Applying Discipline to accelerate your goals coming true Part 2
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In my last blog post, I discussed learning the importance of discipline toward your goals. Sometimes, our energy can get low, motivation is lost, and stress overcomes the desire to do anything.
For anybody who can relate and want help getting out of the fog of low motivation, here are the remaining tips I regularly use to keep me on track:
Let go of inner critics/self-judgment.
We can be our worst critics and should remember to give ourselves grace!
As humans, we make mistakes, but this doesn’t mean we need to criticize or talk down on ourselves. How can we move forward and take action on a new day if we are steadily ruminating on a previous day when we weren’t as disciplined?
Each day is a unique opportunity to work towards your goals. Don’t let what happened yesterday derail your future. You can control your future by doing an item on your to-do list today and scheduling your time for the next day so that you can do the next task.
For example, would calling yourself lazy for not completing something help or hinder your mindset for the ability to accomplish that task today?
Wouldn’t it be better to dust that dirt off your shoulder and take control of your efforts today?
Something to consider the next time you call yourself lazy. Not only does it hurt your self-perception, but it can demotivate you or have you permanently label yourself as a lazy person.
“Anytime you say something negative to yourself, you program that to be true.” -What to say when you talk to Yourself by Shad Helmstetter.
Being active regularly, aka GET UP AND GET MOVING!
Photo by Yüksel Göz on Unsplash
Do something active on your days, even 10 mins of yoga or stretching.
Taking that time to get out of your mind and focus solely on your chosen activity will help you refrain from meditating on what needs to be done. Forcing yourself to turn your brain off and enjoy the movement, whether working out in a gym, taking a Pilates or kickboxing class, or going for a quick walk in your nearby park, makes a big difference in your energy levels.
I’ve even had days where I only do about 10 minutes of stretching, and focusing on each body part, not thinking about anything else, is a healthy form of meditation for me. I get up and feel motivated to do a chore I dislike, like cleaning the dishes.
Finding a hobby you love helps you get out of a mental funk…
If you are interested in an activity, like painting, writing, or playing video games, you must schedule time throughout the week to fully immerse yourself in it without guilt. When you carve time to do this after you get a task done, this helps you not feel bad and talk yourself out of doing something that pleases you.
Amid all this goal-setting, personal development, and self-care, you deserve to do something you like just for the hell of it. Don’t deny yourself fun because bettering yourself, and taking control of your life, will require a lot of focus, energy, and mental acuity from you..make sure you enjoy the life you are building for yourself!
There have been many days that I did not feel like attending dance class, but I reminded myself that I’m paying monthly for it, so I better get my butt up and get ready to shake it! So far, since consistently going to a dance class at least once a week every week since December 2022, within 10 mins of me starting the practice, I’m moving my body and feeling good while doing it! I forgot I had a long work day, and DANCE IT OUT!
Taking my sleep schedule more seriously
Admittedly this is one that I am still actively trying to be consistent with, as it doesn’t come naturally to me. I’m a night owl and find my mind more active in the afternoon and evening.
As I get older, I realize the energy I need to maintain focus and complete daily tasks. And my running on a lack of efficient sleep is counterproductive to my being disciplined.
Did you know that healthy adults need at least seven hours of sleep per night?
Here’s a great article about how each stage of life needs a certain amount of sleep to function correctly: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/how-much-sleep-do-we-really-need
Where are you on the totem pole? I admit I am below the recommended amount for my age group…what about you?
I am always open to trying different methods/techniques to improve my sleeping patterns/ habits, and I will keep you updated to see what works. If you have mastered this area of your life, please be a sleep fairy 🧚♀️ help the rest of us by sprinkling your knowledge and leaving a comment sharing your best tips!
Currently, being consistent about my nighttime routine and my morning routine helps. I usually make it until Thursday, but then my brain is like, it’s the weekend! Let’s stay up all night like there isn’t an entire workday tomorrow! LOL
And I end up sleeping late, like I’m back in college with only an afternoon class and study group the next day... .issa no. Working full-time requires a different level of ME!
But 3-day weekends are the future! This is the RIGHT way we should be living..in my opinion… I’m all for 3-day weekends for the betterment of society!
Let’s face it…
You won’t always be motivated.
But sticking to it and pushing through on the days you don’t want to show up is how you get your pot of gold on the other side of the rainbow.
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