A Handy Guide to the Self-Discipline of Weight Loss
A Handy Guide to the Self-Discipline of Weight Loss
Self-discipline seems to be the thing that everyone else has. Few are fortunate enough to be so self-motivated that self-discipline isn’t necessary.
[bctt tweet=”Self-discipline is the ability to do something that you don’t feel like doing. Isn’t that right? ” username=”@ang1e0251″]Self-discipline is the ability to do something that you don’t feel like doing; like sticking to your eating plan and lifting weights and drinking enough water. We each have a limited supply, but we can grow our capacity for self-discipline over time.
Those with high levels of self-control have been found to be happier than those with low levels. It’s believed this is due to reduced internal conflict. Those with less self-control are constantly struggling to make decisions between competing goals. Those with more self-control make decisions more rationally and much more quickly.
Increase your ability to control yourself:
1) Success without discipline is a myth.
Successful people appear to have ten times more talent and motivation than the rest of us, but successful people work very hard to be successful. The ability to control your thoughts and actions creates success. That means you have to work at it to change around those habits and cravings with food. And you may need some help to do it. Hard work requires discipline, because it usually isn’t fun.
2) Avoid waiting until you feel inspired to take action.
Waiting until you are in the mood to watch what you eat or exercise, means you may never do it. That will just make you feel more miserable. With all the forms of entertainment and distractions we have available, it makes sense to assume that we should feel inspired to do the things that need to be accomplished. But quality of life and comfort or happiness are often at odds, aren’t they? Self-discipline can be used to engage in activities that aren’t comfortable. Only then will you enjoy a high quality of life and it will be on your terms. That’s satisfying.
3) Learn to complete tasks.
Let finishing become your code. Become a finisher. Regardless of the task, see it through to the end. Do it now, can be your theme. Ten more push ups to do? Do it now. Three more days of juicing? Do it now. When you start something, finish it.
4) Do the hardest thing first.
Your self-discipline is highest early in day. So get that tough item crossed off your to-do list as soon as possible. Are you too pooped to exercise when you get home? Get up and do it in the morning. Don’t like to pack your healthy lunch before you go to work? Do all your food prep on your day off and pack it into single serving containers. In the morning, just grab ‘n’ go.
5) Learn to stay with discomfort.
Do you have the urge to go to the kitchen for a snack? Make yourself wait another 30 minutes. Whenever you’re feeling uncomfortable, make yourself stay with it just a little longer. Teach yourself that your discomfort is only a suggestion. You don’t have to cave in.
I read an article about the recovery of heart surgery patients. It said the the physical therapists noticed that those patients that did just a little more when they were told they could quit seemed to recover more quickly and easily. So just do a little more.
6) Take time to enjoy yourself.
This is the best way to replenish your willpower. Stress, hunger, and fatigue drain your ability to exercise self-discipline. So eat a good meal and get a full night of sleep. Take part in enjoyable activities. Laugh a lot and look for beauty in your day.
7) Know your outcome.
Whether the outcome is a loose feel in your jeans, muscle definition showing in your arms, or a compliment on your appearance, be aware of the desired outcome. Self-discipline becomes easier when you’re able to maintain a long-term perspective. Remember what you’re striving for.
8) Develop habits.
Creating a habit of vacuuming the living room every Wednesday eliminates the need for discipline. Habits are powerful. Put yourself on autopilot and use the power of habits to your advantage. That ten minute work out in the morning just becomes routine like brushing your teeth. You don’t decide to do it or not do it. It’s just part of your morning. Parking your car further from work becomes a ten minute walk for you each way. Making up your lunches for the week is just what you do on your day off. You don’t have to think about it.
9) Studies have shown that mediation and self-hypnosis strengthens the part of the brain responsible for self-control.
Buy a book or find a local meditation group. Take a session with a hypnotherapist to learn self-hypnosis and what it feels like. Find the calm in your life.
10) Use affirmations.
When you feel your resolve weakening, recite positive affirmations to yourself. Keep your mind occupied on something positive while you get your work done. Remind yourself of other times when you had success. You can have success at this, too.
11) Give yourself frequent breaks.
Setting a schedule that’s too aggressive will quickly diminish your self-discipline. Give yourself regular breaks to ensure that you stay alert and fresh. Remember to start out gradually. You don’t need to shock your system by going full bore all at once. Remember school where you learned the alphabet one letter at a time? You eventually learned all the letters and how to make words from them. It’s the same with changing your food and exercise styles. Do one new thing at a time. Time is on your side.
How much self-discipline do you have? Your level of self-discipline can affect your diet, health, fitness, finances, career, and relationships. Self-discipline is a learned behavior, so you can develop your self-discipline if you choose. With enough self-discipline, you can achieve any goal and I want to hear all about how you do it.
About the Author Angie J. Hernandez, C.Ht.
A graduate of the Hypnosis Motivation Institute, Angie J. Hernandez, C.Ht., has her private practice in Milford, Indiana. She is certified in hypnotherapy by the Hypnotherapist's Union Local 472. Angie is the author of "Weight Loss Epiphany: The Workbook", "Charlie's Cuddly Animals for Little Geniuses" and "Weight Loss Hypnosis: Lose Weight with Hypnosis Scripts & Recordings". You can find out more about Angie and how to schedule private sessions by calling (574) 658-4686.
