How to cultivate self-discipline?

Question

I want to a lot of good things like be successful in career, be physically fit, master some sports, do some community service etc. etc. However, I find my efforts very inconsistent. I get motivated and start working on things, but in a few days, it fizzles out and am back to being a couch-potato. I am 34 and I work.

Answer 1

1. trying setting goals (like above) more specifically and
2. write them down. then check them off as you do them. and
3. STOP watching tv (limit yourself to 1-2 hours a day and get up DURING the commercials to do something productive.
4. keep telling yourself not to be lazy (don't watch tv until late at night after you've spent a few hours after work being productive).
5. CLEAN - your room, apt, house, and change your sheets more often - as sound as it might sound it'll make you feel better and help with your lazyiness.

Answer 2

For things like working out, diets, starting or stopping things, get an "accountability partner". Finding someone to check up on you every so often about things like that can really help when you know you should be doing them but aren't. Think about that person, and how in the next couple of days they'll be asking you how you're doing with it. That way you're not having to do it all yourself, but you're still practicing self-discipline. It's great if you get a friend who wants to do the same thing so you can check up on each other. Plus, as you develop self-discipline in one area, it will increase in others as well. It just takes a little time.

Answer 3

Set the big goals, but break them up into small ones. Do it step by step.
You want to be physically fit? Don't sign up for a triathlon next month and start training like a maniac. (Been there, done that)
Example: Start by setting the goal of walking 20-30 minutes every day, or every other day, or whatever you can manage. You have only 5 minutes to spare a day? Fine. The point is, make the commitment, pencil it in on your calendar, and then STICK TO IT. If you can do that, move on to the next "little" goal. Point is, do it step by step.
In one year, I went from couch-slug to losing 40 pounds and speed hiking up Mt. Whitney, and that's how I started.

Answer 4

start with small things. and try joining groups. we find that if we commit ourselves to group settings, whether it is thorugh exercise or voluneerism we are more likely to stick with it. also it is a lot more fun and we are more likely to meet people.

you have a very good goal and you should be proud of it. the world was not created in a day and cannot be changed in a day. pick one or two causes that are close to your heart and get involved with them.

maybe you could use the tv as a reward. i will only watch tv after i have gone for a 1/2 wallk or after i have called a gym about joining or an organization about volunteering etc. don't try to go cold turkey. that is tough.

Answer 5

Set goals for yourself that you can accomplish one day at a time, write them down where you can see them. Do them everyday, even if it's just a tiny little part of them, anything, just DO IT. Every 7 days, give yourself some sort of small reward for your work and then start over. Even the smallest of steps everyday will take you on a very long journey. If you can't do at least that much, see a doctor to be screened for depression. If you are depressed, you have a much harder time accomplishing goals.

Answer 6

That's the problem. You work. Sometimes you just come home too tired and without enough energy. Hard to be motivated when your energy level is flagging. I also think you are trying to do too much. Join a spa and that will help you to stay consistent. Keep it small but sweet. That way you will be anxious to return to the exercise. You do too much and you won't be anxious to return. Keep it fun and forget the "no pain, no gain" philosophy. Enjoy yourself. You'll be exercising with other persons with varying interests and that will also be an avenue with interesting possibilities.

Answer 7

1. Throw away your TV

2. Write down your goals. Your most important two.

Put them somewhere you have to look at them every day when you start your day. The mirror, on your closet, somewhere anywhere. Then, first thing set an agenda every day. Write down what specific things that you need to do today to accomplish you goal.

Then work your plan six days a week. If you do this and stick to it, you will accomplish virtually every goal you put before yourself.

It works.

Answer 8

Self - discipline takes a lot of hard work. Try writing down an achievable goal and tape it to your refrigerator or your bathroom mirror so you have a daily reminder of what you are trying to achieve. But keep it real. Take baby steps. And give yourself praise when you do a good job.

Answer 9

Start with small things. One thing at a time. These things don't happen overnight. Concentrate on one area, then when you've mastered that, start on the next area. You're trying to do too much at once.

Answer 10

Its your motivation that dwindles isn't it. Think about the reason for this happening. It depends on how much you really want to do those things that determines whether or not you do them.

You need to push through that barrier. Its a personal choice...to be determined I guess!