Regarding self-discipline, how do I get from "why" to "how"?

Question

I'm a college student, constantly drifting away from my responsibilities. I know why I need to exercise self-discipline. I know exactly what's at stake, and I've been burned more than once by my lack of it. So how do I make the jump between that knowledge and knowing HOW to discipline myself?

In summary:
WHO: Me.
WHAT: Self-discipline.
WHEN: Now.
WHERE: University of Houston.
WHY: So I won't fail, drop out, lose whatever pride I have left. If possible, keep my scholarship and stay in the Honors College.
HOW: ???

I've been told "just DO it" before. The problem is, I don't know how (if I did, I wouldn't be asking). It's like asking a flying person how to fly and getting the answer "by flying." Is there a way to get there without having to already BE there? (This problem comes up with habit-forming as well - needing to be in the habit to make sure I do it regularly enough to form the habit.) Is the leap something intuitive that isn't really understood at all? Why doesn't it work for me?

Maybe I think too much. But I don't know how to not think, either.

Answer 1

The how is in the doing. Make your plan and start doing it now.

The perfect book for helping you is Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. You can read it free @ http://www.milliondollarbookshelf.com/. I have nothing but wonderful things to say about this book and what it has done for me.

Answer 2

I have this problem too. I'm not sure there is a real "how".. you just do it. Regardless of whether you feel like it at the moment or not. I mean, you're going to take classes that are boring/hard. You have to push through. It probably also helps to keep your goals in mind (graduating, doing well, keeping your scholarship, etc.)

If others have more solid methods, I'd like to know.