How to be more self disciplined – 25 self discipline examples that can change your life to the better

Self-discipline is not easy to come by. In fact, it’s something that many of us struggle with every day. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to be more self-disciplined. With a few simple changes, you can start seeing results in no time. Here are 25 self discipline examples that can improve your life.

What is self-discipline?

We often think of self-discipline as something negative – something we have to do because it’s the right thing to do. We see it as a set of rules we must follow or a form of punishment.

However, that is not what self-discipline is all about.

Self-discipline is the ability to do what you know you should, even when you don’t feel like it. It is the key to success in any area of life, and it all starts with deciding to love yourself enough to put your own happiness first. 

Because the truth is that self-discipline is actually a form of self-love.

Why?

Because when we love ourselves, we want what’s best for us – including caring for our bodies, minds, and spirits. Also, when self-disciplined, we make choices that align with our highest good.

So, one of the first steps we must take is to “shift our perspective” regarding what self-discipline truly means.

Because if you keep telling yourself that self-discipline is some kind of punishment, then it will be just that.

So, instead of thinking of self-discipline as a chore, let’s think of it as an act of self-love. Because when we do, it becomes much easier to stick to our goals.

Thus, the best thing to do is to begin seeing self-discipline for what it truly is: a tool that allows you to shape your life in the way you want it to be, aligned with your why and purpose in life.

With self-discipline, you have the power to achieve anything you set your mind to.

>> Read more: How is your self-discipline? 18 questions to find out!

How do you go about applying self-discipline in your life? 

1. Start by identifying your goals. 
2. Then, make a plan of action and stick to it no matter what. 
3. Hold yourself accountable by tracking your progress.
4. Celebrate your successes along the way.
5. And finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed. Plenty of resources are available to support you on your journey to self-discipline. 

Just remember, taking charge of your life is empowering and liberating – not restrictive or punitive. Discipline is not easy, but it’s definitely worth it. By making small changes in your life, you can achieve significant results. 

Self discipline examples

But self-discipline is not just about setting goals and meeting them. It’s also about ensuring that you live a healthy and balanced life.

For most of us, self-discipline is something that we have to actively work at. It doesn’t come naturally to everyone to be able to set goals and stick to them. However, self-discipline is something that can be learned with a bit of practice. 

Here are a few self-discipline examples you can start incorporating into your life today:

#1. Get enough sleep.

There are plenty of self discipline examples out there, but one of the most important is getting enough sleep. According to Healthline, most people need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night to function properly.

When you don’t get enough sleep, it can be hard to focus and stay motivated. So make sure that you are getting enough sleep each night!

If you have trouble falling asleep, there are a few things you can do to help yourself: avoid caffeine before bed, establish a bedtime routine, and create a peaceful environment in your bedroom.

By following these tips, you can make sure that you get the rest you need to stay self-disciplined and motivated.

#2. Get up a little earlier each day.

Another way to enhance your self-discipline is to start getting up a little earlier each day. That’s right, the key to success may be as easy as setting your alarm clock for an earlier time.

There’s plenty of research to back up the benefits of rising early. A study from the University of Colorado Boulder and the Broad Institute of MIT found that rising just one hour earlier than usual could cut your risk of depression by 23%. Another study from Harvard found that early risers procrastinate less because they can use their quiet time in the morning to get more done.

So, waking up early will give you more time to focus on your goals and progress towards them. It will also help you start your day on the right foot and set the tone for a productive day.

You will also have time to practice some mindfulness tools such as meditation or journaling. Some of the most successful people I know have an intriguing method for cultivating a positive outlook at work: they spend time journaling to help them get in the right frame of mind, boost their productivity, and increase personal growth.

#3. Start Each Day with a Positive Attitude.

No matter how self-disciplined you are, there will be days when you just don’t feel like getting out of bed and facing the world. On days like these, it’s essential to start your day off with a positive attitude.

