Introduction:
We’ve all been there—knowing exactly what we need to do but somehow getting stuck in a cycle of procrastination. You might plan to hit the gym after work but end up scrolling on TikTok for hours instead. It’s frustrating, and the constant cycle of self-blame only makes things worse. I used to struggle with this too, but over the past six months, I’ve found a method that completely transformed my approach to discipline and productivity. In this blog, I’ll share the steps that helped me quit my bad habits, focus on what truly matters, and maximize my time.
1. Understanding the Problem: Why We Procrastinate
Procrastination isn’t just laziness; it’s a deeper issue tied to how we perceive our tasks and the rewards associated with them. Often, the problem isn’t that we don’t want to do something; it’s that we don’t feel motivated enough because the task feels overwhelming or the reward seems distant. For instance, I loved watching TV shows like Modern Family and Sherlock, but when it came to working on my projects, I just couldn’t find the same level of excitement. This realization was the first step in changing my habits.
2. Finding Your ‘Why’: The Key to Lasting Discipline
One of the most powerful shifts I made was identifying why I wanted to be disciplined in the first place. It wasn’t enough to just want to be productive; I needed a compelling reason to stay on track. For me, quitting smoking wasn’t just about health—it was about being there for my family, especially when planning for a second child. Similarly, staying focused at work wasn’t just about success—it was about building a future where I could travel freely between China and Canada with my family. When you tie your goals to something meaningful, discipline becomes a lot easier.
3. The Daily Habits That Built My Discipline
Once I had a clear ‘why,’ the next step was developing daily habits that aligned with my goals. But instead of setting huge, unrealistic expectations, I focused on small, manageable steps. For example, when going to the gym, I didn’t think about a two-hour workout—I just thought about getting there. The simple act of showing up led to consistent workouts and, over time, a solid routine. This approach helped me quit smoking, cut down on video games, and stop binge-watching TV shows. Small steps, when done consistently, can lead to significant changes.
4. Adapting Your Environment for Success
Your environment plays a huge role in your ability to stay disciplined. I surrounded myself with reminders of my goals—a vision board, quotes that resonated with me, and even scheduling tools that kept me on track. These tangible reminders made it easier to stay focused and avoid falling back into old habits. If you want to be disciplined, create an environment that supports your goals rather than distracts you from them.
5. Facing the Consequences: The Power of What-Ifs
Another powerful motivator for me was thinking about the consequences of not following through. What would happen if I didn’t stay disciplined? The thought of losing progress, having to start over, or letting down my family was enough to keep me going even when motivation was low. Our brains are naturally averse to loss, so framing your goals in terms of what you stand to lose can be a powerful tool in staying disciplined.
Conclusion: Transforming Discipline into a Lifestyle
Discipline isn’t about being perfect; it’s about consistently making choices that align with your goals. By finding your ‘why,’ building supportive habits, and creating an environment conducive to success, you can transform your approach to discipline and productivity. It’s not always easy, but the results are worth it. I’ve seen firsthand how these steps have helped me quit bad habits, stay focused, and achieve more in my personal and professional life.
If this resonated with you, check out the full video where I dive deeper into each of these steps and share more about my journey to becoming disciplined.