Do you feel a sense of fulfillment in your career, relationships, and life in general, or do you feel so-so? Sometimes, life can become confusing if you haven’t answered the question, “What’s your why?”. So if you are reading this, it’s time to find your why to bring more intention and focus to your life.

Finding our why is a journey of self-discovery. It focuses on uncovering the underlying purpose that drives us to take action. By being honest with ourselves, we can uncover our true motivations and clarify what makes our lives meaningful.

It seems that the vast majority of people are simply walking through their daily routines, jobs, and lives without a greater sense of purpose. But it is possible to find the why behind our activities and goals!

This article will cover what it means to find your why and provide an actionable step-by-step guide you can use today.

But first, let’s break down what having a “why” really means.

What is a “why”?

Think of a why as your personal mission statement to help you create a bright future. It is the driving force that helps us discover purpose and make better decisions.

It’s less vague than having gut feelings and more in tune with our direction in life.

A why is the framework we use to make decisions in every area of our lives, and so having one could be on our list of important concerns. It keeps us going when we’re tired and ready to quit, and it’s the essence of how we want our lives to feel.

Simon Sinek, the author of multiple best-selling books, including the self-help book, Start With Why, defines having a why “your purpose, your cause, what you believe in”.

It may look like a single word, such as “integrity,” “service,” or “create.” Or, it may be a more expansive phrase such as “spread joy and laughter to everyone I meet” or “equitable access to health and fitness resources.”

Most importantly, it encompasses your vision of the world and helps you achieve long term life satisfaction. It can also help you create elements of change in your life.

Why is it important to know how to find your why?

When we know our why, whatever that may be, we can create a life that fulfills us day in and day out.

I know this sounds lofty and maybe unnecessary. After all, you’re not a business; you’re simply trying to find a more enjoyable approach to life.

However, I’ve personally realized that if you find out what’s most important to you, you’ll identify (and free yourself from) obligations that don’t align with your personal core values and goals.

As a result, it may become easier to form new habits, launch creative ventures, save money, form long-lasting relationships, etc. You’ll find it simpler to create long-term success with your professional life, relationships, behavior, and mindset.

Ultimately, when your why becomes innate to your every action, it is easier to contribute to your community and help others flourish in their own whys. Finding your purpose and knowing what aligns with your goals and values is a privilege.

8 Action steps to get clear on your why

“Finding your why” may seem impossible, like trying to answer, “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?” But you already have all the answers you need.

You just need to take some time to put your ideas and goals in order with some detailed exercises. It might take more than one draft and some actual work, but you will eventually develop something that makes sense.

These 8 steps will help you do just that.

Tip: Be kind and patient with yourself through this process, and listen. Think of it like you’re dating yourself. The nicer a date is to you, the more likely you’ll be honest and share your story.

1. Interview yourself

The first stage of the process is to interview yourself. Start by asking yourself “why” every time you make a decision, an unexpected feeling comes up, or you want to buy something. You’ll start to notice a trend.

See if you can distill the answers down into core values, which will often point you toward your purpose or, at a minimum, highlight what’s most important to you.

For example, my core money values are aesthetics, health and well-being, and education.

Knowing these, I can better manage and simplify my finances by asking “why” with every purchase or social event I consider. And if it doesn’t align with one of those three ideals, I don’t buy into it.

The result? I’m creating a life filled with items and experiences that fill me up, rather than a life filled with “stuff.”

2. Reflect on your current and past jobs

If you hope to get clear on an aligned career path, start reviewing where you are today.

For example, ask yourself:

• What do I like about this job, and what don’t I like?
• What skills do I use in my day-to-day work?
• What are my defining moments or standout memories with this job?
• What was my first job? Did I enjoy it?
• Do I thrive in jobs that are more practical and hands-on, or do I prefer an office setting?
• Do I want to be in a leadership position or am I in one already?
• What would make me feel most fulfilled if I only had a single morning a week to get work done?
• What are my hidden talents that I’ve discovered from this job?

In addition to finding purpose in your career, you may be able to use these skills to help with areas of your life where you experience dissatisfaction.

Additionally, perhaps your why is to use the skills you learned in your current (and prior) positions to help others address the same problems as you have.

