Strengthen self-determination: 4 pillars to strengthen self-discipline

“The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person’s determination.” tommy lasorda

How would your life be different if you strengthened self-discipline? For some people, ‘discipline’ breeds negativity, so I’ll use ‘self-determination’ instead. Building self-determination is one of the best things you can do to make big strides in life and work. You gain freedom, confidence and success. Self-determination leads to more achievement, perseverance, healthier choices, financial stability, a positive career/business outlook, the confidence to handle and accomplish whatever comes your way, better time control and perceive obstacles as bumps in the road. Below are 4 cornerstones to reinforce self-determination.

“People with mediocre skills sometimes achieve extraordinary success because they don’t know when to quit. Most men succeed because they are determined to do it.” George E Allen

Determination- The determination is resolved. Firm decisions are made with the best possible outcome in mind. The goal is often set in contrast to the emotions tied to instant gratification. There is no room for excuses. You are set on your purpose. This is where the strategy becomes your framework to hold you accountable for a systematic plan to reach your end result. Whether you’re deciding to stop at the donut shop next to the gym, work on an elaborate project, or grow a new business, determination is the first step. Pause and make the best decision with firm determination knowing your ultimate goal.

“The moment you settle for less than you deserve, you get even less than you settled for.” maureen dowd

Daily Discipline- This is the execution of your strategy. It’s disciplining and training yourself to follow through with the best option while refusing to give in to emotion-based instant gratification. You carry out a regimen knowing that the rewards are great. You strengthen your will to resist impulses that conflict with your best interests. When you fall, you get up, learn from it and continue. With free will we can alter our destiny. Daily discipline provides the support system. Through this process a positive transition occurs.

“Every worthwhile achievement, big or small, has its stages of toil and triumph; a beginning, a struggle, and a victory.” gandhi

Discomfort- As a natural part of the growth process, discomfort permeates our being when resisting an impulse. It indicates that growth and rewards are on the way. Like muscle soreness after a workout, discomfort means growing pains. As you continue to say ‘yes’ to building skills, building knowledge, making healthier food choices, taking time for your most meaningful relationships, managing the details of a project, exercising, etc. you are comfortable with discomfort.

“The winners take the time to enjoy their work, knowing that climbing the mountain is what makes the view from the top so exciting.” Denis Waitley

desserts- The final course, the rewards, is sweet. When you become steadfast in your determination, consistently continue the daily discipline, and push through the discomfort, you begin to experience rewards. Some are slow in coming but have a long reach, taking you into the future with more stability. Others come as they reflect, acknowledge and celebrate steps taken and progress made. Don’t skip these ‘feel good’ moments looking at what’s left to do. Set milestones to enjoy the journey along the way.

In The Mental ABCs of Pitching, author HA Dorfman shared: “Self-discipline is a form of freedom. Freedom from laziness and lethargy, freedom from the expectations and demands of others, freedom from weakness and fear and doubt. Self-discipline allows a pitcher to feel his individuality, his strength. inner, his talent. He is the master, rather than a slave, of his thoughts and emotions.” You don’t have to be a pitcher to apply this wise advice. Do you currently choose to be master or slave to your thoughts and emotions? Use the 4 cornerstones above to tap into the vast amount of strength you have within and bolster self-determination… Starting now!

Be Unlimited Action Challenge

Option A- Choose a specific area to develop self-determination.

~ Start with a smaller goal to create a record of accomplishments. Choose your goal and strategy with firm determination. Hopeless. It is a decision, a commitment, with a firm determination to move forward.

~ Execute your strategy with daily discipline. Record in a journal each time you manage to overcome emotional impulses in making the best decision for you. If you give in to an impulse, learn from it. Write down what was going on: you were tired, hungry, sad, stressed, etc. Excuses are not an option but we can learn from them to take better care of ourselves and strengthen ourselves.

~ Decide what you will tell yourself about the discomfort so you can continue to make the best decisions.

~ Recognize your progress and enjoy the rewards. Congratulations! Celebrate your achievement! Keep getting stronger!

Option B- Practice developing self-determination for a full month.

~ Mark the last day of the month as a day of celebration!

~ Make a note on your smartphone, in a handy notebook, or whatever works best for you whenever you find a moment of self-determination. Write down the date, the day, the situation, how you felt before and after, if you used self-determination or gave in to impulses.

~ Build a strengthening record. Learn from moments of weakness.

~ Each week acknowledge your progress, growth and any rewards.

~ Do something special to enjoy your Celebration Day! Congratulations! Keep getting stronger!