Why is it that we so often act in ways that we know are not in our own best interests?

We know deep down what we want to do. We know – again deep down – why we need to do it and what a difference it would make.

BUT, we don’t do it.

We let it stay “deep down” inside us. Why? Because it is all too hard.

To take that action will make demands on us to change and change will take us out of our comfort zone. Let’s stay the way we are – even though we often dislike ourselves, are even ashamed of ourselves because we don’t act.

The answer is Self-Discipline. How we hate that word! For most of us, it has all the connotations of hardship and restriction on our freedom. Is there anything “good” about self-discipline? Yes, there is, so read on.

What is Self-Discipline?

I like the definition of Elbert Hubbard:
Self-discipline is the ability to do what you should do,
when you should do it, whether you feel like it or not.

Just think of how different your life would be if you did all those things that you know you should do.

How empowered would you feel if:

• you started and finished that report 6 weeks ago instead of still procrastinating about it?
• you remained committed to your exercise program past the first month?
• you cut your lunch, rather than bought a high fat, high sugar lunch?
• you wrote the book you’ve talked about writing for years?
• you had that important conversation with your staff member 2 months ago instead of delaying it until now when it’s at crisis point?
• you bit the bullet and started applying for a new job that would allow you to develop your potential and bring new energy and excitement back into your career?

Self-Discipline achieves self-mastery. It puts you back in the driving seat of your life. It gives you back control. It is very empowering.

My Motivational Challenge For This Week

Take some time to think of (and write down) all the things you know you should be doing but are not doing because you feel they are “too hard”. They require commitment and persistence and you don’t feel up to that. Prioritise them. Take the one that you believe will have most impact on your life and start there. Bring to it all the Self-Discipline you can muster to do what you need to do – whether you feel like it or not! Change your life in the process.