Here are some pointers/strategies to help you develop self-control and be rewarded in the long run. A word of caution: you may not be able to implement these tips flawlessly from the start. Of course, there will be some pushback as these changes are implemented. Give it some time and patience, and you’ll get there!
Recognize your own shortcomings.
S4: Recognizing your pitfalls is the first step toward overcoming them. These can take the form of bad habits, addictions, or attitude problems. Ignoring your vices will not help you become disciplined. Simply write them down. When you have a comprehensive list, you will be able to devise strategies for dealing with them while also disciplining your mind.
Create an action plan
S6: Now that you’ve identified your weaknesses, consider how you can overcome them. There does not have to be a single solution to your addictions or weaknesses. Make a list of all possible solutions and consider how you can put them into action. Make a new schedule for the next week to see how these ideas fit in. Again, this does not have to be a flawless strategy. You can also go back and make changes to better address your weaknesses.
Having a written plan will give you a sense of purpose and direction. When you believe you are being tempted by your vices, it can also serve as a source of reinforcement!
Create a routine based on your timetable. Over time, a daily routine can help you easily discipline your mind!
For example, if one of your flaws is an addiction to social media, consider how you can overcome it. If you have the option of temporarily deactivating your account, go ahead and do it. If that isn’t possible, devise a strategy for reducing the amount of time you spend on social media. If your schedule is jam-packed with other activities, you will invariably have less time for social media. As a result, increase the amount of time you spend outside.
Maintain your commitment
S10: It doesn’t matter if you just make a plan. It is critical that you put it into action and stick to the plan. Here are some strategies for ensuring that your plan is carried out:
Remove any distracting objects from your surroundings. It could be as simple as removing posters of your favourite TV shows from your room if you are a TV/Netflix addict. These posters can serve as a reminder of these shows and entice you to watch them. By removing them, you are controlling your TV show addiction.
Make sure you’re surrounded by positive reinforcement. For example, if you want to reduce your procrastination, put some post-it notes on your table to remind you of the importance of the deliverable or decision.
There are a variety of scheduling apps available today that can be used to go over each item on your agenda. When you cross items off the list, you will feel a sense of accomplishment. These apps can also be used as a visual aid to help you stay on track with your schedule.
Set up a solid reward system. I’ll go over this in more detail later. Having a reward system in place will undoubtedly motivate you to stick to your plan.
Create a list of non-negotiables. When you make a list of things you will not compromise on, you will be more disciplined to stick to it no matter what.
It is critical that you learn to follow through on your plans. You are conditioning and disciplining your mind by doing so. Of course, sticking to your plan will be difficult at first. However, with enough patience and reinforcements, you should be able to stick to it easily.
Master the art of prioritisation
Not all of us are born with the ability to prioritise our tasks effectively. This is true not only for our work, but also for our emotions. As a result, by practising the art of prioritising, you are conditioning your mind to prioritise important tasks first.
When your mind is disciplined, for example, you will be able to approach a situation calmly. Your impulsive reactions will not be prioritised. Your solutions would only be prioritised.
Learning to prioritise is essential for disciplining your mind and body. Having a written schedule or plan will allow you to spend more time assessing and prioritising these tasks.
Boost your tolerance levels
We all prefer to play to our strengths and stay within our comfort zones. When we are asked to do something that is outside of our comfort zone, we become disoriented and struggle to complete it. As a result, engage in activities that will force you to step outside of your comfort zone. You won’t be caught off guard later if you do it this way. By doing so, you are training both your mind and body to remain calm in the face of unusual or unpleasant challenges in the future.
Similarly, do not avoid short-term discomforts because they may cause problems in the long run. Increase your tolerance for such inconveniences. This will prepare both your mind and body for greater challenges. To begin with, controlling your body and mind will not be an impossible task.
For example, if you don’t want to deal with the temporary discomforts of a gym routine, you’ll end up with health problems in the long run. If you accustom your body to a 30-minute routine, it will be easy to increase the time to 45 minutes if your doctor recommends it in the future. As a result, learn to prepare your body and mind for any situation. When you anticipate something and are certain of the uncertainty, disciplining your mind in the midst of chaos is not difficult.
Create a sound reward system.
S20: Mind discipline is no laughing matter. You’ll have to be patient and keep trying. This ensures that you will be able to get there someday. You may need to find ways to motivate yourself to follow through on the plan. Having a solid reward system in place is an easy way to ensure that you stay motivated. This will ensure that you stick to your plan regardless of what happens.
Implementing a reward system benefits you in the following ways:
For the longest time, discipline was thought to be a form of punishment. This is one of the main reasons why we avoid discipline on purpose. A reward system can undoubtedly assist in removing that mental constraint. It can be used to recognise positive and good behaviour or actions.
When a reward is attached to your schedule or plan, you will be more motivated to complete your tasks on time. In a sense, you will be directing your efforts and time toward completing the task. Over time, you will be able to devote your time and effort to words that are important to you without the need for a reward.
Rewards do not always have to be materialistic in nature. Positive reinforcement can also be used. These can help you discipline your mind even more.
For example, your reward could be an evening out with your friends. These incentives can also be used to assist you in dealing with your addictions. When you have an evening planned with a friend, you will spend less time on social media.
Here are some pointers to help you devise an effective reward system:
It is critical that you time your rewards appropriately. For example, if you are testing a schedule this week, make sure to reward yourself for sticking to it over the weekend. If your reward is not delivered on time, the purpose of having a reward in the first place is defeated.
As previously stated, rewards can also take the form of positive reinforcement. Rewards do not have to be entirely materialistic. When you choose an experience as a reward, you will learn more as a result of the experience.
Do not seek out rewards that have the potential to weaken your resolve to discipline yourself. For example, you are already aware of your addiction to social media. So, when deciding on a reward for completing a specific college assignment, don’t make it as simple as spending 20 minutes on social media. You are succumbing to your temptations and reinforcing addictive behaviours by doing so.
Every time you devise a strategy to address your weaknesses and discipline yourself in the process, consider the benefits that will result. When I say rewards, I don’t always mean the ones you set.
Consider the long-term benefits of self-discipline. Self-discipline can be beneficial in a variety of ways.
Visualize your rewards and how your life can improve if you discipline yourself.
Evaluate your progress
It is just as important to have a plan in place and execute it as it is to review your progress from time to time. You can set the frequency of the review based on your level of motivation.
For example, if you are unsure about your ability to stick to the plan, you can review it on a daily or weekly basis. On the other hand, if you are confident in your ability to stick to the schedule with few deviations, you can opt for a biweekly or monthly review.
You won’t know if your ideas are working well until you review your progress. This review process will assist you in making any necessary changes to your plan. You can also enlist the assistance of a friend or relative to serve as an independent reviewer and keep you on track.
