A Simple Trick to Help you Develop More Self-Discipline
A Simple Trick to Help You Develop More Self-Discipline
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"
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.
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.
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".
"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
- 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.
What is the Should-to-Must technique?
How does swapping 'should' for 'must' build self-discipline?
When is the best time to use the word 'must' in self-talk?
Can this simple discipline trick help me resist food temptations?
Will using 'must' make my goals feel more urgent?
How quickly do people see results with the Should-to-Must method?
What if I forget to change 'should' to 'must'?
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 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.
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