3. Ask your friends and family

This activity to help you find your why requires you to ask questions of your friends and family, or even a colleague, not just yourself. Someone close to you might teach you the most important lesson about what inspires you.

So ask the five people whose opinions you respect the most what activities make you light up.

For instance, what conversations cause you to go on and on like a Shakespearean monologue?

You may be surprised by the answers you receive. Often, we’re so caught up in our heads, worrying what others will think, that we aren’t aware of what we think, what we genuinely enjoy, and what we’re experts in.

4. Reflect on your interests as a kid

Your hobbies and interests as a kid are wonderful indicators of your why as an adult. They show you what you were innately drawn to before societal expectations and standards steered you in a different direction.

So if you can, ask your parents or other caretakers what you were most absorbed in as a kid.

Maybe you were obsessed with dinosaurs but ultimately didn’t get a degree in archeology because someone suggested it’s not a lucrative career path. Or you wanted to be an astronaut but were told not to pursue your dream because it was unreasonable.

What could you do today to follow those same passions?

For example, could you write a book? Film a documentary? Work at a museum?

Understanding what is interesting to you can help you find your why.

5. Find inspiration

One of the best ways to find your why is to peruse various topics across various mediums. And see what sparks your interest.

During the why discovery process, you might take online classes, listen to a podcast, and examine life through a new lens to determine what matters to you.

For instance, what topics do you keep going back to? What do you share the most with others?

These will hint at the answer to the “what’s your why” question.

6. Consider your goals in life

What do you plan or hope to do with your life, and how will you get there?

For instance, do you want to be the CEO of your own company, start volunteering for a cause you care about, buy land, and live on a farm?

Consider where you see yourself in the next several years and the steps you must take to get there. Doing so can help you discover your purpose and the things you need to work on each day.

Think about financial goals, professional goals, and goals for fitness, family, and more.

7. Note what words resonate with you

Try reading a set of words or action phrases to see what inspires you the most.

For instance, see if any of the following sounds like something you value or is related to a way that you’d like to live: loyalty, curiosity, creativity, health, mental wellness, security, strength, learning, experience, joy, peace, kindness.

You might find several words that you feel truly represent your why. If so, remember them to help you determine your goals and find your purpose.

8. Write it down

You’re almost to the finish line! By now, you may have a pretty good idea of what your why is. To be sure you don’t forget your ideas, start writing down words, phrases, or whole pages about your why.

Your written thoughts can create an organized space for your ideas. By writing and rewriting all your thoughts, you can come up with your purpose. Think a paragraph, sentence, or word that best describes your why.

For me, I’ve found journaling to be incredibly effective in laying out my why.

Expert tip: Change your environment

If you’re having trouble discovering how to find your why, try going to a new place or a new environment. It might be a coffee shop or an outdoor space.

Sometimes I find that it’s easier to see things clearly when I get out of my day to day routine. It allows me to look at things in a different light.

It may be the same for you. While it’s a very simple exercise that doesn’t take much time or effort, it may invite change and clarity.

You found your why. Now what?

Now that you’ve identified your “why,” it’s time to create an action plan to keep yourself accountable as you work towards realizing your goals.

Create daily intentions

To build your intentions plan, list easy ways to incorporate your why into everyday life and own who you are.

For example, if your why is “service,” maybe you make sure to hold the door open for at least one person every day, help your mom, roommates, or spouse with the dishes without being asked, or simply ask a co-worker, “how can I help?”

Now, remember these intentions by writing them down daily during your morning routine.

Additionally, put it on a Post-it note and stick the note to your bathroom mirror. Make it your phone’s home screen. Or add it to your desktop or laptop.

Schedule monthly check-ups

Getting caught up in the daily grind and forgetting what we are working towards is easy.

So, set aside time each month for a self-reflection session. Take some time to think about your answers and also write them down.

Writing will help you see patterns and areas you need to focus on. Reviewing your previous self-reflection sessions to see how far you’ve come can also be useful.

Journal through the following prompts:

1. What did I learn about myself this month?
2. Did I act in alignment with my purpose? How?
3. What can I work on in the upcoming month to get back to or stay on the right track?
4. What do I need to detox or delegate?

You can also check out our more in-depth list of journal prompts for self discovery to expand on this exercise.

Plan annual reviews

Return to this exercise every year, as your “why” may change as you grow and find your purpose. What motivated you five years ago might not be what motivates you today. And that’s OK!

