You may set goals with enthusiasm and believe you are committed to them, but find yourself unable to achieve what you had hoped. You might make big plans, but seem unable to follow through and reach the desired outcome. If it all sounds familiar, you probably need a good shot of discipline.

We’re not talking ‘six of the best’, but the sort of discipline that trains you to develop the consistency and persistence you need to achieve all your goals.

Discipline is typically defined as; “training expected to produce a specific pattern of behaviour, especially training that produces moral or mental improvement.”

In simple terms, discipline is a matter of forming and maintaining a good habit. Whilst many consider discipline the preserve of top athletes and highly motivated business people, in reality anyone can develop the discipline they need with just a little effort.

To instil discipline within and achieve your desired outcomes:

Set attainable goals

Make your goals specific and measurable. For example, you may want to learn a new language, subscribe to an online resource to improve your mental faculties, or you might want to increase your income by a certain amount this year, or finally make that once-in-a-lifetime holiday a reality.

Create a plan

Outline the specific steps you will need to take to meet your goal. It is this written plan and the process of writing it out, rather than typing on your laptop that will help you track your progress until the new habit is established.

Really want it

For change to occur and be permanent, you must want to change your present behaviour; it has to be your choice if you are to improve mentally and morally. Change begins with a conscious choice of the will.

Commit to it

You will have to be persistent to carry out your plan on a daily basis. This will require real commitment and dedication; it will be easier if you visualize the benefits you’ll obtain by making these changes. Switch from just hoping, to believing in yourself, to change nice habits into great habits.

Repeat for success

For the change to be permanent, you must repeat the new behaviour until it becomes an established habit. Even if you slip up once or twice, do not become discouraged, be strong and believe in yourself. Pick up where you left off and continue practicing the desired behaviour.

Remember, you can change your behaviour with a clear plan and you will reap the benefits when you do. Our Effective Personal Productivity programme will help you understand the goal-setting approach to changing your life and achieving more – interested in learning more, then please get in touch.