When I first started my journey toward self-improvement, discipline felt like an impossible mountain to climb. The mere idea of committing to a task or sticking to a routine was overwhelming. I would hear well-meaning advice from friends or family and respond with a dismissive “yeah, okay,” just to move on. Deep down, I knew I wasn’t being honest with myself, but acknowledging the truth was hard.
Taking action and sticking to it is one of the most challenging yet rewarding habits to develop. The good news is, you’re not alone, and it’s never too late to rewrite your story. In this article, we’ll explore ways to move out of that funk, embrace discipline, and take consistent action toward your goals.
Why Discipline Matters
Discipline isn’t about punishing yourself or living a life devoid of fun. It’s about creating the structure and consistency needed to achieve your dreams. Jocko Willink, a retired Navy SEAL and motivational speaker, often says, “Discipline equals freedom.” What he means is that by sticking to routines and rules, you gain the freedom to pursue bigger goals, live a less stressful life, and even enjoy more leisure time because your responsibilities are in order.
Research supports the importance of discipline. In a study published in the Journal of Personality, researchers Angela Duckworth and Martin Seligman found that self-discipline is a stronger predictor of success than IQ. This means that even if you’re not the most talented person in the room, consistent effort will often win out.
Step 1: Acknowledge Where You Are
The first step in building discipline is being honest about where you are right now. This is something I struggled with for years. I wanted change but wasn’t ready to admit that I was the one holding myself back.
Take a moment to reflect:
• What are your current habits?
• What excuses do you make for not taking action?
• How do you feel when you break promises to yourself?
Journaling can be a helpful tool here. Writing down your thoughts allows you to see patterns and pinpoint areas that need improvement.
Step 2: Start Small
One of the biggest mistakes people make when trying to build discipline is taking on too much at once. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither are disciplined habits. James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, emphasizes the power of small changes. He suggests focusing on 1% improvements daily, which compound into significant results over time.
For example:
• Instead of committing to a 2-hour workout, start with a 10-minute walk.
• Rather than aiming to write a novel, write 100 words daily.
• If you struggle with mornings, wake up 15 minutes earlier, not 2 hours.
Step 3: Create a Routine
Routines provide structure and reduce decision fatigue. Think of your brain as a battery; the fewer decisions you have to make, the more energy you can devote to meaningful tasks. This is why so many successful people swear by their routines.
Morning routines, in particular, can set the tone for your entire day. Hal Elrod’s The Miracle Morning outlines six habits that can transform your life:
1. Silence (meditation or prayer)
2. Affirmations
3. Visualization
4. Exercise
5. Reading
Experiment with these and tailor them to your preferences.
Step 4: Use the Power of Accountability
Accountability can be a game-changer. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or coach, having someone to check in with can motivate you to stay on track.
Consider joining a community or group aligned with your goals. For example:
• Fitness enthusiasts can join online forums like MyFitnessPal.
• Writers can participate in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month).
• Entrepreneurs can find accountability partners through networking groups.
For more personal accountability, habit-tracking apps like Habitica or Streaks can help you visualize your progress.
Step 5: Embrace Failure as a Teacher
One of the hardest lessons I had to learn was that failure is part of the process. Instead of letting missteps discourage you, view them as opportunities to learn.
Consider this quote by motivational speaker Les Brown: “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” The key is to keep aiming high, adjusting your approach, and moving forward.
Step 6: Rewire Your Mindset
If you want to take consistent action, you need to address the thoughts that hold you back. Often, we avoid action because of fear—fear of failure, judgment, or even success.
Tony Robbins, one of the most renowned motivational speakers, teaches that our beliefs shape our actions. He suggests replacing limiting beliefs with empowering ones. For example:
• Instead of “I’m not good enough,” say, “I’m capable of learning and growing.”
• Replace “I’ll never succeed” with “Every step I take brings me closer to my goal.”
Practicing daily affirmations can help solidify this new mindset.
Step 7: Reward Yourself
Positive reinforcement can make building discipline feel less daunting. When you hit a milestone, celebrate it. This doesn’t mean overindulging or sabotaging your progress, but small rewards can boost motivation.
For instance:
• After completing a week of workouts, treat yourself to a relaxing bath.
• Finish a major work task? Spend time doing a hobby you love.
Real-Life Examples
1. David Goggins: The Ultimate Discipline Role Model
David Goggins, a former Navy SEAL and ultramarathon runner, is a living testament to the power of discipline. In his book Can’t Hurt Me, Goggins shares how he overcame obesity, poverty, and abuse to achieve greatness. His mantra, “Stay hard,” encourages us to push through discomfort and embrace challenges.
2. Mel Robbins: Overcoming Procrastination
Mel Robbins, author of The 5 Second Rule, suggests counting backward from five when you feel the urge to procrastinate. This simple trick activates the prefrontal cortex and propels you into action.
Evidence-Based Insights
• The Zeigarnik Effect: Psychologist Bluma Zeigarnik found that incomplete tasks are more likely to stay on our minds, causing stress. Taking action—even a small step—can reduce this mental burden.
• Behavioral Activation Therapy (BAT): Often used in psychology, BAT encourages people to engage in activities that align with their values, proving that action can improve mood and motivation.
Closing Thoughts
Building discipline and taking action is a journey, not a destination. There will be days when it feels easy and others when it feels impossible. Remember, you’re not aiming for perfection—you’re aiming for progress.
Each time you take a step forward, no matter how small, you’re proving to yourself that change is possible. By starting with honesty, embracing failure, and committing to consistent action, you’ll find yourself on the path to a healthier mindset and a more fulfilling life.
You’ve got this! Take that first step, and before you know it, you’ll be running. Let’s grow together!
Resources for Further Reading and Motivation:
1. James Clear – Atomic Habits
2. Mel Robbins – The 5 Second Rule