But if your “why” answer changes without you realizing it, you may find that your commitment dwindles. To stay focused, it’s important to take a beat and re-interview yourself every year.

For instance, ask yourself:

1. What did I accomplish over the past year?  Were there any significant moments of the past year? (This will help you to see how far you have come and how your why has enabled you to succeed.)
2. Did these accomplishments feel joyful and exciting, or did I become neutral as time passed? (If the joy ebbed, your why may have shifted.)
3. What would I like to achieve in the coming year? Do these goals align with my purpose, or are they arising from my ego?
4. How does my purpose fit into the bigger picture? Is it still serving me well?

Get accountability

You’ve decided to find your purpose and learned how to set intentions. So, how do you ensure that your actions align with your why?

An accountability partner like a trusted friend or relative can be very useful. Share your why with this person, and explain your goals and ideas. Then, ask them to keep you accountable.

Accountability can be achieved by regularly chatting about your goals, asking about progress, or simply meeting for coffee with someone to see if your why is still the same and what motivates you.

How do I know what my purpose is?

You can learn what your purpose is by sitting with yourself, reflecting on your skills and interests, and thinking about what kind of energy you want to bring to the world. It may take a bit of time, but you can find your why by thinking about words that resonate with you, how you chose a career, your hobbies, and your mindset.

You aren’t alone if you are still struggling to discover your why. Focus on what matters most to you, and you will eventually find the answers.

Try asking yourself questions about how you see yourself. Are you an unshakable optimist or a visionary thinker? What is most important to you in life?

If you keep asking, the answers will become clear.

What is an example of “find your why”?

An example of “find your why” might go like this: Someone who loves fitness and health may discover their why and phrase it in the following way. “Bring awareness to health and fitness, maintain a high standard of wellness, and help others to feel their very best.”

Alternatively, here’s another example from someone who values attitude and service: “Create an atmosphere of peace and reassurance for myself and others each day.”

There are as many varieties of a why as human beings on the planet! The goal is to find your own why that makes sense for your life.

Is it okay to change my mind about my why?

Yes, it is perfectly fine (and likely) to change your mind about your why! Over the years, you may have various interests and careers, and you will be at different places in your life.

Since all of this contributes so much to your why, it is only natural that it will shift or change over time. The key is to continue to grow and to stay inspired.

Articles related to finding your why

If you found your why, you might be interested in other similar articles. Check out these next!

• How To Set Intentions For Your Finances (And Life!)
• 10 Habits Of Successful Women
• Always Wanting More? How To Stop Wanting Things
• How To Find Your Passion In Life

Find your why to enjoy a more fulfilling life!

I hope this practical guide to finding your why helps you. The bottom line is to filter through your specific stories, beliefs, and lessons to start discovering purpose behind your daily actions and choices. Doing so can help you achieve your goals and dreams, and better understand yourself.

But if you need an extra sprinkle of inspiration, here’s my personal why: “To help women cultivate a path to financial freedom, which enables them to leave behind jobs or careers that no longer serve them, and to find a livelihood that lights their soul on fire.“

And for more inspiration, check out our content on how to clearly define your priorities in life, or take an online course or two. Finally, remember to practice intentional living so you can achieve your goals!

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Procrastination is something almost everyone struggles with from time to time, and most of us have tried to combat procrastination in one way or another, but it doesn’t always work.

We all have tasks that we need to complete and goals we want to reach, but it can be quite a challenge to find the motivation to get started and finish. In this article, we share 7 ways to overcome procrastination to help you get things done once and for all!

If you tend to procrastinate, don’t worry, you’re in good company. Recent studies have shown that 20% of people consider themselves to be “chronic procrastinators,” and about 88% of those in the workforce procrastinate for at least one hour a day.

But we’ll discuss 7 ways to overcome procrastination, and because this is Clever Girl Finance, we’ll also point out how this can help you give your finances a boost.

Before we dive into those 7 ways to overcome procrastination, it’s helpful to understand a few ways procrastination can negatively impact your life. That way, you can have even more motivation to overcome it.

For starters, procrastination significantly hampers productivity. It can also result in missed opportunities, damaged relationships, emotional distress, and elevated stress levels.

