The "To Do's" for Developing Discipline

Developing discipline is a journey that requires self-awareness, focus, and strategic planning. Instead of overwhelming yourself with new tasks, consider magnifying existing discipline and making small, effective changes. Let's explore some actionable steps to enhance discipline in your life.

1. Magnify Your Gifts

Start by identifying your strengths and gifts. Consider the aspects of your life where you already demonstrate discipline effortlessly. What are the things you do well, and how can you leverage those strengths to acquire the discipline you seek in other areas?

For instance, if spending time with your kids is a joy, use that time to integrate discipline. If you want to write, outline your ideas during these moments. By aligning discipline with your strengths, it becomes a natural extension of your abilities.

2. Focus Your Fire Power

Understand that willpower is a finite resource, strongly tied to your energy levels. Prioritize tasks by focusing on what truly matters. Recognize the impact of decision fatigue, where too many choices drain your willpower.

To combat decision fatigue, determine the importance of an activity by asking yourself if you would pay real money to do it today. Simplify your life by turning off non-essential decisions, freeing up mental space for disciplined actions.

3. Remember the 20 Second Rule

Implement the 20 Second Rule to make time wasters harder and essential tasks easier. Reduce the activation energy required to start a task. For example, move your Netflix account to a device that requires a passcode entry, or remove social media apps from your phone to use them only on designated devices.

Make your disciplined routines 20 seconds more accessible than distractions. This small adjustment can have a profound impact on building and sustaining discipline.

4. Rely Heavily on Your Disciplined Routines

Routines are powerful tools for discipline. Identify existing habits and connect new behaviors to these routines. If you need to write in your journal daily, connect it to an established habit, like taking a few minutes to reflect while commuting home.

Schedule your desired routines, making them a non-negotiable part of your day. Evaluate and modify your routines if needed. Remember, routines are about consistency and setting the stage for disciplined actions.

By magnifying existing discipline, focusing your efforts, implementing simple rules, and relying on routines, you can develop and strengthen discipline in your life. Recognize your strengths, make intentional choices, and build a foundation that aligns with your goals. Discipline becomes not just a task but a natural expression of your capabilities and aspirations.