In a couple of weeks, summer will begin. Yes, already! It’s around the corner taunting us with reminders of how little we’ve accomplished in 2018 to date.
This will be the year, we told ourselves, of pivotal transformation. And now, here we are, almost 6 months in, and our evolution is slow to come. Objectives that we expected haven’t arrived. Projects, that should have been done, still linger.
Now is the time to evaluate our self-discipline. Discipline adds rigor and strength, and a sense of regimen to our activities. But discipline is unique in that it is stirred by different things for different people.
For some of us, it’s our own self-motivation & the desire to-do that compels us to get things done. For others, they are driven by the oversight of their bosses or industry recognition to entice them to their best. And still others get their focus and their push from good old-fashioned competition against their peers.
For me, depending on the project that I am working on, all three of these factors have, at different times, guided my behavior. Spotting our own triggers for action (and inaction) can act as a catalyst towards the progress that we crave.
Here are a few ways to re-ignite your discipline:
1. Reconfirm & Reify Goals
When we start the year, we set out lofty goals. However, situations and circumstances change. Our job is to be flexible, but recognize that we may need to modify our own objectives once in a while. Are you struggling with a goal where no action has been taken? What you interpret, as a lack of discipline, may actually be an indication that your desire has shifted. It’s time to reconfirm the goal. By re-visiting the original goal, you can validate that it still resonates with your desire ~ and if not, adjust it as necessary.
Second, make sure that the goal is yours. If a goal belongs to your boss, your spouse, etc., and you have not adopted that goal, it’s unlikely it will get done. Be honest with yourself. Part of re-confirming goals is ensuring that they belong to you and that you actively take responsibility for them. Own the goal.
And third, if you haven’t already, take some concrete action towards a specific goal that you have set for 2018. What appears as lack of discipline may be timidity. Enough theorizing. Time to move. Even missteps are better than no steps. You cannot adjust your path if you have not taken any steps towards it.
2. Forgo Excuses & Adjust Routine for Consistent Action
Discipline doesn’t stand alone but works cohesively with an pragmatic approach. Many of us make the mistake of setting a goal but don’t adjust our routine one bit to accomplish that goal. Some goals can be squeezed into your life. Others require more effort, and more preparation. Does your current routine support your goal consistently? If the answer is no, quit making excuses about it, and opt for a change instead.
Modify your schedule, your habits, or your techniques. This tactic is a combination of having the discipline to act and the ability to plan and prioritize yourself. Show yourself the commitment to this goal within the next 24 hours and repeat consistently.
3. Release Frustration
If your goal has been thwarted by the powers to be, circumstances, or acts of god, it’s time to let go of the frustration and bitterness. Resentment is unnecessary baggage. Whatever happened, happened. You can purpose energy into complaining or acting. It’s your choice. Praise your own resilience, any insight you may have gained, and then assume it all happened in your favor (you just can’t see it yet). March untethered to negativity, keeping an eye on the prize instead.
4. Amplify Your Why’s
As you re-confirm your goal, be sure to ask yourself why that goal is important to you. Why do you want to do x? What makes it so important? Do you gain from accomplishing it? What inner need will this satisfy? Remembering your reasons can help your mind re-engage at a different level. It is where inspired action comes from. “The Why” is a definable influence whose silent pleasure can charm you into movement and activate your discipline.
5. Leverage Your Ego / Vanity / Awareness
The greatest inspiration can come from inside of us. It’s that deep-down awareness that we want to do something just because we want to do it. Schedules, boundaries and even naysayers become powerless when we tap into this well. Discipline jolts awake. The trait is far more productive with a new pair of sneakers than with a stick. Passion takes hold and we are primed to do whatever it takes by whatever date we set.
Other times, we need to coax our ego with a nudge or a push. You committed to doing this and now you’re not going to follow through? Both ego and vanity are powerful tools to use. Your inner champion is ready for the task – just remind them.
Discipline is driven by a combination of self-motivation, scheduling, and a purposeful pursuit of something we want. But the biggest proponent of self-discipline is consistent action. It is the fuel that keeps burning to get us to our destination. Keep at it!