Heard enough and ready to learn how to win with your time? Here are our top tips:

1. Break tasks into small chunks

The first of our 7 ways to overcome procrastination? Breaking your task into smaller chunks. One of the primary reasons we procrastinate may be because we feel overwhelmed by the size of a task.

A massive project can seem daunting and can lead to inaction. But breaking the task down into smaller, more manageable chunks can help you overcome this feeling.

To break down a task, start by identifying the key steps or milestones involved. Then, break each step down into smaller ones. Doing this can make the task more approachable and less daunting.

Smaller tasks are less overwhelming and help you get more done

Breaking tasks into smaller chunks has several benefits.

First, it makes the job feel less overwhelming, making it easier to get started. Second, it helps you make progress even when you have limited time.

Third, it helps you stay motivated by providing you with a sense of accomplishment as you complete each piece. Lastly, it can reduce stress and anxiety by making the task feel more achievable.

Achieving smaller money goals can help you win in the long run

Lots of financial goals require multiple steps before you reach the end. Sometimes, it can feel like you’ll never be able to achieve a goal, but by breaking it down into smaller bites, you’ll see that you can achieve it.

Let’s say you really want to find a new job with higher pay. Many people stop themselves from finding a new job because they don’t know where even to begin their search.

However, if you break the job hunt down into smaller tasks, it can look something like this, which is much more manageable:

1. Update your resume.

2. Draft a cover letter.

3. Reach out to your network – contact one person every weekday for two weeks.

4. Research types of jobs in your industry.

5. Start looking through new job postings for one hour every Monday afternoon.

6. Submit your resume to three jobs per week.

7. Prepare for interviews for two hours by looking up and rehearsing answers to common interview questions.

By breaking down this big financial goal of landing a higher-paying job into many smaller steps, you’ll be on your way to reaching it in no time!

2. Create deadlines

One of the 7 ways to overcome procrastination is to set deadlines for yourself. Setting a deadline makes a task feel urgent, which can help you stay focused and motivated.

To set deadlines, start by identifying the key milestones or tasks involved in the project. Then, assign a deadline to each task, and give yourself an adequate amount of time to complete each one.

Be sure to hold yourself accountable to your deadlines and reward yourself for meeting them.

Deadlines help you form good habits

Setting deadlines has several benefits.

First, it helps you to prioritize and manage your time more effectively. It also enables you to make progress toward your goals and objectives. Lastly, it provides a sense of structure and discipline, which can help you develop a good habits list and good routines, leading to more success.

Stopping procrastination by giving yourself time limits can earn you money

Do you ever find yourself dragging your feet on a task? Do you find it hard to get started? If so, your lack of deadlines might be getting in your way and hurting your finances, too.

Perhaps you’ve been talking about starting a side hustle for some time but haven’t taken action yet. If so, this tip might be just what you need.

Give yourself a deadline for starting your new venture, tell someone about it, and hold yourself to it like you would any other commitment. You’ll thank yourself later when your side hustle is finally up and running.

3. Use the “two-minute rule”!

The “two-minute rule” is a technique that can be very effective if you want to take your time back. The idea is simple: if something takes less than two minutes to do, do it right away.

This could be as easy as replying to an email or tidying up your desk. By completing these small tasks right away, you can build momentum and have a sense of accomplishment that can help motivate you to tackle bigger tasks.

The two-minute rule causes you to take action

Using the two-minute rule has several benefits. First, it forces you to take action instead of procrastinating. If you can do a task in two minutes or less, you have to do it!

It is also a great way to help you build momentum and create a sense of accomplishment. Once you get the ball rolling on getting things done and see how easy it can be, you’re more likely to keep it up.

Doing simple tasks that don’t take much time can save your finances

With the two-minute rule, you’ll never miss another credit card payment or bill again. Take two minutes – that’s seriously all the time it takes – to set up auto pay on all of your bills and learn how to automate your finances.

If auto-pay isn’t an option, the next time that bill comes your way, don’t open it and tell yourself you’ll pay it later. Instead, take two minutes to write a check or go online and make the payment.

4.Remove distractions

Distractions can be a huge barrier to productivity and can make it challenging to get started on a task. To overcome this, try removing any distractions from your environment.

This might mean learning how to spend less time on your phone or closing all social media tabs on your computer. You could also benefit from working in a quiet, distraction-free space, such as a library or a (quiet) coffee shop.

