an Accountability Partner 
It’s easy to let things slide when no one’s watching, but if you’re accountable to someone else, you’re more likely to stay on track. Find a friend, family member, or coworker who can help keep you accountable. You don’t want someone who’s going to let you off the hook easily—you need someone who’ll give you a gentle nudge (or a firm push) when you’re slacking.
If you can’t think of someone to hold you accountable, don’t worry. A journal or an app can be your accountability partner! Just remember to check in regularly, like you would with a real person.
Don’t Be a Perfectionist
Being self-disciplined is not the same as being perfect. Don’t choose goals that are impossible to attain; if your healthy-eating goal is to never eat snacks again, you’re setting yourself up for failure. And don’t beat yourself up when you fall short. You’re going to have slip-ups—that’s part of being human. The important thing is not to let those slip-ups derail you completely.
Your self-discipline journey can be stressful, anxiety-inducing, and unpleasant if you decide that you have to be perfect. Remember, self-discipline isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. If you make a mistake, acknowledge it, learn from it, and move on.
And our Number One tip: treat yourself with love and kindness. Self-discipline takes time, effort, and patience, but also a whole lot of self-love. You want to be more disciplined because you want a better life for yourself and those who mean the most to you. Never lose sight of that and treat yourself like a machine instead of the beautiful, complex person you are. You got this!
