discipline (noun)
/ˈdɪsɪplɪn/The practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behaviour.
"I have been struggling with discipline for a while now"
I know that discipline is important. I see the quotes everywhere about building good habits and avoiding a reliance on motivation. I’ve talked about it myself.
But the truth is, I’ve been struggling with it. Working for myself is great but what I’ve found is that maintaining a proper routine has been difficult.
“I can work whenever I want so why not stay up until 3am on YouTube?”.
or
“I’ll do it later”.
I was a massive fitness fanatic for a long time but even that has dipped without a solid routine.
I’m not sure if you are like me too?
Don't get me wrong. I always finish my work on time and I never let a week pass without working out but there is no rhythm to it.
Apparently it takes 30 days to start a new habit. As of the start of this month I’ve set myself a 30-day challenge to establish more self-discipline.
I know when I set lofty goals they sometimes crumble after a week so I’m going to start slowly and gradually add the things I want.
Step one is Sleep Hygiene. The main thing I need to improve.
Sleep expert Matthew Walker explains that sleep is really important for keeping the stress hormone cortisol in check. When we don’t get enough sleep over time, our cortisol levels can go up and stay up, leading to more constant stress and making us more emotionally reactive.
Not what I want.
Although on weekends I’ll still socialise a bit later, I’m going to start with this goal for 7 days and then build from it. Today started well so at least 1/7 is done.
I’m also hoping to use some tips from Atomic Habits to make these changes lasting.
Cue: You dim the lights and put away your devices an hour before bed.
Craving: A good night's sleep makes you feel rested and refreshed.
Response: You start your bedtime routine, maybe reading a book or practicing some relaxation exercises.
Reward: By the time you fall asleep, you feel calm and prepared for a restful night. Your bedtime routine becomes associated with a better night's sleep.
I’ve done this before and it went well, but I lost discipline when my routine was interrupted by moving to another country.
The main objective of building self-discipline for me is to have more consistent energy. You probably have your own reasons too.
If you have any tips for me about self-discipline please share them in a comment or a response. I want to learn from you too.
Book recommendations are also welcome, I’ve just started reading “Thinking fast and slow”.
Wish me luck,
Danny