Focusing your attention saves you time

Removing distractions helps you focus your attention on the task at hand, leading to better productivity. It also helps you avoid wasting time on non-essential activities, clearing up your time and space for what is really important.

Fewer distractions can help you save more cash

Not only do distractions take away your time, but they can also take away your money, too. That’s because many of our common distractions involve following social media influencers or shopping online.

Start with deleting your shopping apps and unfollowing anyone who makes you spend unnecessarily. By learning how to stop shopping you’ll free up your time for what you really want to do and save yourself money.

5. Find your motivation

Sometimes, procrastination can stem from a lack of motivation or inspiration toward a task. Of these 7 ways to overcome procrastination, finding your motivation or learning to find your why behind completing a task might just be the most beneficial tip of all.

Your motivation could be as simple as impressing your boss at an upcoming meeting or as big as providing for your children. By focusing on your motivation, you will create a sense of purpose that can help inspire and motivate you to get started (and to finish).

Knowing your motivation helps you make progress

Finding your motivation helps you clarify your goals and priorities, giving you a clear direction to follow. It also helps you build a sense of purpose and fulfillment, making your task feel more meaningful.

Lastly, it enables you to develop a growth mindset or an abundance mindset, which encourages continuous improvement and progress.

Understanding your goals can help you to not spend on unimportant things

Trying to reach a big financial goal often takes a lot of sacrifices. It’s hard to give things up, like learning how to stop eating out or taking on a no new clothes challenge without being really clear about why you’re doing something. This can lead to big-time procrastination.

Let’s say you’re trying to save up for a big purchase. For example, you’re finding out how to save up for a house. If you list all of the reasons why you want to buy a house, it can really help motivate you when the going gets tough.

Maybe your “why” is to raise your children in a safe home, have a backyard to host parties, or just have a place to call your own. Whatever the reason, have one (or many), so you’ll have meaning behind the goal and will be less likely to procrastinate.

6. Practice mindfulness

Practicing mindfulness is an underrated yet effective way to overcome procrastination. Mindfulness involves you being fully present in the moment, leaving behind judgment or distraction.

To practice mindfulness, try taking a few deep breaths before starting a task or engaging in a brief meditation or visualization exercise. Focus on your breath, and try to let go of any distracting thoughts or worries.

If you develop attitudes of mindfulness, you can create a sense of calm and focus that can help you to overcome procrastination and stay motivated.

Mindfulness helps you stay focused and get more done

Practicing mindfulness has so many benefits.

First, it helps you to stay present and focused on the task you’re doing, reducing the temptation to procrastinate. It can also help to reduce stress and anxiety, making it easier to stay motivated and productive.

Lastly, it can improve your overall sense of well-being, allowing you to feel more energized and engaged in your tasks.

Practicing mindfulness can decrease financial stress

Life can be stressful, and your finances are no exception. Hopefully, you’ll be prepared for whatever comes your way financially (an emergency fund is key for this).

Even so, that doesn’t mean an unexpected financial emergency won’t cause you some anxiety. That’s why having a mindfulness practice in place before anything stressful happens can help you reduce your stress levels and manage the unexpected.

7. Celebrate your accomplishments!

Lastly, an effective way to combat procrastination is to reward yourself for your accomplishments. By setting up a system of rewards, you can create a positive association with completing tasks and motivate yourself to keep going.

A reward can be as simple as going out for a walk, listening to a favorite podcast, or indulging in a hobby you enjoy.

To set up a system of rewards, start by identifying specific milestones or even mini goals you want to achieve. Then, determine what kind of reward you will give yourself for each accomplishment.

It’s important to choose rewards that are enjoyable to you. Appreciating your accomplishments can transform a task from something you dread to something you look forward to.

Celebrating reinforces positive behavior

Celebrating your accomplishments gives you a sense of achievement and progress, boosting your confidence and self-esteem along the way. It also reinforces positive behavior and habits, making it easier to stay on track.

Take time to appreciate when you reach a money milestone

All of that hard work you’ve put in to pay for college, buy a Chanel handbag, fund your emergency savings account if you started with no savings, or stick to a monthly budget deserves some recognition!

Just as you would celebrate reaching other milestones, if you reach a financial milestone, you should celebrate, too!

