Train Your Brain I: 7 Little Steps to Become a Lot more Disciplined.

Developing discipline is an ongoing process that requires consistent effort and dedication. That sounds daunting! So, to make something that will require some work from you a little lighter, here are seven steps you can take to become more disciplined. FAST.

Set Clear Goals: Start by identifying your long-term and short-term goals. The more precise they are, the more you can envisage them, the better your chances to succeed. So, make sure they are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART goals). Having a clear vision of what you want to achieve will provide you with motivation and a sense of direction. And do not set yourself up for failure! Start small(ish). We tend to gain speed, as we start rolling.

Prioritize and Plan: Uuuh… that is in itself an artform. But let’s try and keep this simple fornow. Once you have your goals in place, determine the tasks and actions necessary to achieve them. Break down your (smallish) goals into smaller, manageable steps and create a detailed plan. Prioritize your tasks based on their importance and allocate time and resources accordingly. Set yourself a time by which you want to achieve your goal and then start reverse-engineering the tasks. Detremine what is most curcial to achieving your goal and make sure that is your number one on the list.

Create a Routine: I know, I know, sounds boring but we really strive of routine, it makes us automate processes and frees up thinking space for new things. Establishing a routine helps create structure and consistency in your daily life. Set specific times for activities such as waking up, working, exercising, and leisure. Stick to your routine as much as possible, as it helps build self-discipline by training your mind and body to follow a set schedule.

Eliminate Distractions: Identify and minimize distractions that hinder your productivity and discipline. Start with your phone. No need to switch it off but do take away all sounds, including the vibrations and ideally check messages when you want to check them and tunr off notifications. Chances are, the world won’t go up in flames whilst you are busy working on your goals. It also includes setting boundaries with time-wasting activities and creating a dedicated, structured workspace that promotes focus. By eliminating distractions, you can better concentrate on the tasks at hand.

Practice Time Management: Effective time management is crucial for discipline. There is a whol bunch of techniques but basically it requires you to plan your day ahead by structuring it in a way that works for you. Break it up into blocks of time dedicated to specific activities and allocate time based on their importance. Doing this sounds once more tedious and possibily unnecessary but it will undoubtedly enhance your productivity and help maintain discipline throughout the day. Feel free to use your phone for this as a tool to plan. And for this, DO keep on the notifications that prompt a change in task and therfore mindset.

Cultivate Self-Control: For most of us this is where it becomes tricky… Strengthening your self-control is fundamental for discipline. Practice delayed gratification by resisting immediate temptations that hinder your progress towards your goals. Start small and gradually challenge yourself to resist impulses that may distract you from your desired outcomes. Over time, your self-control will improve. Try to look at it as little experiments and assure yourself that you can get to that chocolate bar or whatever takes your fancy at any time. But it will be an active decision when you do. And please make sure you do get a reward! You’ll go bonkus otherwise!

Stay Accountable and Seek Support: Remember, this is all yours, your responsibilty but also your reward when it comes. Getting to your goal can get tough at times. So, surround yourself with supportive individuals who encourage and inspire you to stay disciplined. Btw, that does include being your own best friend for once rather than the eternal worst enemy (we are all super pros in that field). And then find ways to hold yourself accountable for your actions. This can include tracking your progress, sharing your goals with a trusted friend or mentor, or joining a community or group that shares similar objectives.

Rome wasn’t built in a day! Remember that discipline is a skill that develops over time through consistent practice. It requires patience, self-reflection, and the willingness to overcome obstacles. Celebrate your successes along the way, and don't be too hard on yourself when you face setbacks. With perseverance, you can become more disciplined and achieve your goals.

There is a wondeful exercxise that is extremely rewarding and can ease you into the process of lasting happiness through dispcipline. This exercise is.. Tadaaa… 10 Parasite. It is fairly straight forward; make a list of 10 small, and I mean really small things, like changing the batteries in your remote control or cleaning that dusty lamp shade you keep on walking past. Just 10. No more. And then you work off the list. What it does? IT TRICKS YOUR BRAIN. Our brain is desgined by us on an everyday basis. It associates things, people, occurances. So with this, you train your brain to learn just how rewarding it is to achieve your goals, kill the parasites. Our brains like rewarding (no wonder, the poor things are constantly challenged by stressors in their little, dark cavity). So, give them what they want and become who you want to be.

Off you go! Grab pen and paper… Got 10 already?