How to be more disciplined? ?? ??

'If you can't do the little things right, you will never do the big things right' - William H. McRaven.

Let's face it.

Being disciplined is not easy at all.

If it were, everyone would do it.

A year back, that's what I also used to think.

That hindered growth.

Then I realized that it's a process that you have to develop to overcome mental barriers.

Here is my guide to sanity:

??Take action, especially if it feels like not taking it

Several of us always remain in the 'thinking' and 'planning' phase and never reach the 'doing' phase.

There is a disconnect happening between you thinking about doing and doing.

The brain knows what needs to be done, but your body is not willing to put in the effort to do that.

Get yourself out of that bubble and start taking action. Start with baby steps. That's all you have to do.

??Know that it's not an obligation. It's growth

Before doing things for others, start taking action for yourself.

Salespeople: Don't take it as your obligation to make those calls. It's an opportunity to grow while making those calls. Learnings are immense!

Hesitant to workout: See the opportunity you'll give yourself. Better health, Reduced Health Expenses, Better Mind, and whatnot.

??Design your environment for success

If you want to learn painting, the canvas should be in your room.

If you want to start practicing mindfulness, download that app and set reminders.

I'll let you in one of my secrets:

These days I usually keep my yoga mat right next to my alarm clock. The moment I reach to stop the alarm, my eyes notices the yoga mat, and the rest is automatically taken care of by the brain.

Make changes in your environment that'll take you closer to your goal.

Again, one step at a time.

??The key is in the movement

Since last year, physical activity has declined considerably. According to research, daily step count measurements have dropped during COVID-19.

When we move, our body releases chemicals that are necessary for this complex machinery to function.

We may not realize that, but the more the movement is, the better your body is, eventually leading to better confidence and better discipline.

??When it clicks, you hit

It usually happens that we think of doing something, and then we either forget or intentionally ignore it.

As per Mel Robbins, our brain has a 5-second window to act on a goal.

For me, that duration is even smaller, and I'm sure there are others as well.

We can't help it as there are numerous things to make sure our focus shifts continuously.

To overcome that, what I suggest is to follow a 3-second rule.

It capitalizes on our conditioning since childhood.

The moment we hear 3-2-1, the next word that pops to mind is 'GO.'

??Be accountable and reprimand yourself

It's simple. If you can't be accountable for your actions, no one else will.

But there's a catch!

There are a few people who will.

When you're starting to develop a habit and practicing discipline, there's no harm in asking for help from your loved ones.

Just to keep you on track for the initial journey, and in no time, you'll be more disciplined than before.

Whenever you know that you're not doing what you must, to make yourself better professionally or personally, reprimand yourself.

Don't be hard on yourself, but take accountability for your actions.

??????

To sum up, being disciplined is about doing the small things, DAILY. CONSISTENTLY.

It's a process that you have to develop as per your definition of discipline.

Visualize yourself after 1-year and work towards hitting that goal. Know that even if you hit 50% of your target, you'll be a better individual than a year before.

Take small steps and go for it. Rome wasn't built in a day. The same goes for you.

??????

Have I become perfectly disciplined?

Definitely not!

Have I become better than last year?

100 times Yes!!

Let me know in the comments about your thoughts on the article and what rituals you practice to be a more disciplined person.