The great part is, you don’t have to celebrate by spending more money or buying something expensive. There are plenty of ways to treat yourself that don’t involve spending much at all.

Take a friend to lunch, buy a new scarf, or simply toast to yourself with a glass of wine after a long week. Whatever it is, celebrate yourself and all of your accomplishments to keep the momentum going and keep procrastination at bay!

Expert tip

Beating procrastination can affect your finances and life in positive ways. By taking a balanced approach, such as setting deadlines and also celebrating wins, you can more easily stop procrastinating.

What is the easiest way to overcome procrastination?

Use the two-minute rule to quickly accomplish any small tasks that you need to do. Then you’ll feel more accomplished and have less on your mind.

How can you completely avoid procrastinating?

Have a clear goal and direction for your life. You can refer to this whenever you want to procrastinate with work, finances, a task at home, etc. Knowing how this task fits into the bigger picture of your life is very helpful.

The best strategy to stop all procrastinating?

Don’t forget to celebrate when you accomplish something. Then you’ll want to continue completing big tasks.

Related articles on productivity and wellness

If you’ve enjoyed this article on combating procrastination, check out our other related articles!

• How Emotional Reasoning Can Impact Your Finances
• Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone! 35 Comfort Zone Challenges
• How To Stop Self-Sabotaging Your Finances
• Think And Grow Rich Summary: 5 Key Takeaways

Set yourself up for success with these 7 ways to overcome procrastination!

Ready to stop putting things off and improve your life and finances?

Try one of these 7 ways to overcome procrastination today. Or even try a few different ideas at once. There’s no better time than right now for starting a new life without procrastination that improves your career and finances and brings you more success in life.

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Learning how to master self discipline is difficult. I mean, even knowing how to build discipline as an apprentice is hard!

The good news is even if it can sometimes seem as though it’s difficult to control certain actions and behaviors, you can. You just don’t know it yet. All you need to do is learn some self discipline tips.

Self discipline is one of those things that requires ongoing practice and nurturing, as with anything that takes time to develop. With practice, you too can find out how to improve self discipline. But first, let’s get into what self discipline is.

What is self-discipline?

Self discipline is essentially your consistent ability to control your actions, feelings, and emotions. When it comes to your finances, it’s your ability to stick to your plans of paying down debt, saving, and investing.

Once you learn how to master self discipline behaviors, you’ll stay motivated and are more likely to achieve success. So it’s very strongly connected to willpower, which is the control of one’s impulses and actions.

Willpower is how you stay focused on a task, while self discipline is more about when you take consistent action in advance to strengthen willpower. Both self discipline and willpower go hand in hand.

Benefits of self-discipline

There are a lot of positive reasons to become a disciplined person. Improving self discipline has many benefits I’ve listed below.

Decreases anxiety

When you are in control of how you act, you are less likely to feel anxious. You’ll be able to accomplish tasks on time and get more done. So it’s a big motivator for learning how to build discipline.

Increases your ability to achieve your long-term goals

With fewer distractions and self-imposed setbacks, learning how to improve self discipline allows you to achieve your goals. It also means getting to them faster than if you allowed yourself to get distracted.

Makes you feel happier

When you are on the path to achieving your goals, you feel happier because you are making progress. Improving self discipline is a major contributor to this.

You become more resilient

As you learn how to build discipline, your ability to resist temptation increases. In turn, this makes you more resilient as you navigate different circumstances. You won’t be as tempted to quit what you’re working towards or slow down your progress.

What causes lack of self-discipline?

A lack of self-discipline stems from not being motivated and/or not having any goals or objectives you are working toward. It could also be tied to how you feel emotionally and mentally, especially when it comes to your mindset.

If you are overly focused on the negative, it can impact your emotions, your motivation, and your willpower. All of which impact your self-discipline.

How can I develop my discipline?

Developing your self discipline is all about being intentional. This means shifting your mindset to focus on the areas you want to improve on and taking intentional action to do so.

It’s also about making it easy for yourself to succeed. Determining what aspects you can automate can be incredibly helpful as well. Keep reading to learn more!

7 Simple ways to improve your self-discipline

Learning how to build discipline can allow you to cease bad habits, accomplish long-term and short-term goals, and change your life completely.

