Discipline: we all struggle with it. Yes, even you high-performing, visionary powerhouse women – I see you! So why is it so difficult?
Even when we know exactly what to do to get ahead, distractions (scrolling, binge-watching or alphabetising our spice rack) so often manage to pull us away. It turns out, distraction isn’t just an obstacle; it’s enticing! So let’s get the bottom of why discipline is so damn difficult and talk about some strategies that can help us master it.
The Allure of Distraction
One thing’s clear: distraction is pretty attractive. It promises instant gratification, whispering sweet nothings like “just five more minutes” every morning as your alarm goes off. But here’s the hard truth: while distraction offers temporary pleasure, discipline is your gateway to long-term fulfilment. It’s your pathway to writing that book, landing a TEDx Talk or building your empire.
Flipping the Script on Discipline
If discipline feels something like a sadistic personal training session, let’s change the narrative. Here are some strategic approaches that transform this journey from torturous to triumphant:
- Lock Down Your Goals and Your ‘Why’
Without clarity, distractions will always have the upper hand. You might say you want to grow your business, but what does that truly mean for you? What’s the motivation behind it? In my Elevate community, we sit down every quarter and map out a game plan – not just lofty goals, but the specific micro-actions required in the upcoming 90 days. Your goals should encompass both professional and personal aspirations, as we are multifaceted beings after all.
- Ditch the Temptation
Willpower is cute, but often unreliable (kinda of like a bad ex!). Instead of solely relying on it, put systems in place. Turn off your phone, shut down your email, hide the remote – whatever it takes to remove distractions. In my Elevate community, we hold a weekly ‘Hour of Power’ where cameras are on but mics are off. It’s business development mode with no excuses, and funny enough, having someone watch you on Zoom makes you magically more productive!
Celebrate the Small Wins
For years, I thought discipline meant relentless toil – nose to the grindstone, grey tracksuit-level suffering. Growing up, the message was to work hard, be noticed and eventually, success would come. But I’ve learnt it doesn’t have to be that way. Each month, I celebrate what I’ve accomplished, rewarding myself with something joyous – a massage, a glass of bubbly or even a guilt-free nap. Remember, success is as much about being as it is about doing.
Be Kind to Yourself
This one’s crucial. I used to be a master at beating myself up. Now, I pause, reflect, let out a good laugh (and sometimes a curse word) before starting anew. If you’ve fallen off track, acknowledge it, understand what got in your way, own it and then press reset. There is no failure, only feedback – or perhaps a minor setback.
Track Your Progress Relentlessly
Finally, track that progress like a hawk. Whether it’s daily sales, cash flow writing progress, or social media reach – if you don’t track it, it doesn’t happen. In my communities, we build dashboards to measure exactly what matters at that moment. It ensures everyone moves in the right direction, toward their personal North Star metrics.
So, my question to you: will you let distractions chain you to “I’ll do it later,” or commit to a discipline that brings you freedom, flow, and brilliance? I know which camp I’m in, and I believe you belong there too – not with empty promises and half-eaten biscuits.
What’s one thing you’ll take away today? Remember, discipline isn’t a punishment – it’s a declaration of what truly matters, of who you are, and who you’re becoming.
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