How is your plan going? Too soon?
Before you roll your eyes and skip this, believe me it's going to be insanely practical.
So, grab a pencil. You're here because you want to cultivate your discipline muscle. It's going to take time. Discipline isn't easy. It's unglamourous. But if you want to do anything in this life that takes intention and has an impact, you need discipline.
Without further ado, here are my 3 sustainable steps, the same ones I tell those who ask me how I create long-haul habits to cultivate discipline:
Set
Solidify
Share
Let's go.
1. Set - Non-Negotiables in Your Routine
Think of non-negotiables as your absolute must-haves in order for you to experience a life-giving day. They are the life support that helps you show up and move throughout your week.
Wondering what yours are? Here are some questions to ask yourself:
What practices (will) help me stay present, even during a busy day?
What habits do I want to cultivate this year/season, and why do they matter?
What am I like when I'm at my best, and why might that be?
To give you an idea: a non-negotiable I'm building out is moving my body for 30 minutes - 3 days per week.
Your non-negotiables are yours, so find what matters to you.
2. Solidify - Pair Rhythms Together
Busy human, full life. I get it, The thought of adding one more thing to your plate can feel overwhelming and impossible. You've tried it before, so even the thought of cultivating discipline has been a flaky one...
I see you.
This is where rhythm-pairing comes in. It's been a game-changer for my personal life. To pair rhythms together means to add into the habits and routines you already have. You're simply creating more intention while you do those things.
Some of my current favourite pairings:
Morning coffee = prayer time
Listening to a podcast = while doing my exercise
Winding down before bed = read for 30 minutes instead of scrolling on my phone
Don't think about how you can create more time - think about the time you already use and what you do with it.
Humans are creatures of habit. So, you already have them - you just need to find them. Start thinking about what your schedule looks like and what you do automatically every day.
3. Share - Multiple Accountability Channels
I've heard that building a habit can take up to 63 days (random, I know) but either way, let's start thinking long-haul. That's a little over two months from now.
We love starting new things yet suffer to see them through. Both of my hands are up, by the way. No shame in that. But it's time to go and do the hard thing: to follow-through.
This is where accountability channels come in. It's plural on purpose. Set yourself up for success.
Set up multiple channels - people, places, rewards -social media even! This is key. When the feelings peace out (and they will), don't be left with your thoughts. To choose discipline is not vowing to honour your future, later. It's taking small, bold steps - now.
There you have it.
Discipline is small steps added up.
Intention and action over time.
So, flex that muscle. Show up.
The world needs what you have to give.
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