Self discipline: the route to manifesting results and feeling free.
When my children were small I felt it was imperative that they be taught to overcome the hard things and have pride in everything they did. It has proven to have benefited them and as adults they both have a strong work ethic, are a joy to engage with and are respected by their co-workers, clients, friends and bosses.
Whilst there is some truth to the “fake it till you make it” adage, it helps in all aspects of life when you give it your all, ask at 100 percent for want you want, tell the truth and resist the urge to give up when things get hard.
As an entrepreneur I have shared with younger aspiring business people my 6 rules for success.
Optimise your daytime activities and brain function by prioritising your quality of sleep and nightime habits. Personally I use my Oura ring to help me to monitor the nature of my sleep. It provides an overall rating defined by a clear reading of the most important markers like deep and REM sleep, heart rate variability, latency and resting heart rate.
Try to go to sleep at the same time each evening and to get up at the same time without needing an alarm.
Resist the urge to scroll on your device for at least an hour before bed time.
Remove all EMF emitting devices from your bedroom.
Stop eating at least 2 hours before bed.
Refrain from sugar and caffeine after 4pm.
Believe in yourself and convince yourself that you are uniquely the kind of person who one can bet on and trust to perform. Having confidence in your ability definitely becomes easier as you get older however when I was younger I worked hard at affirming positive thoughts and removing self critisism. If you set yourself small meaningful goals, work daily towards meeting them, never give up and incrementally try harder; you will ultimately achieve success in all that you do. And we all know that success breeds more success.
Create and follow the things you are most passionate about that leave you feeling accomplished at the end of the day. Reward yourself when you meet each milestone. Push through when things get tough and don’t give up. Remember the why you are doing the things you do. Have everything you say and do make a difference. Take pride in your tasks no matter how small.
The brain can only think in the present moment so there is a positive benefit to speaking to it by acknowledging the past, bringing it in to the present and suggesting new behaviours for the future. For example: “Once upon a time I was lazy and didn’t get out of bed…..now I am enthusiastic about the day and get out of bed with gusto immediately upon waking and I am beginning to get more done and feeling more accomplished every day.”
Share your goals and accomplishments with this who love and support you. It is great to feel accountable and to be praised when you achieve your goals. Gather a friend or partner to help affirm your magnificent progress and success.
Create a set of rules that you live by and be strict about them. You can start out small but then push yourself and luxuriate in the sticktoitness. For example:
EAT
Reduced the amount of coffee till you drink none. Cut down on soda till you stop. Eat one more piece of protein until you eat protein with every meal.
MOVE
Walk the stairs instead of the elevator. Park away from the grocery store. Stand instead of sitting.
FEEL
Prioritise better sleep. Take 10 minutes a day to quiet your mind. Listen to an uplifting podcast. Avoid drama. Divide big tasks into many smaller ones.
written by Marjolein Brugman
Marjolein Brugman is the founder of lighterliving and Aeropilates. “lighterliving is a movement and lifestyle choice we can all make. Let’s make it simple – make one decision a day to be better and watch the small steps lead to big changes. Eat smart, stay active, and you’ll live to feel a lighter life."