Develop Self-Discipline These 12 Ways

Self-discipline is a large part of any goal-setting strategy, whether you want to run a mile in a certain time or increase sales by 15 percent in six months. Discover 12 ways to develop self-discipline, as stated by members of the Forbes Coaches Council.

1. Prioritize

Prioritize daily tasks to identify where best to expend your energy. Develop self-discipline by managing your time to get the most done in one working day.

2. Hold Yourself Accountable

Find an accountability partner who reminds you to stick to your goals. This person can be a friend, family member, mentor or colleague you trust. This person regularly checks on your progress, and you can return the favor to your accountability partner.

3. Find One Non-Negotiable

When you develop self-discipline, you may feel overwhelmed by everything you must keep track of daily. Rather than chide yourself for slacking off, start with one non-negotiable element of your routine, and turn that into something you always stick with no matter what. Self-discipline in other areas gradually improves.

4. Stay Consistent

Carve out regular time to move towards your goals, whether you do this daily, weekly or monthly. Eventually, you'll accomplish what you set out to do.

5. Visualize

Learn to visualize yourself getting things done. Imagine how good you'll feel when you accomplish your goal as you develop self-discipline. The mental image helps you push through rough spots.

6. Understand Your Tolerance Levels

Figure out the amount of sacrifices you are willing to make to reach your goal. This could be giving up coffee, walking to work or spending one hour more per week at the office. If you approach your limit of tolerance, you might consider changing the limits of your goal.

7. Make Choices

You alone have the power to choose to follow your old behaviors or develop new ones. When you recognize you hold the key to your destiny, self-discipline might become easier.

8. Know Thyself

Understand your personality by becoming self-aware. Self-awareness means you recognize your behaviors and how your choices affect your life and those around you. This helps you to move from one goal to the next.

9. Stick to a Routine

Write down your daily routine and stick to it. Develop self-discipline by creating a to-do list as a visual reminder of what you need to do.

10. Tap Into Tools

Set an alarm or a calendar-based app that signals when you should move to another task. Setting regular reminders helps you change your routine.

11. Eat Regularly

Eat nutritious foods and eat at the same time each day. Not only does this train your body to be at its best, but it can help you maintain energy and focus as you get more tasks done.

12. Take Small Steps

You have a long-range vision, but you get there in incremental steps. Once you complete one step, ask yourself "What's next?" and move to the next task. Before you know it, you feel a sense of accomplishment, and you see your final goal getting closer and closer.

These 12 ways to develop self-discipline can help you find your motivation to do many things. Don't forget to reward yourself for accomplishing mini-tasks to build positive reinforcement.

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