Being a motivated self-starter isn’t an innate trait we’re all born with.
In reality, it’s a skill that takes time and effort to develop, and you can only do that via practice. If you want to be more disciplined (and likely more accomplished as a result, in whatever way that’s meaningful to you), there are some things you need to stop doing ASAP.
1. Setting unrealistically lofty expectations and goals that set you up for failure
You’re never going to change your life overnight, so you have to be realistic. That’s not to say you shouldn’t set your sights high, but rather that you need to meet yourself where you’re at right now and take baby steps to get there. If you’re on minimum wage, don’t expect to be a millionaire CEO by next week because it’s not going to happen. Put in the work, and you’ll get there, but don’t try to skip ahead.
2. Relying only on willpower
If you’ve got the willpower to get stuff done, that’s great. However, that willpower will eventually wane when exhaustion sets in, so you’ll need to have some other tools in your arsenal to keep going when that happens. Do things that make it easier to succeed. For instance, if you want to lose weight, don’t spend £50 on crisps and chocolate on your next Tesco order. That’s the kinda thing we’re talking about here.
3. Putting off important stuff until the last minute
We’ve all been there, staring at a deadline like a deer in headlights. But waiting until the eleventh hour only adds stress and compromises your work. Break tasks into manageable chunks and set deadlines for each step. Reward yourself for completing them, and you’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish.
4. Making excuses and everything and everyone else for your lack of progress
If you’re always complaining that you’re too tired or don’t have enough time to get stuff done, or you blame other people or circumstances for holding you back, you need to get a grip. It’s time to take some agency over your own life and get out there and get stuff done, no excuses. If you’re not where you want to be, it’s up to you to change that.
5. Comparing your achievements to other people’s
If you spend most of your time comparing your life to the lives of social media influencers or the people you see on TV, it’s no wonder you’re so miserable. Everyone’s journey is different. Focus on your own progress because that’s what really matters. Besides, half of what you see of other people’s lives is simply their highlight reel, not their everyday reality.
6. Trying to be perfect and expecting flawless results every time
Perfectionism is a discipline killer, Harvard Business Review notes. It sets an impossibly high bar and paralyses you with fear of failure. Learn to find the joy in imperfection, learn from your mistakes, and keep moving forward. The progress you make on doing a good job is so much more important than getting stuck in a rut because things aren’t 100% perfect (which probably isn’t possible anyway).
7. Letting distractions break your focus on what matters
Notifications, social media, that juicy piece of gossip – distractions are everywhere. I can’t tell you how many hours I’ve lost going down an Instagram or Reddit rabbit hole when I could have been doing something much more productive. Create a distraction-free environment for yourself, whether it’s a quiet room, noise-canceling headphones, or a website blocker. Train yourself to stay focused on the task at hand.
8. Skipping your routines and not taking care of yourself
A consistent routine is the backbone of discipline. It sets the tone for your day and helps you stay on track. Make time for exercise, healthy eating, sleep, and whatever else keeps you feeling balanced and energized. You’ll feel so much better for it.
9. Surrounding yourself with negative people who drain your energy
Your environment plays a huge role in your discipline. Surround yourself with positive, supportive people who motivate and encourage you. Distance yourself from the people who bring you down or tempt you to stray from your goals. If they want to waste their lives, that’s up to them!
10. Neglecting your mental health
Discipline isn’t just about physical habits; it’s also about mental strength. Take care of your emotional health by practising mindfulness, managing stress, and asking for help when you need it (and we all do sometimes). A healthy mind is a must for staying disciplined.
11. Spreading yourself too thin
As Forbes points out, multitasking might seem efficient, but it’s actually a productivity killer (and has a negative effect on your IQ, weirdly enough). Focus on one task at a time, give it your full attention, and move on to the next one when you’re finished. You’ll be surprised at how much more you accomplish.
12. Relying on instant gratification and quick fixes that don’t last
Everyone wants instant results these days, but discipline is a long game. Don’t fall for fad diets, get-rich-quick schemes, or any other promises of overnight success. Focus on sustainable habits that will lead to lasting change. It’s a lot more boring, but the rewards are a lot greater (and are more likely to last).
13. Avoiding things that push you out of your comfort zone
Growth happens outside your comfort zone. Embrace challenges, tackle difficult tasks head-on, and don’t shy away from learning new things. The more you push yourself, the stronger your discipline will become.
14. Being afraid of failure and letting setbacks discourage you
Everyone fails; it’s part of the process. That being said, don’t let setbacks derail your progress. Learn from your mistakes, adjust your approach, and keep moving forward. Remember, failure is not the opposite of success; it’s a stepping stone.
15. Relying on external motivation
It’s nice to be rewarded for your hard work, but true discipline comes from within. Find your “why” – the reason you’re pursuing your goals. What motivates you? What inspires you? Connect with that deeper purpose to fuel your discipline. It’s crazy how effective this is!
16. Waiting for the “perfect” time or circumstances to start
Source: Unsplash There will never be a perfect time. Start now, with what you have, where you are. Every step you take, no matter how small, is a step in the right direction. Don’t let the fear of not being ready hold you back.
