A friend, of mine, John (name changed to protect is
identity), frequently sets goals. He goes through the process of setting
timelines, coming up with action plans.
He gets started and for a while seems to be doing fine. Somewhere along
the way, though, he inexplicably abandons his quest. Mind you, the goal or intent is still
something he desires, and all the good reasons for its accomplishment are still
valid. But somehow, he can’t seem to do,
with any consistency, what he knows has to be done.
Like John, a lot of
us go through this cycle of setting goals and New Year resolutions only to have
them thrown on our growing scrap heap of unrealized dreams. Great intentions as
they are, we are just not disciplined enough to see our plans through.
Self discipline can be viewed as the ability to consistently
take action or do the things we intend to do, when they should be done. It is
the propensity to do what is required to achieve ones goals or desires. Without self discipline it is likely that
tasks, even though started, will not be executed with the kind of focused
consistency of performance that is necessary to build up the momentum necessary
to propel one forward. This momentum of course emanates from a habit of doing.
There are two chief reasons that appear stymie ones
abilities. One is the propensity to fall back into the comfort of old familiar
ways. The other is that people easily lose interests in tasks once the novelty
of doing them wears off. Overcoming
these two issues takes discipline. Without
it, we will simply give in to our baser desires and old routines (habits).
Developing Self
Discipline
Developing self discipline is not the easiest thing in the
world. Sure the actions to be taken aren’t complex, but overcoming the stubborn
harnesses of our old habits, need for instant gratification and novelty is not
easy.
So what can John do to develop self discipline and get back
on track to achieve his goal? Here are six things that he could do:
1.
Be sure that the reasons he wants to achieve the
goal are important enough to him: It is
no good doing something that is not of consequence to him and to which he attaches
no great importance.
2.
Break goals down into bite size activities: If he views the enormity of his goal and try
to do too much at once he will become daunted.
3.
Schedule the activities to be done and stick
with the schedule: If things are loose
and he starts to do things haphazardly then chances are he will delay taking
action until it reaches a stage where he just doesn’t bother .
4.
Use will power to start tasks on time and stick
to them: This is particularly important when he gets that ‘I can’t be bothered
feeling’. If the mood isn’t right he will need to summon his will power to get going.
5.
Develop the habit of doing/ taking action: This
is accomplished through consistency and sticking to a new form of behavior long
enough for it to take root. Initially
will power might be needed but as new ways are learned and taken on they become
fixed and his execution will become more efficient and habitual.
6.
Engage other(s) who will help keep you
accountable: These may be mentors,
coaches, friends or family members who are committed to him accomplishing his
goals. This will help keep him focused and
also has the bonus of adding fresh perspective when needed.
The
above tips can enhance self discipline and get one back on track to achieving
one’s goals.