Set aside a few minutes each morning to do something that makes you happy. That could be reading your favorite book, listening to music, or taking a relaxing bath. By starting your day off positively, you’ll be more likely to stick to your self-discipline goals for the rest of the day.

#4. Eat healthily.

Anyone attempting to adopt a healthy lifestyle knows self-discipline is key. But self-discipline doesn’t just apply to avoiding that extra slice of cake – it’s also important when it comes to fueling your body with the right kind of food.

Eating healthy can be challenging, especially when you’re constantly bombarded with temptations of tasty yet junky food. But if you want to be successful in your self-discipline journey, it’s crucial that you develop healthy eating habits.

That means steering clear of processed foods, sugar, and artificial sweeteners and loading up on fruits and vegetables. By being mindful of what you eat, you will not only improve your physical health but will also strengthen your self-discipline, which will help you in other areas of your life.

#5. Exercise regularly.

Another challenge for self-disciplined people is exercising regularly. Finding the time or energy to work out can be challenging, especially when you are busy or stressed out. But if you want to be successful, you need to make sure that you are exercising regularly. That means getting at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. It might seem like a lot, but it’s worth it!

#6. Take care of yourself emotionally and mentally.

Self-care is perhaps one of the most overlooked self-discipline examples. But the two go hand-in-hand: you can’t be self-disciplined if you’re not taking care of yourself.

That means scheduling time for relaxation, getting away from it all, and taking care of your emotional and mental health.

Self-care is like refueling your tank. If you don’t do it regularly, you’ll eventually run out of steam and won’t be able to keep going. But if you make time for self-care every day, you’ll have the energy and focus you need to stay on track.

So, don’t forget to take care of yourself as you work on being self-disciplined. It’s essential for your success.

#7. Set high standards for yourself and strive to meet them. 

Setting high standards for yourself is important otherwise, what’s the point of striving for excellence?

But it’s also important to be realistic and understand that you won’t always meet your lofty goals. That’s why self-discipline is so important. It’s the ability to push yourself to keep going, even when you’re tired or feeling discouraged.

So, don’t be afraid to set those high standards – just be sure to do so in a way that doesn’t involve too much stress or pressure. A little self-discipline goes a long way!

#8. Don’t procrastinate. 

Ah, procrastination. The bane of every self-disciplined person’s existence. When you should be working on that project, studying for that exam, exercising, or cleaning the house, you instead find yourself taking a nap, browsing the internet, or watching TV.

We all know we shouldn’t procrastinate, but sometimes it’s just so tempting to put off what we need to do. After all, what’s the harm in putting it off for just a little while longer?

The truth is that procrastination is one of the biggest obstacles to self-discipline and success. When you procrastinate, you’re wasting time that you could spend on productive activities. So, find ways to overcome your tendency to procrastinate and get started on what’s important!

#9. Get rid of distractions.

As we said in the previous point, to be disciplined, you need to be able to resist temptation and stay on task. That means getting rid of anything that is keeping you from being productive.

It might mean unsubscribing from email lists, muting notifications on your phone, or setting aside specific times to check social media. Whatever it is that distracts you, get rid of it so you can focus on your goals. 

#10. Create an environment where you can focus

If you want to be self-disciplined, you need to set yourself up for success by creating an environment that is conducive to focus. That means having a clean and organized workspace. You should also set up your environment to make it easy for you to fight temptation and stay on task.

#11. Create a schedule and stick to it.

Another example of developing self-discipline is to create a schedule and stick to it. A schedule will help you with your time management and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Make a list of things you need to do each day. When you have a list of tasks to complete, it’s easier to stay focused and motivated. Make sure the tasks on your list are important and relevant to your goals. But also, be sure to include self-care activities as we mentioned earlier.

Try to stick to your schedule as much as possible, and don’t be afraid to make adjustments if necessary.

#12. Set smaller goals and celebrate when you reach them.

One great way to stay motivated and disciplined is to set smaller goals and celebrate when you reach them. That will help you stay on track and progress toward your ultimate goal. When you achieve a small goal, take a moment to celebrate and reward yourself for your hard work.

