As an entrepreneur, I’ve found that self-discipline is often the secret weapon behind true success. It’s the one trait that separates “getting by” from really excelling in whatever you set out to do.
Over the years, building Hackspirit from the ground up has taught me firsthand that self-discipline isn’t about being harsh on yourself—it’s about creating habits that set you up for consistent wins.
Self-discipline isn’t a skill we’re born with, and it doesn’t come naturally to most of us. It’s like a muscle—you’ve got to build it and work on it daily.
I’ve experimented with countless routines, and approaches to get more disciplined, and what I’ve found is that there are a few core habits that make all the difference.
Today, I share them with you.
1) Starting your day with a plan
Boosting your self-discipline begins with taking control of your day.
A daily plan isn’t about setting unrealistic targets or overloading your to-do list. It’s about setting manageable goals and breaking your day into achievable tasks.
As bestselling author Tony Robbins puts it, “Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.”
This habit helps reduce procrastination and increases your productivity. Plus, it gives you a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day.
Start each morning by outlining what you want to achieve. Prioritize your tasks and set realistic deadlines for them.
It’s okay if you don’t accomplish everything; what matters is that you’re moving forward.
2) Cultivating a mindfulness practice
Let me tell you a little secret. One of the most powerful habits I’ve incorporated into my life to boost self-discipline is mindfulness.
Sounds simple, right? But it’s more potent than you might think.
Mindfulness is about being fully present in the moment, and aware of our thoughts, feelings, and actions without judgment.
This practice helps us to manage our impulses better and prevents us from falling into old, unproductive habits.
For example, I used to struggle with procrastination, especially when it came to writing for Hack Spirit. I would find myself mindlessly scrolling through social media, losing precious time.
However, once I began practicing mindfulness, I started to notice these distractions early on and could quickly redirect my focus back to my work.
And it’s not just me. The benefits of mindfulness are well-backed up by research.
As noted by the American Pyschological Association, studies have shown that practicing mindfulness can lead to increased focus and even boost working memory.
As you might have guessed, this didn’t happen overnight. It took consistency and patience. But over time, I’ve seen a significant improvement in my self-discipline and productivity.
You might, too.
3) Practicing self-compassion
This is a big one.
Contrary to popular belief, self-discipline doesn’t mean being hard on yourself or punishing yourself when you slip up.
In fact, one of the most essential habits for boosting self-discipline is practicing self-compassion.
We’re all human, and we all make mistakes. Instead of beating yourself up when you fall off the wagon, respond with kindness and understanding.
In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I discuss how vital this practice is.
Buddhism teaches us the power of self-compassion and how it can be a transformative tool in our lives.
When we show ourselves compassion, we’re more likely to bounce back from setbacks and keep pushing toward our goals. It allows us to learn from our mistakes rather than dwelling on them.
4) Breaking your goals into small, manageable tasks
The thought of accomplishing a big goal can be overwhelming. However, by dividing it into smaller tasks, it becomes less daunting and more achievable.
If you have a large project or a significant goal, break it down. Create a step-by-step plan and tackle each task one at a time.
Not only will this make the process seem less intimidating, but it will also provide you with small victories along the way, boosting your motivation and self-discipline.
5) Schedule regular breaks
This might seem counterintuitive when talking about self-discipline, but hear me out. Scheduling regular breaks is actually essential for maintaining focus and productivity.
Our brains aren’t designed to work non-stop. They need regular breaks to recharge and avoid burnout.
So, instead of forcing yourself to work for hours on end, try something like the Pomodoro Technique.
This method involves working for a set amount of time (like 25 minutes), then taking a short break (like 5 minutes). After completing four cycles, take a longer break.
This practice not only boosts productivity but also helps maintain concentration over longer periods, improving self-discipline.
6) Schedule rewards
Believe it or not, rewarding yourself is an essential part of building self-discipline.
It’s not just about pushing through tasks or challenges—it’s also about giving your brain positive reinforcement that motivates you to keep going.
James Clear, in his book Atomic Habits, emphasizes the importance of rewards as a way to build strong habits.
As he puts it, “Rewards teach us which actions are worth remembering in the future. Your brain is a reward detector.”
By associating positive reinforcement with your efforts, you’re essentially teaching your brain that staying disciplined is beneficial, making it easier to stick to your habits over time.
The key is to make the reward something that genuinely excites you.
It could be something as simple as enjoying a piece of your favorite chocolate after completing a challenging task, taking a walk in nature, or setting aside time to do something you love.
It isn’t about indulging after every small win. It’s about creating a healthy balance of effort and reward to maintain motivation, especially when you’re working towards those big goals.
7) Practice gratitude daily
Finally, practicing daily gratitude can significantly boost your self-discipline. Gratitude helps in shifting your mindset and focusing on the positive aspects of life.
By appreciating what you have, you’re less likely to indulge in impulsive behaviors and more likely to focus on long-term goals.
It’s about recognizing the good in your life and letting that motivate you to strive for even better.
You can start by keeping a gratitude journal where you write down three things you’re grateful for every day.
It’s a small habit, but it has the potential to bring about big changes.
In conclusion: It’s all about the journey
Boosting self-discipline isn’t a one-time event. It’s an ongoing journey of personal growth and consistent effort.
These habits are starting points, guiding principles to help you navigate this journey.
But remember, it’s not about being perfect. It’s about making progress, one step at a time.