Think of it as investing in yourself. Here, we’ve outlined seven self discipline tips to move you toward the better life you deserve. As long as you’re willing to work for it.

1. Countdown, then take action

When you’re feeling particularly unmotivated, count down from ten, then force yourself to do whatever it is you’re doing. A quick countdown can help shift you into the right mental space to get motivated.

Sometimes all we need is a little push to take that next step—that’s how improving self discipline begins.

2. Put your goals where you can see them every day

Writing a goal down makes it all the more real, and it’s a big part of how to build discipline. Hang it up somewhere you will see it often and inspire yourself — at your work desk, in your bedroom, in your car, etc.

Write the goal in your yearly planner. Put it on your kitchen calendar. It should be everywhere you look.

You can also set actual calendar reminders on your phone to go off once a week or so. But be nice to yourself. Don’t scare or shame yourself into your goals; rather, be happy, positive, and encouraging.

Increase motivation by writing down self discipline quotes from people you admire, too. If you’re not sure you have the right goals, spend some time going over your goals to make sure they align with the things you truly want for yourself.

3. Remind yourself why you started

Of all the self discipline tips here, this one can really help you keep going when life is challenging. Keep your end goal in mind without allowing yourself to forget where you started.

Constantly remind yourself — especially when it gets hard — how and why you set this goal and what you will have achieved when you’re done.

Visualize yourself having taken complete control of your life and accomplishing whatever specific goal you’ve set. Set reminders on your phone to tell yourself how far you’ve come and how proud you are. Affirmations are also a great way to keep yourself focused on your why.

4. Set small goals first

Try not to overwhelm yourself with how to build discipline by setting the bar too high. Build your confidence by setting and achieving a small goal before you go for a big one.

For example, if your ultimate goal is to run five miles without stopping, set an initial goal of running a quarter mile without stopping.

Be patient with yourself and try not to get frustrated with the process. Accomplishing those small goals first can give you the motivation you need to keep going. You’ll learn how to improve self discipline over time, by starting small.

5. Practice prioritizing

Decide which tasks are worth dedicating the most effort to, then organize your day to totally crush them. If you set a study plan, you’re less likely to procrastinate on the less-than-savory tasks.

Put things you don’t necessarily love at the top of your priorities, and you’ll be relieved they’re done instead of putting them off for another day.

6. Know your weaknesses

If you want to know how to master self discipline, proactively combat your weaknesses. Determine how you might slip up and how you can prevent that from happening.

For example, if you know you need to run a 5K this Saturday but your friend is having a barbeque on Friday night, it might be best to skip it.

Or if you know you need to get to work an hour earlier but you’re a bit of a night owl, invest in some Melatonin. You have the tools to fight back against your own demons. You just need to hunt them down.

7. Get friends to hold you accountable

You are less likely to cheat on your goals if someone you admire is watching. Have your hero (or just your BFF) set a goal alongside you. You can cheer each other on.

And when the going gets tough, you can be there to give each other that extra push as you learn how to build discipline.

Expert tip

When it comes to self discipline, remember, it’s not about perfection, instead it’s about taking intentional and consistent actions.

It’s also about finding ways to automate things and make it easier for yourself to succeed

Self discipline examples

By now you’re probably feeling motivated and you know how to build discipline, but what are some self discipline examples from everyday life?

Go to the gym on weekdays before work

A disciplined person may use their willpower to go to the gym every day before work at the same time, even if it means getting up earlier.

Have your gym clothes ready, know what you’re eating for breakfast, and so on, so you can get out the door on time. Also give yourself time to work up to five days a week, maybe starting with two.

Form new habits like meal prepping or update your budget every Friday

Create new habits to help you succeed. Pinpoint a couple of things in your life that you’d like to change, and replace them with a good habit instead.

For example, if you want to eat healthier, try meal prepping. When finances feel overwhelming, begin budgeting once a week. Even a small healthy habit like getting outside for 20 minutes a day is a great place to start.

Constantly choose a positive mindset for your mental health

A big part of how to improve self discipline requires you to be strong mentally. Choose optimistic thoughts all the time to help you succeed instead of holding you back. It’s a massive part of becoming your best self.

Motivate yourself to work even when you aren’t in the mood for it

The last of the self discipline examples is to motivate yourself. Being a disciplined person will require effort, especially when you’re tired or bored.