#13. Never set a goal without considering how you’ll monitor your progress toward it.

One of the best ways to stay on track with your goals is to create a plan for monitoring your progress. That can help you stay accountable and make sure you progress on your goals.

#14. Be willing to work hard and sacrifice some fun activities to achieve your goals. 

When it comes down to it, self-discipline requires sacrifice. But if you’re willing to work hard and make sacrifices, you’ll eventually reach your goals – and then you can return to enjoying the fun stuff!

#15. Practice self-compassion. 

One of the examples you need to practice daily to develop self-discipline is self-compassion. When you’re hard on yourself, it’s challenging to stay motivated or disciplined. But when you practice self-compassion, it’s easier to forgive yourself for mistakes and keep moving forward towards your goals.

#16. Surround yourself with disciplined people.

If you want to be self-disciplined, one of the best things you can do is surround yourself with disciplined people. After all, self-discipline is contagious. Just like a cold, it’s easy to catch if you’re exposed to it regularly. And just like a cold, the more self-disciplined people you’re around, the more likely you will come down with a case of it yourself.

Of course, it’s not enough just to be around disciplined people. You also need to have similar goals and work hard to achieve them. But if you find friends who are both disciplined and working towards similar goals, you’ll be well on your way to developing the self-discipline you’ve longed for.

via GIPHY

#17. Learn how to say “no” to things that don’t align with your goals.

One of the most essential self-discipline skills is learning how to say “no.” When you’re focused on your goals, many things will come up that try to distract you from them. Saying no to these distractions is one of the key ways to stay on track.

There are many different ways to say no, depending on the situation. You can say no politely, firmly, or bluntly, as needed. You can also use excuses like “I’m not interested” or “I don’t have time right now.” The most important thing is, to be honest with yourself and stick to your goals.

#18. Cut down on social media scrolling time and use that time to do something productive instead.

Social media can be a great way to stay connected with friends and family, but it can also be a huge time-waster. If you spend too much time on social media, try reducing your scrolling time and using that time to do something productive instead.

I know from personal experience how difficult it can be to break the habit of social media scrolling. It’s so easy to get sucked into the never-ending cycle of checking notifications, reading articles, and viewing photos.

But lately, I’ve been trying to be more disciplined about my social media use. I’ve started setting specific times for myself when I’m allowed to scroll, focusing on being productive for the rest of the day. I might use that extra time to read a book, work on a hobby, or just spend time talking to my family and friends. It’s not always easy, but I feel better at the end of the day when I’ve used my time wisely.

#19. Meditation for self-discipline.

Meditation is one of the examples that may surprise you when it comes to developing self discipline.

However, truth be told that practicing meditation will help you to focus and be more present. It will also help to calm your mind and reduce stress.

There are many different ways to meditate, so find a method that works for you. There are many guided meditations available online and on apps. You can also meditate on your own by focusing on your breath and clearing your mind.

Try to meditate for at least 10 minutes every day. You can do this first thing in the morning or at night before you go to bed (or whatever time suits you best). Meditation will help you to develop self-discipline and become more successful.

Read more: The ULTIMATE Guide To Meditation For Inner Peace and Self-Mastery

#20. Practice affirmations for self-discipline.

Another way to apply discipline in your own life is through affirmations. Repeating positive affirmations can help you develop self-discipline and achieve your goals.

Some affirmations that you can use for self-discipline are:

• “I am in control of my life.”
• “I am disciplined and focused.”
• “I can stick to my plans and achieve my goals.”
• “I am successful, and I deserve the best.”
• “I am disciplined in everything I do.”

Repeat these affirmations to yourself every day, either in the morning or at night. You can also write them down and place them where you will see them often. Affirmations are a great way to help you develop self-discipline and achieve success.

