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.
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.
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 Can I Create Better Results?
Everyone wants their lives to be better, in the sense of enjoying better results. So what is it that determines the quality of results?
Read Article > -
The Difference Between Objective and Subjective Reality
Objective reality is the world according to the facts. Subjective reality is a person's perceptive of something. It is important to be able to distinguish between the two and know how to interpret them.
Read Article > -
How can you improve self-confidence?
Self-confidence is crucial to your happiness, your personal effectiveness and the level of success in your interpersonal relationships.
Read Article > -
How to take criticism
We all make mistakes, but most of us probably don't take criticism well. Being able to use negative feedback constructively, is one of the most important gifts you can give yourself. We must also learn to give proper constructive criticism to others.
Read Article > -
Habits of highly effective people - planning ahead
Planning ahead is the major habit of all highly effective people Do you know what are the subset goals that will form the steps towards your next major achievement? The atomic theory tells us that all big things are composed of a vast number of small things. Therefore all your elephant...
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
Next Open Course Starts in 2 days, London - Central, places available