How to become more disciplined: 7 tips for self-discipline
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, CDCES, MBA
Explore what self-discipline is and why it's important for your health and wellbeing. Plus, how to become more disciplined with 5 tips that also improve motivation.
Setting a goal for yourself but struggling to achieve it, or being easily distracted and unable to focus is an experience that many people share. Self-discipline—the ability to control your thoughts, feelings, and actions to achieve your goals—isn’t always easy.
It’s important to know that self-discipline is not an innate skill that only a select few possess. It's a learned behavior that almost anyone can develop with practice and the right strategies.
What is self-discipline?
Self-discipline is your ability to keep working at something even when you don't feel like it. It's sticking to your plans and following through on your commitments, although it might be tempting to back out.
However, self-discipline doesn’t mean you have to be rigid or inflexible. It's more about making conscious choices that align with your long-term aspirations. That could mean saying no to instant gratification and focusing on the bigger picture, even when it means sacrificing immediate pleasures.
Self-discipline is not about being perfect but making progress, even in small steps. It’s a journey of continuous growth and self-mastery, where you learn from setbacks so you can keep moving forward.
Why discipline is important for your health and wellbeing
Self-discipline can do more than help you hit your goals. It can transform your life, reshape your mindset, and empower you to become the best version of yourself. With self-discipline, you'll learn to prioritize tasks and set realistic deadlines while avoiding distractions, allowing you to accomplish more in less time.
Self-discipline can help you make healthy choices like including movement in your day, eating nutritious foods, and getting enough sleep. It can help you manage your time well, so you're less stressed.
Self-discipline is also about setting aside time to relax, even if a part of you feels like you should always be busy. These healthy habits will not only improve your physical wellbeing but also enhance your mental clarity and emotional resilience.
How to be more self-disciplined: 7 tips to work on your motivation and discipline
Becoming more disciplined is like building muscle—the more you work on it, the stronger it gets. By putting these tips into action, you're on your way to becoming more disciplined.
1. Define your goals with clarity
Before you start your self-discipline journey, it's essential to have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve. Write down your goals, and make them specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Having clear goals will give you direction and motivation to stay on track. And having them on paper or a screen makes them more real.
💙 Discover The Why Behind Your Goals with Jay Shetty to get clear on what you want to achieve and the reason why.
2. Be honest about your limitations
Be honest with yourself about where you're likely to slip up. If you know you're tempted to snooze the alarm in the morning, put it across the room so you have to get up to turn it off. If you spend too much time on your phone, set a timer to remind you to take a break. Planning ahead for these moments can keep you moving forward.
3. Prioritize and plan as best as possible
Self-discipline is all about making conscious choices, and that starts with prioritizing your daily tasks. Make prioritizing a habit by allocating regular time to work or exercise in your routine. Create a daily or weekly schedule that outlines what you need to accomplish and when, and focus on what's most important each day. When you know which tasks or goals are at the top of your list, you can give them your attention first. Being disciplined in this way helps you make sure that the big things get done and don't get lost amongst less important tasks.
💙 This Guided Visualization with Oren Jay Sofer can help you get clear on the bigger picture to help you prioritize your day.
4. Break down goals into smaller, actionable steps
Large, daunting goals can feel overwhelming and can lead to feelings of discouragement. To overcome this, break down your goals into smaller, more manageable steps to make them less intimidating. It’ll also provide a sense of accomplishment each time you complete a step.
💙 Spend a few minutes Checking in with Yourself before you begin to create an action plan to achieve your goals.
5. Find accountability partners
Having accountability partners can be a powerful motivator to stay on track. Find someone you trust, like a friend or family member, who shares similar goals. Share your progress with them, and encourage them to do the same. When you share your goals and check in with each other, it's easier to stay on track.
💙 Nurture your relationships and cultivate a supportive environment for your accountability partners with this meditation on Mindful Friendships.
6. Reward yourself for progress
Self-discipline doesn't mean denying yourself all the joys in life. As you make progress toward your goals, reward yourself for your efforts. Choose rewards that are meaningful to you, whether it's taking a break, enjoying a favorite meal, or engaging in a hobby. Even small treats along the way can help keep you motivated and make your journey more enjoyable.
7. Have a plan B (if you need one)
Sometimes, despite your best plans, things go wrong. That's okay. Having a backup plan means you won't be thrown off course completely. If you can't go for that run because it's raining, maybe you can do a workout at home instead.
💙 Stay ahead of the game by nurturing your relationship to Inspiration with Tamara Levitt, which can help you brainstorm secondary plans when things go awry.
How to become more disciplined FAQs
Can you train yourself to be more disciplined?
Yes, you can train yourself to be more disciplined. Self-discipline is a skill that can be developed and strengthened with practice and effort. Just like learning anything new, it takes time, dedication, and a willingness to learn from mistakes. The key is to start small and gradually increase the challenges you set for yourself. Don’t forget to be patient with your progress.
Why am I struggling to be disciplined?
Struggling with discipline is a challenge many people face, and there are several reasons why you might struggle with self-discipline. It could be because your goals aren't clear enough, there’s a lack of motivation, your time management skills need work, you’ve fallen into unhealthy habits, or perhaps you have underlying mental health concerns.
It's also possible you might be trying to change too many things at once. Identifying the root cause of your struggles with discipline is crucial for addressing the issue effectively. Focus on one small goal at a time, and give yourself a chance to succeed with that before adding more to your list.
How can I be disciplined and not lazy?
Overcoming laziness requires a combination of self-awareness, motivation, and action. Start by identifying the things that make you procrastinate and find ways to overcome them. Break down large tasks into smaller steps, set realistic goals, and reward yourself for your progress. Self-discipline is not about being perfect. It's about making consistent effort and gradually building momentum.
How do I become more disciplined with ADHD?
If you have ADHD, there are specific strategies that can help you improve your self-discipline. Create a structured environment with clear routines and minimize distractions. Break down tasks into manageable steps and use visual aids like checklists or timers. Try meditation for ADHD to help improve concentration and reduce impulsivity, which can make discipline easier to maintain. You can also seek support from a therapist or counselor who specializes in ADHD management.
Calm your mind. Change your life.
Mental health is hard. Getting support doesn't have to be. The Calm app puts the tools to feel better in your back pocket, with personalized content to manage stress and anxiety, get better sleep, and feel more present in your life.
Images: Getty