Here you can find 40 Powerful Self Discipline Affirmations That Will Change Your Life

#21. Simplify your life

Another one of the examples that may surprise you when it comes to developing self discipline is simplifying your life. When you have less to worry about and fewer things to distract you, staying focused and on track is easier. Here are a few tips for simplifying your life:

1. Get rid of excess possessions – Clutter can be very distracting and overwhelming, so get rid of anything you don’t need or use.
2. Simplify your schedule – Don’t over-schedule yourself. Leave some time for spontaneity and relaxation.
3. Simplify your meals – Prepare simple, healthy meals that are easy to prepare and don’t require much time or effort.
4. Simplify your thoughts – Don’t overthink things; learn to let go of negative thoughts and worries.

By simplifying your life, you’ll be able to focus more on what’s essential and increase self-discipline.

#22. Use the 80/20 rule

One of the best ways to be more self-disciplined is to use the 80/20 rule. That means that 80% of the time, you are disciplined, and 20% of the time, you are more flexible.

This rule can be applied to many areas of your life, including your diet, exercise, work, and relationships. For example, if you want to stick to a healthy diet, you might allow yourself to eat whatever you want for a meal or two each week. Or, if you want to get in shape, you might commit to working out four times a week but allow yourself to take a rest day when needed.

The key is to find a balance that works for you and that you can stick to over time. Following the 80/20 rule, you can slowly but surely, become more self-disciplined and achieve your goals.

#23. Invest in yourself by taking courses, attending workshops, or reading books to help you grow personally or professionally.

Self-discipline is often viewed as a daunting task. It can be challenging to stick to a new diet or exercise regimen, especially when old habits are hard to break. However, one of the best ways to develop self-discipline is to invest in yourself.

By taking courses, attending workshops, or reading books that will help you grow personally or professionally, you can give yourself the motivation you need to stick to your goals. Not only will you feel better about yourself, but you’ll also be more likely to achieve your goals. So if you’re looking for a way to be more self-disciplined, start by investing in yourself.

#24. Set up a support system.

It can be helpful to set up a support system to help you stay on track. That might include family, friends, or even a professional coach. Having people to support you will help to keep you accountable and motivated.

Your support system can be as straightforward or as complicated as you want. You might just have a few close friends who you check in regularly. You might have a more formal arrangement, such as hiring a professional coach. Or you might have an accountable buddy that you can trust. 

Whatever you decide, ensure your support system is in place to help you achieve your goals.

#25. Follow through with your self-commitments

One of the most crucial self-discipline examples is following through with your commitments, even when you don’t feel like it. That will help you build trust and credibility within yourself. If you commit yourself, make sure you follow through with it. Don’t make excuses or try to find loopholes in the agreement.

Just do what you said you would do.

Keeping your self-discipline when you’re feeling low can be challenging, but it’s important to remember that following through with your commitments is a crucial part of self-discipline. If you struggle, try to set smaller goals you know you can achieve. That will help you build your self-discipline muscles and give you a sense of accomplishment.

Final thoughts – Self discipline examples that can change your life for the better

Self-discipline takes practice, but it is definitely possible to develop this vital skill with some effort and commitment!

Being kind to yourself is one of the most critical aspects of self-discipline. Sticking to your goals will be much more challenging if you constantly berate yourself for every little mistake. Instead, cut yourself some slack and focus on the progress you have made. 

It is also essential to listen to your body and mind. If you are feeling exhausted, take a break instead of pushing yourself harder. And if you do fall off the wagon, don’t beat yourself up – just pick up where you left off and keep going. Remember, balance is key. By striking a healthy balance between self-compassion and self-discipline, you will set yourself up for success. 

That’s all for now. If you have any questions or want more self-discipline exercises, let us know in the comments below. In the meantime, start practicing some healthy habits and see how they work for you.

Remember, developing good self-discipline habits takes time and patience, but with a little effort, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. What are some of your favorite self-discipline techniques?

>>Read more: The Ultimate 5 Levels Of Mastery Of Self-Discipline You Need To Be Successful In Life