How To Cultivate Self-Discipline

Inspiration is a beautiful thing, there is no question about it.

The problem is this … it just does not come around often enough.  Some days can feel like an up hill battle and waiting around for the inspiration to strike is a waste of life.  There are ways to build within you (just like a muscle!) the discipline needed to accomplish your life’s work, whatever that might be.

First thing to remember is to never wait around for the right mood.  Get on with it.  Whatever “it” is … get up and start!  Procrastination is no way to live life.  Waiting around for the right mood will put you in a bad mood.  Once you start, the “feel goods” will happen.  If they don’t, that is fine too, because you are getting it done!

Ignore the negative.  When I get excited about something, it never fails, there is always some well-meaning person ready to warn me about how hard it will be, how painful it will be, how time-consuming it will be, etc.  Whatever you do, do not listen.  When I started my own business as a medical editor there were so many who were naysayers and said it wasn’t worth doing.  I knew if I listened I would be defeated.  It took me a while and a lot of plugging my ears, but I finished school and graduated determined to see it through.  (I love my job by the way!)

Ask for support.  Having someone cheer you on is encouraging and bonding.  Anything good that I have done has always been due to in part of having good people around me, cheering me on.  I love my people.

Finish what you start.  Even if it takes years.  Don’t give up.  Think of it as a matter of honor.  Maybe you need to rethink things, step away for a moment, a day, a month … but finish.  Character is built when you finish what you start.  Following through brings a feel good pleasure all its own.

Reward yourself.  Give yourself bite-size goals on a daily basis and when you get them done, celebrate!

So what do you say?  Do you have things in life you would love to do, things you would love to accomplish but the work you have to put into it is a daunting image?

Time is slippery, my friends, and it is slipping away fast.  What has God called you to do that requires giving yourself a little kick in the butt?

“No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening – it is painful!  But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.”  Hebrews 12:11