The Aging Mask- A Lifestyle Medicine Podcast

“Self Discipline”: The Muscle Built by Consistency

Joanne Demers Episode 30

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When we hear the word self-discipline, most of us immediately think of restriction, control, or being trapped, But self-discipline at its heart is actually a form a self love and self-respect.

Self Discipline is the ability to CHOOSE what you want most -over what you want now! 

Its your quiet muscle that helps you:

1)        Follow through on your commitments

2)        Say no to things that pull you off course

3)        And Push forward when your feelings tell you to quit

Self-Discipline is not about living a life of deprivation- its  about creating a life of intention- meaning- you are not just reacting to life or just going thru the motions- you are actively choosing how YOU want to live  and taking steps in that direction. You are living your choices, not by habit, impulse or outside pressure.

  Self discipline is absolutely something we can learn.

 It’s a skill

It’s a practice

It’s a muscle that gets stronger the more you use it.

Here’s how Self Discipline  works:

*Micro commitments: small promises like drinking lemon water every morning, making your bed every day, or moving every day. It’s not about the task- it about keeping the promise.

* Consistency over intensity: it’s better to walk 10 minutes everyday- than to run for an hour once a week.

* Environment-  set yourself up to win. If you are trying to exercise in the morning, set your outfit out the night before. If you are trying to avoid chips keep them out of the house. If you want to read more keep a book by your bed and a non fiction in the kitchen 

*Delay gratification- saying no to dessert all week so  you can enjoy it on the weekend. Saving money now instead of buying quick pleasures.

Delayed gratification is waiting an extra 10 min to check your phone- Its not always about waiting a long time- its about knowing WHY you are waiting and choosing what serves you best.

*Practice awarness- Notice when you are about to make a decision that is not in your best interest.   

* And most importantly- forgive yourself quickly- self-discipline isn’t about being perfect. It’s about resilience.

It’s about getting back on track after you wander off.

Every small act of discipline tells your brain “ Hey, I can trust myself” and that builds momentum.

But you do need self discipline to :

*maintain healthy habits

*protect your peace

* Manage your time and energy

*stay aligned with your bigger goal

And you need it to build confidence

Discipline is like brushing your teeth… you don’t just brush once and think you are good for life. You brush everyday, 2-3 times a day, you do this automatically.

That’s the goal for everything- you want everything you want & desire to become automatic. It doesn’t have to feel like a 24/7 battle, the more you practice it, whatever it is for you, the more it becomes your natural rhythm.

No effort, just flow.

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