Recent studies have shown that people with self-discipline tend to be happier. This is because people you have self-control spend less time debating whether they should indulge in behaviors that are detrimental and are better able to make confident decisions more efficiently. Rather than letting their feelings or impulses dictate their choices, they can make reasonable decisions, resulting in feeling more satisfied with their lives. If you want to take control of your habits and master self-discipline, here are five things you can start to do today.
Know Your Weaknesses
Everyone has weaknesses. To improve your self-discipline, you have to acknowledge your shortcomings, whatever they might be. Too often people will either pretend that they don't have any vulnerabilities, or they will try to cover up their weaknesses. You can overcome your flaws until you can own up to them.
Set Clear Goals and Have a Plan of Execution
You have to have a clear vision of what you want to accomplish if you're going to improve your self-discipline. If you don’t know where you are going, it is easy to become sidetracked and lose your way. A clear plan will outline each of the steps that you must take to reach your goals.
Create New Habits
Instilling a new habit and acquiring self-discipline in the process can feel daunting, especially if you focus entirely on the task at hand. Break your goal into small, doable steps to keep from feeling intimidated. Rather than trying to change everything at once, focus on doing one thing consistently.
Build Your Self-Discipline
Self-discipline is a learned behavior. Just like any other skill, if you want to master self-discipline, you have to practice it daily. The effort and focus it takes to become self-disciplined can be incredibly draining. So, you need to work on your self-control through daily diligence.
Change Your Perception about Willpower
According to a recent study conducted by Stanford University, the amount of willpower someone has is predetermined by their beliefs. If you believe that you have a limited amount of willpower, chances are you will never surpass those limits. If you can remove this mental obstacle and think that you can do it, you will gain an extra boost of motivation for reaching your goals.
These five great habits will help you gain more self-discipline, which will allow you to lead a happier life. Self-discipline isn't something we are born with, so with practice and repetition, anyone can master self-discipline to achieve their goals.
