Self Discipline: Tips/Advice

I have just started reading a book about self-control called “The Marshmallow Test” by Walter Mischel. Although i am nowhere near finishing the book, there is a lot i understand already. I did a little research and the book is based on a experiment done in the 1960s at Stanford University. “In these studies, a child was offered a choice between one small reward provided immediately or two small rewards (i.e., a larger later reward) if they waited for a short period, approximately 15 minutes, during which the tester left the room and then returned”. The experiment was done to determine a child’s self control or restraint. The book also goes on to state “Beginning in early life, some people are better than others at self-control but almost everybody can find ways to make it easier”. I found this helpful because though it may be hard for some to have self control, everyone can find something to propel them to make the right decisions.

Here are some more tips I've found that i have put into use or am trying to put in use.

Posture Correction. When ever you are sitting or standing around, doing work or not, think about your posture. A lot of times we are slouching and we dont realize it. It takes self control to sit up straight believe it or not. So anytime you can fix your slouch and sit up straight.

Being Mindful of Automatic Decision Making. These’s automatic decisions can be things such as checking your phone every 5 minutes, or turning on the TV when you get home from work. Thinking about the things we do mindlessly daily and making effort to change them can improve your self control and focus.

Making your Bed. As simple or stupid as it may sound, making your bed first thing when you awake can vastly improve your self control. By doing so, you give yourself a reason to get out of bed in the morning instead of scrolling on your phone, and puts you into work mode as soon as you get up. It also gives you a sense of accomplishment and puts you into a positive pattern of getting something done every morning.