Discipline. It's one of those words we hate to consider. It means doing what we say we'll do. It means being committed to a cause or action. It means doing the work. It puts pressure on us. It makes us nervous just thinking about it. But if we put it in the context of either/or it may help kick our own butt in gear.
When it comes to being disciplined we will see the fruits of our labor or we will be left disappointed. I have been committed to losing weight and getting in shape since the beginning of the year. I've been working out consistently and doing intermittent fasting. I've lost 20 pounds and I definitely see a difference. I'm not going to lie to you. It's hard. There are times I want to throw in the towel. In fact, there are times I do throw in the towel. But I have been getting right back on track. Because I have a goal. I want to look good in a bathing suit this year. Not only look good but I want to wear a two piece suit. And I know how I want to look in it. So when I fall off my plan I remind myself of my goal and it helps me get back on track.
The intermittent fasting hasn't been too hard since I'm totally committed to my cause and I never leave the house. But it did sneak up on me the other day when I went to pick up a few things at Target. Our store has a Starbucks and I don't get there very often. My first thought when I got there was; "oh, I let me grab a fancy coffee." But my eating window had already closed for the day. It was disappointing. It would have been a nice treat to have a coffee drink. But what will also be nice is when I look fantastic in my bathing suit this summer so I held off. And honestly, when it comes to intermittent fasting, nothing is off the table. If I really want to I can go there when my eating window opens and get whatever I want (within reason of course).
Discipline can be really hard but it's usually always worth it. It's even harder to consistently talk myself into doing my workouts when scheduled. Because this latest workout from my trainer is challenging. Really challenging and I typically end the workout drenched in sweat and breathing so hard I think I may die. But this is what I tell myself during the half hour workout. It's a half hour. A half hour of really hard work and then I'm done. I'm done. Not only have I finished my workout but I've kept my word to myself and am getting all the benefits of working out.
It took me awhile to realize that I was actually torturing myself every time I didn't do my workout as planned. Because I would keep telling myself that I would do it but as the morning went on I would find more and more excuses to put it off. Eventually I would just put it out of my mind altogether, not do it and then it would affect my schedule for the rest of the week. Not to mention the fact that I let myself down (again). I know if I continually let myself down I will get used to it and not even think about it anymore. You know how that goes...eventually you stop even saying on Monday's that you will workout so you no longer feel bad about it. But that isn't how I want to live my life. We never get anywhere if we don't require more of ourselves. What we end up with is disappointment. Disappointment in ourselves, in how we look and feel, in how we show up in this world and in what we want in this life.
We all joke about how the diet starts Monday and some people do this starting Monday afternoon. If you truly don't care about how you look and feel then that's fine. But I rarely find that to be the case. We are all about instant gratification and feeling good in the moment. Discipline requires us to believe that our reward is coming if we follow through. And being disciplined is hard. Make no mistake about it. It takes commitment and a lot of self talk convincing yourself to do what you say you will. Being disciplined means you don't always have to rely on motivation to get you to do what you should. Discipline means it becomes a habit and it eventually becomes a part of your routine and therefore, easier to implement daily.
As I'm sweating and feeling like I'm about to die during my workout (make sure you are not overdoing it. If you are older like me you have to consider your heart and don't do more than you think it can handle.) I tell myself to keep going and it will all be over soon. It's literally mere minutes in a day of 24 hours and if I don't do it I will feel the disappointment of that inaction. Disappointment in myself for not keeping my word, for not requiring more of myself, for not getting the benefits of the workout that will help me look awesome this summer and having to maybe get an even bigger suit than I wore last year if I don't become more disciplined.
This is what keeps me going. The thought of that first gorgeous day when I can bring out the shorts from last year and none of them fit. DISAPPOINTMENT! Since they don't fit then need to go shopping and spend money on clothes you really don't want to buy since they are bigger sizes.
If you try to frame it in an either or situation it may help you stay committed. I can disciplined or disappointed. Say it with me...disciplined or disappointed. Or of course you can give up altogether but that leads to disappointment as well.
This goes for any area of your life but we all relate to weight issues a little easier but apply to anything you want to improve in your life. There is no way around it if you want a better life. You will need to be disciplined or face disappointment. Don't let yourself down. You can do whatever you set your mind too. And if you need a cheerleader let me know. I'll be happy to be your accountability partner.
If you like today's episode please leave a review, tell your friends and share a screenshot of today's social media post. I will be your best friend! And I am offering one on one mentoring if you want to up your discipline game. I can whip you into shape...almost literally!
It's Monday. A brand new week full of possibilities and opportunities. Now go make amazing things happen! And of course, be badass. You know I'm here, cheering you on.
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