How to Be a Disciplined Person

Discipline is a fundamental trait that involves the ability to control one's feelings and overcome weaknesses...

Coping Skills
March 21, 2025

Discipline is a fundamental trait that involves the ability to control one's feelings and overcome weaknesses.It is the practice of training oneself to adhere to a certain code of behavior or rules, often with the aim of improving oneself.In both personal and professional life, discipline plays a pivotal role. Personally, it helps in maintaining healthy habits, managing time effectively, and achieving goals.Professionally, discipline is crucial for maintaining work ethics, meeting deadlines, and fostering a productive work environment.It's an essential quality that can significantly impact one's journey toward success and fulfillment.Discipline, when practiced regularly, becomes a way of life, leading to improved self-control, focus, and resilience.

Steps to Becoming a Disciplined Person

Define Your Goals

To begin, identify what you truly want to achieve, this could be related to your career, health, or personal life.For example, you might aim to become a project manager in your company within two years. Once you've identified your goal, make it specific and measurable.Instead of merely wanting to improve your health, aim to "Lose 15 pounds by walking 30 minutes daily for the next five months."This specificity adds a measurable aspect to your goal, allowing you to track your progress effectively.Ensure that your goal is realistic and attainable, considering your current capabilities and constraints.Adding a timeframe to your goal also adds an element of urgency and can motivate you to take action.For instance, if your goal is to learn a new skill, you may decide to "Master Photoshop by dedicating one hour every day for the next three months."By applying these principles, your goals will provide a clear path forward on your journey to discipline.

Develop a Plan

Developing a step-by-step plan is essential to achieving your goals. This involves breaking down your overall goal into smaller, manageable tasks or objectives.For instance, if your goal is to run a marathon, your plan might include smaller objectives like running a certain distance each week, and gradually increasing the distance over time.You could also include additional tasks such as incorporating strength training exercises to build endurance and planning a healthy diet to fuel your body.Your plan should also outline a timeline for each task to keep you on track.For example, "In week 1, I will run one mile a day. In week 2, I'll increase it to two miles a day, and so on."By crafting a detailed plan, you create a roadmap that guides you toward your goal, making the process less overwhelming and more achievable.

Prioritize Tasks

Prioritization involves determining the importance and urgency of your tasks and focusing on those that align most closely with your goals.For example, if you want to get a promotion at work, tasks like taking on high-visibility projects or improving key skills should be prioritized over less impactful tasks.The Eisenhower Matrix is an efficient strategy for ranking tasks, arranging them into four classifications: those that are both crucial and immediate, important but not pressing, urgent but not vital, and tasks that are neither pressing nor critical.By learning to distinguish between these categories, you can focus your efforts where they're needed most, ensuring that you are always working in service of your larger goals.

Create a Routine

Routines provide structure and predictability, reducing decision fatigue and enabling you to dedicate your energy to your tasks rather than figuring out what to do next.For instance, if your goal is to write a book, a daily routine might involve writing for two hours each morning before work.Similarly, if your aim is to improve your physical health, your routine could include a 30-minute workout every day after dinner.Over time, these routines become second nature, reducing the amount of willpower required and making it easier to stay disciplined even when motivation wanes.

Embrace Failure and Learn from It

Embracing failure and learning from it is a crucial part of personal growth and achievement.Instead of seeing failure as an endpoint or a sign of incapability, it's more beneficial to view it as a stepping stone toward success.Thomas Edison famously said, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work," when speaking about his attempts to invent the light bulb.This perspective shifts the focus from the negative aspects of failure to the valuable insights and experience gained, which can provide guidance for future efforts and ultimately lead to success.

Tips for Maintaining Discipline

Maintaining discipline is a crucial aspect of achieving your goals. Here are some tips to help you do so:

  • Consistency: Sticking to routines and habits is key to maintaining discipline. Regular practice not only makes perfect but also reinforces your commitment to your goals. Whether it's daily exercise, writing, or any other task, consistency is what will drive you forward.
  • Flexibility: While consistency is important, so is flexibility. Life is unpredictable, and there will be times when you need to adapt to changes and setbacks. Being flexible allows you to adjust your plans as needed while still staying focused on your overall goals.
  • Resilience: Everyone faces failures or setbacks at some point. The key is not to let these discourage you, but instead, use them as opportunities to learn and grow. Bouncing back after a setback shows resilience, a vital trait for maintaining discipline.
  • Seeking Support: It's also helpful to seek support from others. Whether it's a mentor who can provide guidance, a coach who can push you to your limits, or a support group where you can share experiences and gain encouragement, having a support system can greatly enhance your ability to stay disciplined.

Conclusion

Discipline is a fundamental pillar of success and personal growth. It provides structure to our lives, enables us to achieve our goals, and fosters resilience in the face of setbacks.Whether it's adhering to a daily routine, learning from failures, or seeking support from mentors, implementing discipline into your life can yield significant benefits.It may seem daunting at first, but remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. So, take that step today.Start small, stay consistent, and watch how discipline transforms your life.You have the power within you to become a more disciplined person, and the journey towards that goal starts now.

Author
Jennifer Luttman, LPC, ACS

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and owner of Overcomers Counseling. I'm dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing through life’s challenges. With a deep understanding of mental health and years of professional experience, I specialize in fostering hope and resilience while equipping her clients with tools to thrive. Passionate about empowering others, she creates a safe, supportive space where everyone feels seen, valued, and capable of overcoming obstacles on their path to well-being.

Common Questions about Coping Skills

How can I identify the root cause of my emotional overwhelm?

Reflect on recent events, stressors, or changes in your life that may be contributing to your feelings of overwhelm. Consider journaling about your emotions and experiences to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying causes.

How can I manage my time more effectively to reduce emotional overwhelm?

Prioritize your tasks by importance and deadline, break large projects into smaller steps, and create a realistic daily schedule that includes time for self-care and relaxation. Don't be afraid to delegate tasks or ask for help when needed.

What is emotion-focused coping?

Emotion-focused coping involves managing the emotional response to a stressful situation, rather than directly addressing the problem itself. Examples include seeking social support, practicing relaxation techniques, or engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation.

Is it normal to feel emotionally overwhelmed from time to time?

Yes, experiencing intense emotions is a normal part of life, but it's essential to develop effective coping strategies to manage these feelings when they arise.

Is there a difference between therapy and life coaching?

Unlike therapy, which focuses on treating mental health issues, life coaching focuses on helping clients reach specific goals through self-development and growth.

How can I find a qualified life coach for my career goals?

You can find a qualified life coach by asking for referrals from friends or colleagues, searching online directories or asking your professional network for recommendations.