Self-discipline
In my last article, I introduced you to the basics of self-control. So far, we’ve seen four different strategies to control ourselves. Let’s review the four strategies of self-discipline that can transform your life today.
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First, we can decide to focus our thoughts on something else. This way, we stop thinking about our craving and how good it will make us feel when we satisfy it. As a result we don’t act on it and we can control ourselves. Secondly, we can start doing something else. Any activity we start doing will help us to direct our thoughts away from our craving. When we start doing something different, we think about something else. We stop thinking about our craving and we are able to control ourselves
A third way to control ourselves is to think about how good you will feel if you control yourselves. Think about all the joy and happiness that a beautiful body will bring in your life. I was working out yesterday and I was saying to myself: “I feel terrific! I feel amazing! How much is a healthy body worth? Nothing feels as good as a beautiful body.” This inner dialogue encouraged me to work even harder in the gym and motivated me to watch my diet. You can also think about how good it feels when you are in control of your life. You feel like you are in charge of your life. You feel good about yourself. Being able to control yourself will make you feel good, there’s no doubt about it. Keep this thought in your mind and it will help you to control yourself. Never forget that being able to control yourself is only the beginning in your journey to success.
The fourth way to control yourself is to think how bad you’re going to feel if you lose the battle and decide to eat the ice cream or smoke that cigarette. You need to associate an intense pain to the habit that you want to eliminate in your life. For example, if you want to stop eating junk food, tell yourself that only fat people and losers eat junk food. Winners eat healthy food because they take care of their body and they want the best for themselves. They want to have a high level of energy and they refuse to put garbage inside their body. Visualise a big fat loser sitting on the couch watching TV all day long and eating tons of junk food. I can guarantee you that you will never eat junk food again without feeling guilty.
Most people rationalize their decision when they do something that they know they should not be doing. I know I always rationalize my bad choices. For example, if I spend the night watching TV after a day of work, I will tell myself: “I need it. I’m tired. I need some rest. It’s good for me.” The truth is TV is not good for me after a day at work. Exercise is good for me. Doing activities with my friends is good for me. Going for a walk is good for me. Sitting on the couch and eating is not good for me. This is the truth. Rationalization is often an enemy. Be very careful.
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