How to Develop Self-Discipline

Probably one of the most difficult challenges a person can face is in developing self-discipline especially when things have been easy for awhile.

However, you can do it and will find this remarkable attribute will make your life all the better.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Many indviduals who have had things done for them most their life will find the humility of various forms of self-discipline a bit of a challenge.
   
   Let's face it: as human-beings we tend to look for the easiest methods possible. Sometimes though some good old-fashioned self-discipline is what is needed to make our lives more regular and less of a drama which is good for everybody.

2. The first rule of good old-fashioned self-discipline is not to be so "gosh durn" sophisticated. I read this once in a book by Norman Vincent Peale. Not necessarily worded in that manner however, Dr. Peale suggested that the road to happiness involved being less sophisticated about all forms of subject.
   
   I think what Dr. Peale was referring is a way for us to rediscover our heart. Of course there are all sorts of spiritual venues in order to do this: however, this one is so simplistic. Just stop being so overly sophisticated about things.

3. Next, develop some sort of routine for yourself. Especially if you are use to doing whatever you please day in and day out. For example, get up at 8:00 a.m. every day. Next have a normal breakfast. Get in the habit of regular activity whether it be a daily exercise routine, or writing in a journal.

4. Develop a list of activities to accomplish during the day and include time for a break and a nice snack. I don't mean heading for the nearest rib shack or burger joint either for what amounts to a meal: When I say snack that is what I mean. You can't be totally self-disciplined if your dietary habits are sloppy.

5. Find some spiritual outlet or compass in order to stay focused and disciplined. This doesn't mean you have to become a born again Christian however you must find what it is you believe provides and brings meaning to life and familiarize yourself with this concept.
   
   As far as religion I suppose I'm more provincial in nature although anyone who employs some form of spirituality in his or her life I have found will adapt to discipline much easier than one who does not.

6. Diary events at the end of the day. Do not become too expressive in this regard. Just record your day as if you had the whole world on notice. You wouldn't write down every detail. And don't ever write anything down you believe may hurt another person's feelings if they found your diary and read it. Also record things like the weather, general state of the economy and the events of the day. You needn't use much passion in this activity as things can change in a day.

7. Try to involve yourself in a new hobby or activity. Something you will need to work at improving yourself on a daily basis even if it means taking something like a correspondence course.

8. Each day write down five things of which you are most grateful. Do this each day even if it is always the same five things.

9. The main thing is develop a schedule and then get into good regular habits. People with enormous wealth practice staying in a routine. This way you can enter any age with grace and not a great deal of adjustment.