How To Stay Disciplined

It’s July which means the weather is finally consistently above 60 degrees. And in my case warmer weather = more energy! (Except when it’s above 90.) More energy to attack those goals that are very important but aren’t always so urgent.

If you want some help keeping the momentum going on your goals, here are some helpful tips!

Lock into Systems

Instead of placing your goals on a regular to-do list, find a way to turn them into systems. For example, this year, I made a budget and I track all of my expenses once a month. It’s eye-opening (in a painful way) to realize how much I spend. But it’s enlightening because that level of knowledge keeps me conscious of habits I need to change. I actually need to really deal with my subscriptions. But since I only eat out every once in a while, that’s not a category I’m concerned about

Set Quotas as Goals

For some of your goals, a quota once a month or once a quarter will actually help you be more productive. One of my always going on in the background goals is my reading. I mostly read when I commute, though I wish I had a better habit of reading before bed.

Every year, I choose an amount to read and work towards that goal over time. Some months I only finish one book. Other months, I’m solidly reading. The quota system allows me to account for times that I’m off my game. So you may want to have a certain amount of walks a month instead of saying you’re going to walk 4x a week. As long as you are tracking your amount,you’re more likely to get it done without putting unnecessary pressure on yourself.

Fill in Your Calendar

Lately, I’ve been feeling out of sorts and I have too many things to account for, the best thing to do is to lock into a calendar. Personally I enjoy Google calendar as it reminds you of events before they start, but essentially you’re able to see very clearly where your energy is going and where you actually have free time to get things done.

Get a Walking Pad

Walking is the easiest form of exercise I find. There isn’t a lot of resistance and it makes you feel good on days you may not want to think about doing anything more complex. Getting a walking path is a good way to combine your way with something fun, maybe listening to an audio book, while moving your body.

Compound Effect

Your good habits compound! Like compound interest (that hurts when you have student loans but is wonderful when you’re investing), your good habits build on each other. I find when I move my body more, I reach for my water. As I reach for water regularly, I’m more aware of my body and whether I have energy, which means I’m careful about my sleep. Good habits are expansive, leading to an overall better result. 

Listen to Your Body’s Energy Levels

For me, it’s the morning. I am clear-eyed and ready to go in the morning, once I have a cup of tea and have brushed my teeth. Maybe you get a spurt of energy around 10am or maybe you are a night owl. Whatever it is, use your energy then towards the tasks you most want to get done. At same time, figure out when your willpower is weakest and be sure to place friction around things you don’t want to do. Add more steps to scrolling or watching TV. Make it easy to access your Kindle or your running shoes.

Start Small and Keep Going

Perhaps your first step is looking at your bank statement. Or putting on your sneakers. Maybe even looking at your fridge for healthy ingredients. Don’t despise small beginnings. (Zechariah 4:10). The small things build and as long as you choose to move forward beyond the setbacks of distraction and frustration, you will become a more disciplined person.

Signing off,

Gigi