Why You Can’t Stay Disciplined
We’ve all been there
Alright, let’s get real here. You’ve probably heard it a thousand times: “If you want to succeed, you need discipline.”
It’s a drumbeat, it’s the gospel, and it’s the heart of every self-help book and motivational speech. But, have you ever stopped to think: “If discipline is so essential, then why is it so hard to maintain?”
Here’s the truth, the raw, unfiltered truth: You’re not failing because you lack discipline. You’re failing because you’re thinking about discipline all wrong.
So, buckle up. We’re about to debunk the myths, shatter the illusions, and redefine the concept of discipline.
Are you ready? Let’s dive in.
Discipline is Not a Superpower
First off, we need to obliterate this idea that discipline is some sort of innate superpower that only the elite possess. Listen up, it’s not.
Have you ever watched an athlete practicing day in, day out? Or a musician tirelessly repeating scales? You might think, “Oh, they’re just naturally disciplined.” Wrong!
What you’re seeing is not the birthright of a chosen few; it’s the result of consistency and understanding of the true nature of the discipline.
Discipline is not a marathon; it’s a series of sprints. It’s not about going full throttle 24/7. It’s about taking a step, even when you don’t feel like it.
It’s about celebrating the small wins and moving past the setbacks.
If we stop treating discipline like some mythical force bestowed upon the fortunate, we can start seeing it for what it really is: a learnable, attainable skill.
So, let me ask you: Is there anything that you do consistently, every day? Brushing your teeth, perhaps? Well, congratulations!
You have the essence of discipline. So, why can’t we extend this to other areas of life?
The Devil’s in the Detail — Understand Your ‘Why’
The reason why many of us can’t stay disciplined is that we’re focusing on the ‘what’ and not the ‘why.’
Let me explain.
Imagine you decide to start going to the gym. You’re pumped, you’ve got your new gear, and you’re ready to get ripped. But then, after a week or two, the enthusiasm wanes.
You start missing days, making excuses, and before you know it, the gym membership is nothing but a drain on your bank account. Sound familiar?
The problem here is that you focused too much on ‘what’ you wanted to do (going to the gym) and not enough on ‘why’ you wanted to do it.
Understanding your ‘why’ is like building a foundation for a house.
Without it, your discipline, like a house without a foundation, will eventually crumble. ‘Why’ fuels your motivation, provides context for your efforts, and creates a sense of purpose.
So, whether it’s getting fit, learning a new skill, or starting a business, ask yourself: “Why do I want this?” “How will it change my life?” “What’s driving me?” When your ‘why’ is strong, maintaining discipline becomes a heck of a lot easier.
The Ultimate Deception — Perfectionism
We need to have a serious talk about perfectionism. In the quest for discipline, it’s often our worst enemy.
Perfectionism convinces you that if you can’t do something flawlessly, there’s no point in doing it at all.
If you can’t stick to a diet 100%, might as well ditch it. Can’t work out every day? Throw in the towel.
Perfectionism is a mirage. It presents an unattainable image of success and tells you that anything less is not worth it.
Well, let me tell you, that’s a load of bull. Discipline isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress.
So, you slipped up and had a cookie while on a diet. So what? Don’t let one slip-up throw you off your game.
Get back on track and keep going. Remember, it’s not about winning every battle; it’s about winning the war.
Creating a Discipline that Lasts
Alright, here’s the part you’ve been waiting for. How do you create a discipline that lasts?
It’s simple: Make it a habit.
Habits are routines of behavior that are performed regularly and tend to occur subconsciously.
Basically, it’s your brain going on autopilot. Imagine if discipline was like that: no struggle, no resistance, just automatic. Sounds good, doesn’t it?
Start small. Commit to five minutes of exercise every day or read one page of a book.
The aim here isn’t to make massive leaps but to establish consistency.
And once it becomes a part of your daily routine, just like brushing your teeth, you can gradually increase the intensity.
Remember, habits take time to form. But with patience, persistence, and the right mindset, you can make discipline a regular part of your life.
And trust me, once you do, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.
The Bottom Line
It’s time we stopped shaming ourselves for lack of discipline. It’s not a measure of character or determination. It’s a skill, one that we can all master with a bit of understanding and patience.
So, the next time you find yourself struggling to stay disciplined, remember: It’s not about perfection, it’s about progress.
It’s about knowing your ‘why’ and sticking to it. It’s about replacing unrealistic expectations with attainable habits.
And most importantly, remember that discipline is not a superpower reserved for the elite.
It’s within your grasp, ready for the taking. So, go ahead, redefine discipline, and watch as your world transforms.
