I attribute all the ideas, and much of the text from the post below to Steve Pavlina, and his wonderful six part series on building self-discipline.
And, on to the main course!
The first step in building self-discipline (and therefore the ability to accomplish your other goals) is to accept where you are at right now, whether you feel good about it or not. Surrender yourself to what you have to work with - it is what it is.
The second step in building self-discipline (and therefore the ability to follow through on plans) is to harness your initial burst of willpower to set the stage for your later success. Willpower will wane after the inital burst, so use that willpower to create an environment, processes, and tools to be able to follow through easier. Don't use willpower to attack the problem directly. Use willpower to attack the environmental and social obstacles that perpetuate the problem.
- this is especially applicable for me. I get all gung-ho, go all out for a little while and then fade quickly once the inital burst of excitement wears out.
The third step in building self-discipline (and therefore the ability to finish things others can't/won't) is to work hard. Sounds simple, but very few people are actually willing to work hard to accomplish anything. The greater your capacity for hard work, the more rewards fall within your grasp.
The fourth step in building self-discipline (and therefore becoming more productive with your time) is to be industrious. There are many problems in life where the solution is largely a brainless time investment, and industry is required to comlpete them. Industry is personal productivity at it's core. Personal productivity creates space in your life to do all the things you want to do: eat healthy, exercise, work hard, deepen relationships, have a wonderful social life, and make a difference. In the long run, your results will come from action, and industry is all about action.
The fifth and final step in building self-discipline (and therefore never quitting what you've started) is to be persistent. Persistence is the ability to maintain action regardless of your feelings. Persistence of action comes from persistence of vision. When you're super-clear about what you want in such a way that your vision doesn't change much, you'll be consistent in your actions. And that consistency of action will produce consistency of results.
Labels: life hack