4 WAYS TO KEEP YOU GOING!
When I was in college, I came across an artist that up until this point, inspired me to pursue being a musician.
I was intrigued by her effortless ways to write and compose songs.
So inspired and ready to begin my musical journey, I convinced my mum to buy me a guitar at the age of 18.
Excited to learn, I'd watch immerse amounts of YouTube videos in my quest to master guitar picking within months.
Did I become an expert in it?
Not necessarily, but it was a step towards something that was close to my heart; music and singing!
I realised I needed to focus on developing my vocal ability while developing the discipline to practice guitar 15mins a day (P.s I'm still doing that now).
Which led me write on Self-Discipline!
What’s the one thing that is close to your heart?
The dream or goal that crosses your mind every day and you wonder "what if I gave it a shot one more time?"
Perhaps this could be the time you consistently worked at it and see something beautiful blossom from continually pursuing your goal?
The topic of Self-discipline has been on the rise lately. It is often referred to as a habit, a practice, a philosophy and a way of living.
One article shows that this accounts to 95% of an individual’s behaviour, and if you’re like me, picking up a new habit or keeping an old one can be very challenging.
It takes using self-control and putting in place practical steps to make sure you see progress in what you're doing.
WHY SO POPULAR NOW?
With so much demanding for our attention every day, it’s difficult to stay focused on the one thing we’ve set out to do.
More and more people are trying to navigate how to stay productive whilst staying indoors.
The good thing now, is that most gyms and restaurants have re-opened, giving us more freedom to move around and do the things we used to do before the global pandemic hit.
Yet again, you still find yourself having to push through not having to watch the next episode of your favourite show or indulging in another video on YouTube.
I’ve spent a few weeks reading and listening to experts in this field, who have mastered the art of staying disciplined!
Also to note, self-discipline is not an overnight success but something that is built up over time.
You learn how to focus on one task and prioritise what needs to be done first.
4 WAYS TO DOING IT THE RIGHT WAY
Understand your Why
During quarantine, I took up running to keep fit and active. I used an app called AURO to ease me into the basics of running.
Before each run, a coach on the app would remind me why I was doing a 5k run that morning.
As I ran through each lap and times got difficult, I would reminded of my WHY?
Why did I decide to wake up at 6 am this morning to go a run, and was I willing to do whatever it takes to run 5k and reaching my goal weigh of 64kg?
So take a moment today to write down YOUR WHY?
If you're in business, does this involve achieving 100% customer satisfaction, or building a brand that will be recognised internationally?
If you're student, remind yourself the reason you chose your specific degree. Is it to become the next Jeff Bezos, or learning the principals to building a successful career in future.
Knowing the why behind what you’re doing, gives clarity to your vision and the task at hand.
Avoid the Emergency Brake
One of my favourite speakers Mel Robbins articulates this really well.
She talks about the art of owning who you are – embracing your greatest strengths and flaws.
“Do you have the ability to focus on what is happening and do a self-monitoring assessment on how well you’re doing on your goal.” – Mel Robbins
The 5 second rule by Mel Robbins, focuses in on acting on a decision within 5 seconds before giving your mind a chance to rethink its decision.
The concept of telling your brain you will do that task in 5 seconds will avoid you applying the emergency brake in your life, and continue on achieving your goals.
Do you want to start that business?
Sign up for the gym class?
Call an old friend or even speak to that guy/girl you’ve been avoiding because you like them?
WELL, ACT ON IT NOW AND DON’T SHY AWAY.
Change Your Self-Talk
What you say about yourself is very important!
We’re used to responding back negatively to situations whenever we fail to commit to a task or cause.
But you can change this! Rather than saying you’ll never master your craft, say things like; 'well done (insert name), I'm getting there.'
Positive self-talk “feeds us valuable information that serves us well, that helps us succeed and even ensures our survival.” - James L Creighton Ph.D
It affects your mood, what you complete in the day and your decision making.
For me, this has included writing down affirmations that I can read out loud, to remind myself that I’m capable to achieving what I set my mind to.
Of course, this hasn’t been easy but I’m learning every day to speak POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS that I can do anything I set my mind to.
RELATED: CHANGE YOUR SELF-TALK
Be Kind with Yourself
Often when we set out to complete a project or even commit to a 12-week gym class, we can be quick to feel guilty when we fall short or have unproductive days.
I know it’s easy to be our own critics, speaking negative words when we mess up. The one thing I've learnt is to always remind myself, “I’m learning from this and I’ll get better at it.”
If you find that you’re behind on something you planned to do, PAUSE & WRITE DOWN any distractions that you're allowing to hinder your progress.
REMEMBER YOUR WHY AND KEEP MOVING FORWARD!
Love, Annette
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