NO EXCUSES! The Power of Self-Discipline

No excuses,  don't quit, just do it....ya ya ya thanks Nike, we have heard it a million times, but guess what? It is easier said than done!! But why is that? Why is it that some people are more successful than others? Better grades? Make more money? Make it look easy to get in shape? Are happier?

I too have often found myself making excuses or asking myself these same questions. Why can't I get better grades and focus on this chapter? "MOM I SWEAR I HAVE ADD!! IT'S REAL!" Or why is it so hard to finish a workout program from start to finish? Insanity, I loved ya, but I just had to break up after a month...it's not you it's me! Or why did this person get this internship instead of me? The list goes on and on, as I could easily give you concrete examples from all aspects of my life, but I will spare you.

I recently started the book 'No Excuses - The Power of Self-Discipline' by Brian Tracey. I have had so many AHA! moments that I just HAD to share with you.  Below are 5 tips that I have found to help develop SELF-DISCIPLINE because if you think about it, it really is the foundation to developing the best version of you and whatever your definition of success may be!

1. Define success. What does success mean to you? Do you measure success by a number in your bank account, a smile on your face, hitting a goal, reaching a certain fitness level, or maybe all of the above? Figure out what your ideal life would look like if all the stars aligned.
2. Define your values. Think of someone you look up to and admire. What are the characteristics that make this person so admirable? Adopt these characteristics, whether it be kindness, friendliness, organized, professional, whatever! Study this person and be a copy cat! Next, behave consistently. Don't say you want to be a kind person then go gossip about someone behind their back. When you act consistently with your values you feel good. When you compromise them you feel bad and crummy and blah and all sorts of UGH about yourself. Hold yourself to the high standard you deserve!
3. Take responsibility. Repeat after me, "I am responsible." Whenever you want to respond negatively to a situation figure out how you are somehow responsible, then you can't be mad! Because let's be real, a hot headed angry cursing person who just hit the cray button solves absolutely NOTHING! Just accept responsibility, and MOVE ON! Instead, use your energy to react appropriately and get on with your life.
4. Keep a to-do list. I swear by this....to-do lists have changed my life like CRAZY. I'm not talking about your little scratched out post it note that is at the bottom of your bag on the back of your lecture notes or that smeared reminder on your hand. I'm talking detailed, organized, listed by increasing priority on your phone with you at all times to-do list. Refer to it regularly to help keep you on track. I could write a whole blog post or five about to-do lists, but we will save that for later, you can see what mine looks like below!

5. Invest in yourself. If you believed in a product you would put stock in it right? So if you believe in yourself and reaching your end goals, why wouldn't you do the same? Whether it be financially, emotionally, physically, whatever, do something for yourself. Take some of your money and put it towards a new book, a new workout program, a fancy app that will increase your productivity, whatever is going to make you better or more efficient!




Stay tuned for more tips, because I am going to be DISCIPLINED to finish this book and update you all on what I learn!