As 2019 approaches, are you going to once again commit to New Year’s resolutions and set goals? If so, then do you have plans for how to stick to your goals and how to create better self-discipline so you’re successful? 

It’s natural to want to be overly ambitious as you say goodbye to one year and hello to another. But it’s also important to find some self-discipline around those lofty goals. I know for me, every year I tell myself I’m not going to eat sugar, I’m going to work out every day, and I’m going to finally finish this project or that project -

And then suddenly, I’m overwhelmed and I find it hard to do anything at all! Life gets busy, goals get set aside, and distractions are everywhere.

So, this is where having some techniques for success really come in handy.

Since we don’t want to set ourselves up for failure, I wanted to put together some tips for success when it comes to mastering self-discipline. 

I need to remind myself of this every year around this time, so I’m writing it as much for myself as I am for you! ;-)
 

Here are 7 tips to build self-discipline:
 

1) Keep It Simple!

Basically, stick to the basics! Is your resolution to have more gratitude? Then get a gratitude journal and write down one thing you’re grateful for immediately upon waking for the day. It’s that easy! Want to exercise more? Make your goals simple and realistic. Carve out just thirty minutes of your day and dedicate that time to exercise - no excuses. Start small, that will help you to stick to your goals and remain self-disciplined.
 

2) Reward Yourself

When you achieve your goal, no matter how small - reward yourself! I don’t mean break the bank every time you hit your mark, but do something nice for yourself. If you do that, then it will start conditioning you to stick to your goals and stay out of the shame spiral when you don’t reach them.
 

3) Forgive Yourself And Move On

So, you didn’t stick to your resolution one day. It’s not the end of the world! But if you beat yourself up, then it’s so much easier to say, “Forget it, I’m not doing it.” However, if you forgive yourself and move on - remembering that tomorrow’s a new day - then it helps to build self-discipline and feeling good about yourself when you do stick to it, which will be more often the easier you are on yourself.
 

4) Be Aware If Your Weaknesses

If, for example, you know that you don’t do well getting up early - then don’t schedule that new exercise class that starts in January at 7:00 am. It’s okay not to be an early bird, everyone has their different rhythms, so work with what’s best for you. If you know that you don’t do well on a restrictive diet, then find something that has some balance. Know what works, what doesn’t, and get to know your weaknesses. This will be both preventative and curative while helping you manage expectations.
 

5) Get Comfortable With Discomfort

Self-discipline is not easy. It takes practice, and then it takes more practice, and then when you’re done - it will take more practice. And, it can be uncomfortable. So my best advice is to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Because it’s worth it. It really is.
 

6) Utilize The Phrase “There’s No Time Like The Present”

Procrastinating is the exact opposite of self-discipline. I’ve learned this the hard way! Now, if something is put in front of me, I’ll tackle it as soon as I can. Both things I want to do, and the things that I may find boring or not fun. Living in the present allows you to take action in the present - which all leads to a life of self-discipline, which in turn leads to a positive self-image.
 

7) Get Rid Of Temptation

If you know that you have a tendency to eat the whole bag of chips in one sitting and you’ve decided you want to lose weight, then don’t get the chips. It sounds silly, I know, but “out-of-sight-out-of-mind” applies here. You want to set yourself up for a lifetime of successful self-discipline, and eliminating temptation is a vital piece of that. Set yourself up for success by avoiding things that negatively impact your goals. I promise it will all be worth it. ;-)

What are some of your tips for self-discipline? Some people are just naturals at it, while others struggle. So I’d love to hear some other tips to get past limiting beliefs and on the road to a life of self-discipline!
 

Speaking of limiting beliefs, I’ve got a really special meditation pack that really helps you tackle those pesky thoughts and brings out the true, limitless YOU!

This is a really great way to help stick to your upcoming New Year’s resolutions, so make sure to grab Limitless You here.