When we started this New Year I had hoped to reach my goal weight range once again (after holiday indulgences), feeling stronger and being lean again by April 1st. Hope is not a good strategy. If you haven’t seen the changes and improvements you set your mind to on January 1st, it may not be you’re unmotivated. Motivation is normally in rich supply all around us. (Just think about that cookie/bagel/donut you just ate. You were pretty motivated to eat it!) What may be missing, the key to achieving your goals, and one of the most important elements of change is— discipline. What does discipline mean to you? I believe discipline is both an action and a mindset. Discipline: (noun/mindset) training to act in accordance with rules; a set or system of rules and regulations; a state of mind that is connected to goals and a respect of self Discipline: (verb/action) training by daily instruction and exercise; to create and bring a state of order and obedience by training and control; to correct So let’s combine these two… Discipline is both the mindset (feeling/emotion) to focus on a goal with self-respect, and then (action) consistently work towards that goal, even when it requires sacrifice and hard work. Self-discipline can often feel heavy. Like a weight across our shoulders, or like punishment is around the corner if we “misbehave”. That’s a motivation killer! Instead, it’s time to make a mindset shift from “push” to “pull”, so that rather than discipline keeping us feeling down and stuck in the “need to do”, or “I should do” mentality, we instead connect with our inner WHY, and now our focus and actions are pulling us toward our dreams and goals! Simon Sinek in “Start With Why” suggests that people are much more likely to get on board if they understand WHY they are doing something. (Why did you reach for that cookie? Or, Why did you choose NOT to eat that cookie?) When we push against something we feel the resistance of that push. Pull on the other hand feels like a magnet, drawing us to what we’re hoping for or wanting. Start today by shifting your mindset, as you think about the steps you will take, your “to dos”, your “should do”, as a gift to yourself (pull) instead of something that costs you (push). Your thoughts will soften. You’ll be motivated by love, respect and self-worth, not fear or shame. Motivation is what gets us started and keeps us moving forward. Discipline is where we will see consistent progress, and keeps us on track when, at times, our mindset might falter. As you now think about self-discipline, what new beliefs will support you in going forward and attaining your goals?! What successes can you celebrate? Write them down, and place these notes or pictures where you can see them often. Celebrate all that you are, all that you are capable of, and allow this to motivate your self-discipline— these celebration reminders will help you on your journey moving forward (pull), not weigh you down (push). It is the joy in the journey that fills our buckets, not a flood of elation as the end goal is reached. Treasure every moment, each step, every success. Know your WHY, and let each consistent thought and disciplined action pull you closer to your goal. ~ Elizabeth Guiding You to Living a Nourished Life (Several thoughts inspired by and adapted from life coach Lisa Danforth. Thanks Lisa!)
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Dr. Dan Smithson &
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