Motivate yourself to work by thinking about how you’ll feel when you accomplish everything you want to do. Make a habit of getting work done before relaxing at the end of the day.

13 Self discipline quotes to keep you motivated

We all need a “pick me up” as we work on our self discipline and achieving our goals. So here are some great self discipline quotes to help you stay motivated.

1. “Just because you’re struggling with self-discipline doesn’t mean you have to raise the white flag and declare your self-improvement efforts a complete failure. Instead, work to increase the chances that you’ll stick to your healthier habits – even when you don’t feel like it.” – Amy Morin
   
2. “The ability to discipline yourself to delay gratification in the short term in order to enjoy greater rewards in the long term is the indispensable prerequisite for success.” – Brian Tracy
   
3. “Beautiful gems can emerge from dirt. Struggle can teach you self-discipline and resilience.” – Dipa Sanatani
   
4. “The pain of self-discipline will never be as great as the pain of regret.” – Anonymous
   
5. “Self-discipline is the magic power that makes you virtually unstoppable.” – Anonymous
   
6. “Without any self-sacrifice, how can there be a success?” – Lailah Gifty Akita
   
7. “All successes begin with self-discipline. It starts with you.” – Dwayne Johnson
   
8. “Self-discipline is the only power which can keep you energized even in the toughest of the circumstances.” – Sukant Ratnakar
   
9. “Success doesn’t just happen. You have to be intentional about it, and that takes discipline.” – John C. Maxwell
   
10. “We do today what they won’t, so tomorrow we can accomplish what they can’t.” – Dwayne Johnson
    
11. “Don’t ever stop believing in your own personal transformation. It is still happening even on the days you may not realize it or feel like it.” – Lalah Delia
    
12. “Self-discipline is nothing but self-consciousness.” – Pearl Zhu
    
13. “Success begins with self-discipline.” – Sunday Adelaja

The best self-discipline books to read

If you need to know how to build discipline, and find some more great self discipline quotes, start reading books on the topic. These suggestions can help you begin.

P.S. these books are linked via affiliate links which means we may get a small commission that helps us grow if you make a purchase!

No Excuses: The Power Of Self Discipline by Brian Tracy

Hands down, the best book on self discipline is No Excuses!: The Power Of Self Discipline by Brian Tracy. It shows you how you can achieve success in your life, including your personal and financial goals.

You’ll learn how to be more disciplined and each chapter has exercises to help you apply the “no excuses” approach to your own life. I recommend this book every chance I get, and I often find myself reviewing it.

Atomic Habits An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear

Our habits are a major part of how to master self discipline. Author James Clear writes in Atomic Habits about how to change patterns and build small habits on top of other habits to achieve goals.

Great for anyone who wants a tried and true formula for improving their life, or needs self discipline tips.

Furthermore, rather than relying only on motivation, Clear discusses ways to make positive change a natural and easy choice. You won’t want to miss this how-to guide.

The Little Book of Big Change: The No Willpower Approach to Breaking Any Habit by Amy Johnson

If you have a particular habit that you’d like to conquer for good, this book can help. Written by Amy Johnson, PhD, The Little Book of Big Change offers information about the brain and why habits work in specific ways.

All of this can aid you in becoming the most productive and self disciplined person possible.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

By no means a new book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey remains relevant. All of the habits are designed to challenge the way we live life and make us more self disciplined people.

It’s not just outward behavior; this read also focuses on the why, and our core values as people. It also gives plenty of self discipline examples.

Articles related to being self-disciplined

If you enjoyed this article on becoming more self-disciplined, check out these other related articles!

• Specific Self Discipline Examples That Can Help You Right Now!
• I Am Broke! 10 Reasons Why And How To Do Better
• 17 Best Books On Self Discipline
• 6 Key Tips For Living Debt Free!
• 7 Reasons Why You Are Never Too Old To Learn New Things

Knowing how to build discipline takes work but can be done

When it comes to how to build discipline, it’s all about making the commitment to improve and picking yourself back up when you slip. With that being said, determine one area of your life that you want to improve on.

Next lay out an action plan to help you with improving self discipline. With time, effort, and consistency, you’ll be making great strides with your self discipline.

Be sure to check out our list of actionable self-improvement ideas for different aspects of your life!

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