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
-
Return to work job interview skills
Return to work job interview skills People often say: "You shouldn't judge others" and "You can't judge a book by its cover" But the truth is the just the opposite. You must judge others (ie you must judge whether to do business with them or not). They must judge you...
Read Article > -
How To Improve Your Productivity
Learning how to be more productive is about changing your habits, allowing you to achieve your goals more quickly and improve your lifestyle. Read more.
Read Article > -
What Skills Do I Need To Improve?
Learn from expert trainer Chris Farmer the skills that you need to improve to progress in your professional life. Read advice in our online training blog.
Read Article > -
Fantastic Quotes to Inspire You
Personal development is about refining your thought processes, so that your mind conforms to your own ideas of perfection.
Read Article > -
How to Improve Yourself
If you want to be successful and achieve your life goals, you must look to your personal development. Do not be content with what you already know, improve your knowledge, your self belief and ability to get on with other people.
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 23 days, Preston, places available