Discipline yourself like a true leader

DISCIPLINE YOURSELF

In this article wi will focus on how to boost your power with SELF DISCIPLINE.

Let’s remind ourselves of an important secret known for thousands of years.  Lao Tzu has written in the book Tao Te Ching in 6th century BC “MASTERING OTHERS IS STRENGTH. MASTERING YOURSELF IS TRUE POWER.”

If you want to become a Leader, you should manage yourself first. Managing yourself starts with self-discipline.

Self-discipline is an important quality that contributes not only to a leader’s achievements and joy but also results in sustainable, long-term success in all aspects of life. According to a study by Wilhelm Hoffman and his colleagues, people with high self-control are happier than those without, they are more skillful in goal conflict management and they make positive decisions more easily.

Self-discipline is the ability to do what you should be doing. Self-discipline often means putting off your immediate comfort or wishes in favor of long-term success. For example, if you want to become physically fit, you might endure the short-term discomfort of 6:00 a.m. gym times to attain the long-term benefits of being healthy, looking good and feeling great. Self-discipline is the bridge between wishing and accomplishing.

Our emotional mind simply stops us from behaving how we need to achieve our ideal state. Self-discipline gives us the ability to overcome our emotional mind by moving forward with physical action. Developing self-discipline does more than help you get ahead in your career.

It’s been proven that self-discipline helps people to achieve the following benefits.

ACCOMPLISH LONG-TERM GOALS – Self-discipline allows people to resist immediate wants in support of higher-impact, long-term goals. Angela Duckworth study found “the achievement of difficult goals entails not only talent but also a sustained and focused application of talent over time,” or what we would call self-discipline.

DECREASE ANXIETY – I also procrastinate when stressed. Sounds familiar? When we experience negative emotions, humans tend to distract themselves by doing or thinking about something else. Improving self-control helps leaders deal with anxiety-related problems during hard times.

INCREASE PHYSICAL HEALTH – This is likely pretty obvious. People who demonstrate regular self-discipline are better able to resist the use of health-damaging substances like tobacco and alcohol. Self-control is also linked to lower rates of obesity.

POSITIVELY IMPACT RELATIONSHIPS – Yes, self-discipline can also make your relationships better. Psychology Today says, “The capacity for self-control is a capacity for empathetic perspective taking — the ability to step outside one’s own point of view.” Taking these steps allows us to override our automatic defensive reactions and adopt more constructive behaviors contributing to healthier, happier relationships.

BECOME MORE RESILIENT – Do you bounce back easily after adversity? Self-discipline can be a predictor of resilience. Apparently, the more resilient you are, the better control you have over impulses and delayed gratification. Psychology Today says, “A resilient person has a belief in her own abilities to manage life’s challenges and situations effectively.”

FEEL HAPPIER – The more productive you are, the more creative and happier you will be. The more we feel in control of the origin of our behavior, the better sense of well-being we have — and that makes us happy!

Self-discipline is a learned behavior. It requires practice and repetition in day-to-day life. Self-discipline in leaders requires several basic skills, including TIME MANAGEMENT, GOAL MANAGEMENT AND STRESS MANAGEMENT.

SOURCES:

1. Sabina Morosini, Joyful Leadership Manual #
2. Hofmann, W., Luhmann, M., Fisher, R. R., Vohs, K. D., Baumeister R. F. (2013). Yes, but are they happy? Effects of trait self control on affective well being and life satisfaction. Journal of Personality, 82(4), 265-277.