“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” – Hebrews 12:11
Running a business requires intense discipline and motivation. These traits are crucial because it helps entrepreneurs remain focused and productive. However, most solopreneurs don’t know how to build a habit of self-discipline, especially when they’re only starting.
If you want to take control of your decisions in life, here are 6 powerful strategies you can apply to master the art of self-discipline.
1. Identify your strengths and weaknesses.
If you think that you lack self-discipline, the reason could be found in your habits. So it’s best if you first reflect on yourself. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
It’s important to strive and work on your weaknesses. Identify your toxic habits and find ways to change them. For example, if you’re addicted to social media, you may want to take a social media break for several days.
2. Set Clear Goals.
A clear objective is an effective tool to start a habit of self-discipline. You need goals to know what path to take and the discipline to stay on that path.
Write down your short-term and long-term goals and create an action plan to achieve them. It’s best to break your goals into smaller, achievable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
3. Create a Schedule.
Creating a detailed schedule is a good way to avoid procrastination and make the most of your time being productive. Allocate a specific time to work on your business, including short breaks and personal meetings.
Note that your schedule will be most effective if you stick to it. But don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s okay to adjust your plan if you have urgent things to finish or need more time to catch your breath, as long as you don’t feed yourself with laziness and procrastination.
4. Track your progress.
To know if you’re finally building self-discipline, consider using a journal or to-do list to track your progress and accomplishments. Are you able to follow your schedule, or have you achieved your goal for the day? If yes, then celebrate your success; if not, it’s okay. Learn from your mistakes and move forward toward your goal.
5. Remove Distractions.
Distraction is the enemy of discipline. So if you want to build a habit of self-discipline, it’s important to remove as many distractions as possible.
In order to focus on your work, try to turn off your phone, block social media sites, and create a quiet work environment. Train yourself to avoid anything that may sidetrack you from your goals.
6. Build a Support System.
Let’s face it. If you’ve been procrastinating for too long, building a habit of self-discipline is more challenging. You need someone to push you harder and remind you of your goals. So find a mentor that will drive you to work and be more productive. And don’t forget to surround yourself with people that will support and encourage you no matter what.
Conclusion
Even if you’re motivated and have laid a great plan, you will sometimes fall short. But don’t worry. Self-discipline is not learned overnight. So forgive yourself for your shortcomings and strive a little harder every day until you succeed in life.
