Decide to Have Discipline
How many times have you started something with a lot of motivation and discipline, and end up slacking off a week or two later? A New Year’s resolution is the perfect examples of this. It’s hard because of us want quick results. Unfortunately, no goal worth achieving is going to happen quickly. You need to adjust your lifestyle with habits that may take time, but will eventually get you to where you want to be.
It’s not going to happen in a week or even a couple months. You don’t just say you want to lose 20 pounds, lose it in a couple months, and then begin eating poorly again. You have to commit to your goal, make it SMART — specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely — and repeat objectives every single day until you’re doing it mindlessly. Do that, and you’ll reach your goal in what seems like no time.
“Discipline is doing what needs to be done, even if you don’t want to do it.”
When I was younger I never drank enough water, which resulted in bladder problems, many doctor’s appointments and lots of pain. I was dehydrated 90% of the time and didn’t even know it. I just assumed I wasn’t thirsty. Once I realized what I was doing to my body, the first thing I did was make the decision to change. I designated one water bottle to carry around with me….everywhere. When I got in the car, I took a big gulp at every red light. Before I knew it, I was drinking water at every red light without even thinking about it. It was as mindless as breathing, and that’s how I knew I formed a new habit. I’m now drinking 70 ounces of water a day instead of 10.
Don’t just imagine what it’s like to be healthier, to be out of debt or to have a better relationship with someone. Close your eyes and picture the many different senses of it. If you want to lose 20 pounds, see yourself looking in the mirror with an old pair of pants on, except they’re falling down. And don’t just see it. Hear the words of praise from your family and friends when they see what you’ve done for yourself. Smell the smell of Target (don’t act like you don’t know that smell) where you’re going to reward yourself with a shopping spree when you lose the weight. Do this every single time that voice in your head says, “I don’t want to get out of bed and work out. My bed is warm.” This will push you through the times where you don’t want to do the small tasks needed to get you to where you want to be.
And then apply that some discipline to graduate school and your future career. Staying disciplined and setting small goals along the way is the best way to make it through what can be a stressful year at Newhouse.
“Everyone has to choose between one of two pains if they want to become stronger at something. The pain of discipline or the pain of regret.”
Establish goals now, not on January 1st. Write them down. Do what it takes every single day until it becomes mindless, and most of all decide to have discipline.
