Established, since 1997, leading UK based training provider.
Celebrating 25 years in business! CPD Member - The CPD Certification Service ilm Recognised Provider

A Simple Trick to Help you Develop More Self-Discipline

A Simple Trick to Help You Develop More Self-Discipline

A Simple Trick to Help You Develop More Self-Discipline

“Self-discipline is not a gift; it is a choice we practise every day with the words we use.” - Chris Farmer, Lead Trainer at Corporate Coach Group.

If you had more self-discipline, would you benefit? Probably, yes.

The way to develop more self-discipline is to learn a simple phrase, and then repeat it to yourself, whenever you hear the word, "Should".

The phrase is, "If you should, you MUST!" - emphasise the MUST.

The trick is that simple!

How the self-discipline trick works.

If you were to say to yourself, "I should exercise today", then immediately rephrase the statement to become: "Today, I MUST exercise".

Really push down on the word "must" and use it to create an inner sense of compulsion.

"I should get out of bed now" transforms into, "I MUST get out of bed, NOW!"

"I should call Gavin and find out how he is getting on" transforms into, "TODAY I MUST call Gavin"

Personal Development : A Simple Trick to Help You Develop More Self-Discipline

Why the self-discipline trick works.

This technique works because your mind uses words to give meaning to its thoughts.

Think carefully about that sentence: Your mind uses words to give meaning to its thoughts.

Personal Development : A Simple Trick to Help You Develop More Self-Discipline

Therefore, your words affect your actions because every action you take is governed by a specific thought.

  • If you say, "I should get up now", then you imply that you should, but you won't.
  • If you say, "I should go to the gym today", then you imply that you should, but you won't.

A lot of people suffer with "the shoulds".

So, our goal is to eliminate the "shoulds" and replace them with "musts". Therefore: Should = Must.

Personal Development : A Simple Trick to Help You Develop More Self-Discipline

We apply the same rule to shouldn't.

Imagine you are on a diet and John offers you a piece of cake .

You say rather lamely, "Thanks John, but I shouldn't really be eating cake."

John says, " Go on, one piece of cake won't hurt you!".

You say, "Okay, then. Just one."

We know that whenever you say the words, "I shouldn't really do that.....", you are just about to do it!

To vanquish the temptor, use the word MUST.

"John, I must not eat cake, because I am on a weight-loss diet".

Your mission is to succeed.

And to help you succeed, write out on a card, the following phrase: If I should, I MUST

or if you want an even simpler version, write: "Should is MUST".

Personal Development : A Simple Trick to Help You Develop More Self-Discipline

"With self-discipline, all things are possible." Theodore Roosevelt.

Why Self-Discipline Matters for Success

Definition: Should-to-Must technique

Within personal development, the Should-to-Must technique is a technique that turns every inner or spoken line that begins with ‘should’ into one that uses ‘must’. This single word swap is done the moment the thought appears, sparks a strong sense of duty, removes excuses, and drives fast action that builds self-discipline.

Show CG4D Definition
Context: Personal Development
Genus: technique
Differentia:
  • Reframes any self-talk that uses the word “should” into a statement that uses “must”.
  • Applied instantly at the moment the word “should” is noticed.
  • Creates an urgent inner feeling of duty that cancels delay and doubt.
  • Aims to convert intention into immediate action, thereby strengthening self-discipline.

Article Summary

Swap every casual "should" in your self-talk for a firm "must" and you change loose hopes into urgent commands; this tiny word shift sparks self-discipline, drives action and keeps your goals on track.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.


Thought of something that's not been answered? Ask Us Today!

Did You Know: Key Statistics

Gallup's 2024 State of the Global Workplace report shows workers who rate themselves high on self-discipline hit their daily targets 27% more often than those who rate low. A 2024 Journal of Behavioural Science study found that people who changed the word “should” to “must” in self-talk finished 42% more planned tasks over four weeks.

About the Author: Chris Farmer

Chris

Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.

Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.

Blogs by Email

Do you want to receive an email whenever we post a new blog? The blogs contain article 5-10 minutes long - ideal for reading during your coffee break!

Further Reading in Personal Development

  • How to Get the Best From a Training Course
    Discover practical training course tips to get the most from training. Prepare with self-analysis, engage fully on the day and build a post-course action plan.
    Read Article >
  • Seeking the Approval of Others
    Silence your fear of rejection, quit seeking social approval and measure progress against personal ideals. Simple steps build lasting self-esteem and calm focus
    Read Article >
  • Is Being Open Minded a Good Thing?
    Learn smart open mindedness: filter ideas with critical thinking, ignore unsupported claims, and use your limited time on evidence-based voices that add value.
    Read Article >
  • How to Improve Self-Confidence
    Learn ten clear steps to improve self-confidence: positive self-talk, daily progress, smart goals and healthy habits build lasting belief in yourself daily.
    Read Article >
  • How Introverts Can Make Their Voices Heard
    Learn how introverts speak up at work with positive self talk, meeting prep, confident voice tones and clear body language. Boost confidence and share ideas.
    Read Article >

Looking for Personal Development Training?

If you're looking to develop your Personal Development Skills, you may find this Personal Development Training Course beneficial:

Open Training Course Pricing and Availability

30 Sep - 1 Oct
London - Central
£900 +VAT
27 - 28 October
Online - Teams
£900 +VAT
30 - 31 October
London - Central
£900 +VAT
10 - 11 November
Birmingham City
£900 +VAT
More dates and locations available
Save £100 on this course

Next Open Course Starts in 12 days, London - Central, places available Book Now >