Self-discipline. Let’s be honest. For most of us, it’s a work in progress, wrapped in good intentions, procrastination, and feelings of failure. But it doesn’t have to be. Self-discipline, like everything else, is a habit that with practice we can all nail. Not every day will be perfect, but each day – with its failures and small wins – is progress, and that’s what self-discipline is all about. It’s not about getting it right all the time, it’s about being mindful and doing your best.
Here are 4 simple steps you can take today to build on your self-discipline. Coupled with a healthy understanding of what self-discipline is and a little inspiration, this blog gives you the tools you need to develop a practice of self-discipline in everything you do.
1. Have a routine (Yup even on your days off)
Being disciplined comes hand in hand with being as organised as you can be, having a focus and an idea of what you want to accomplish each day. Having something physical to check off is a really useful tool to not only keep you on track but also giving you that sense of achievement at the end of the day (Plus it gives your brain a break from having to remember everything).
There isn’t a right way to carry out this task. It can be whatever feels right for you, be those reminders on your phone set up throughout the day, notes in your phone you can tick off, or simply putting pen to paper.
Making simple acts a routine such as laying your gym clothes out for the morning, putting a glass by the kettle to remind you to have a drink of water before coffee, or preparing a healthy lunch and snacks in advance to avoid that mid-afternoon crash that leads to emotional hunger purchases at the local shop.
Schedule in time to do what is important to you and your goals and minimise the time doing unproductive and unuseful activities such as scrolling through Facebook or watching love island. We all are guilty of this.
2. Stay Active
Include exercise in your routines. Set certain times each day to move, not every week will look the same. You may not be able to get to the gym as often as you want to but my god this does not mean you are ‘failing’ or you have ‘fallen off the wagon’ life can get in the way sometimes. Give yourself a break and move on! On these days just move when you can for as long as you can and be slightly more mindful of what you fuel your body with.
A good old saying of showing up and giving 80% all the time is more important than going 110% some of the time. Consistency is key, then intensity! Physical discipline tends to lead to being more mentally disciplined in other areas.
3. Check in with yourself
Practice self-care. Self-care is a discipline, not an indulgence or something that looks cool on your Instagram stories. Self-care is incredibly important to your physical and mental wellbeing. It gives us a moment to pause and dial in on how we are feeling, decide what is important to us right now and understand a little more about what our bodies may need from us. We can sometimes go on for weeks without listening to our bodies and getting caught up in activities and habits that don’t align with our goal and in some cases can be detrimental to our health and wellbeing. Set aside time regularly to stop. Be present, mindful, and honest with yourself.
4. Stop striving for perfection
Choose to show up for yourself, staying consistent, and just doing the best you can over striving for perfection. Striving for “perfection” in any aspect of your life just leads to unnecessary strain, sadness and a constant feeling like you are failing in most cases. When in reality you really are not. If you are doing the best you can and asking for support and guidance (This is where having a Primal Mvmnt coach comes in handy) where needed you are doing a perfect job. Having goals that are realistic, achievable, and that you allow time for is what it’s all about. You are guaranteed to achieve what you want and more by being both disciplined and patient. You can do anything you set your mind to with the right tool and support.
Success isn’t perfection. Success is taking back control, setting some boundaries, and finding a structure that works for you. At Primal Mvmnt this journey starts with a ‘Free Intro’ in which you sit down with a coach to find out your goals and why these are important to you. From here we SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timebound) goal your training plan to ensure you have a roadmap to your success! Having a coach to hold you accountable and the support of like-minded peers with step-by-step guidance means you will edge closer to improving your health and happiness for good and exceed your expectations.
Wherever you are in your journey it’s never too late to start or reach out for help. If you feel lost, fed up with not achieving your goals, lack accountability from your gym or classes? Then reach out to us.
HERE TO HELP
Want to find out more about how we can help? You can book a Free Intro where you will meet a friendly coach at Primal Mvmnt gym based in Newton Abbot, build a custom plan with a personal trainer aligned to your goals and budget to change your life for the better! Book on the button below.
Our mission is to help first! Why not check out one of our previous blogs below:
DENISE’S PERSONAL TRAINING SUCCESS STORY – FURLOUGHED TO FITNESS
In Health
Kim
Owner & Coach