When it comes to discipline one of the most important things you can do is to remind yourself of why you want to acquire the new discipline. When you absolutely don’t want to do what you need to form this new habit, and that will happen all the time, remember your reason why.
Are you trying to get to the gym? What is your real reason for wanting to work out? Is it to get stronger? Lose or keep weight off? For health reasons? To get into a certain pair of jeans? To show up your friend who is taunting you for never going? To get a feeling of pride of accomplishing something? Whatever your reason is…write it down somewhere you can see it when you need the most motivation. Repeat it to yourself over and over. Bring it to the forefront of your mind whenever you struggle with whether you are going to do what it takes to develop the new discipline.
It’s the same with any goal you have in life. It’s the thing, and often the only thing, that will keep you going. Every time you want to give up, remember why you are doing what you are doing. Make sure the reason is something that will keep you going. The reason can be shallow and superficial. It doesn’t matter. As long as it is important to you.
You want to start eating more healthy foods? More than likely that reason will be to lose weight. But there are so many other benefits. It will be better for your overall health. We really do take our health for granted…until the day we can’t. Our health is by far the most important aspect of our lives and the thing we pay attention to the least. We just assume we will always be healthy. But if you are getting a little older like me, then you know that those aches and pains are starting to show up. If you are feeling it in your bones and muscles, then imagine what is going on inside you with all those organs. Take care of them. Give them the good stuff. Most people don’t make this their why and that’s okay. It’s an added bonus!
Are you still struggling to sit down and do a gratitude journal everyday? Remind yourself of why you want to do this. Because gratitude brings joy and happiness. Could there be a better reason in the world? When you feel like skipping your gratitude journal, say this to yourself…okay, I’m going to skip feeling thankful and joyful today. Sounds a little silly when you put it like that, doesn’t it?
Do you want to be more productive during the day? Get a planner that will help you set up your day in the most optimal way. These take a little time to fill out everyday, week and month but the benefits of the organization will far outweigh any time lost. Not to mention the feeling of accomplishment you get when checking things off throughout the day.
Even if your main “why” is just to be proud of yourself. To prove that you can do it. Good enough. Whatever reason you choose, just make sure it is one that will keep you going because we all know the going is tough when it comes to building new habits.
It’s Cocktail Friday y’all! Not for me, but you can grab an adult beverage after work today. I’ve got two more weeks to go! I hope you have a fantastic weekend and please be safe in whatever you do. Now, go make today your best day yet!
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