Learn how to be more disciplined for life, dieting and training. This can change your life for the better. Find out how.
Have you ever found yourself wishing for more discipline in your life, believing that with it, you could achieve everything you desire—whether it’s a sculpted body, a higher-paying job, or simply the satisfaction of going to bed on time?
Many people approach discipline as an elusive trait, something you either have or you don’t. However, the truth is that discipline is not an innate quality but a skill that can be developed over time.
But how can you become more disciplined for life, dieting and training? The information in this article was taken from a video shared by Marcus Filly.
Marcus Filly is the creator, founder, and CEO of Functional Bodybuilding. He is a six-time CrossFit Games athlete (2016, 12th fittest) with decades of experience coaching and designing individual and group training programs.
Let’s debunk the myth that discipline is all about sheer force. Merely forcing yourself into a routine, like waking up at 4:00 a.m. every day, might not be the most effective strategy. Instead, understanding the discipline equation can be the key to unlocking your potential.
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How To Be More Disciplined for Life, Dieting and Training
According to Steven Bartlett, a prominent figure in the field of discipline, the equation for developing discipline. Yes, it exists and it consists of three crucial factors:
- Importance of a Goal (Subjective)
- Your “why” is the foundation of discipline. To raise the importance of a goal, connect it to a deeper reason within yourself. For example, framing the goal around the stakes and consequences of not being disciplined can make it more meaningful.
- Psychological Joy of Pursuing the Goal
- Find joy in the pursuit of your goals. If a particular diet or workout routine brings you happiness, you are more likely to stick with it. Consider the joy factor when setting your goals, and make sure you enjoy the process.
- Friction of Performing Tasks Associated with the Goal
- Identify and minimize the friction involved in pursuing your goals. This could be the time it takes to go to the gym or the complexity of a workout routine. Reduce barriers to make it easier for yourself to stay disciplined.
Applying the Equation
Understanding the discipline equation allows you to manipulate these factors to your advantage. For instance, elevate the importance of your goal by connecting it to personal reasons or consequences. Ensure that the pursuit brings you joy by aligning it with your preferences, and reduce friction by eliminating unnecessary barriers.
Consider the example of a fitness enthusiast who strategically places workout tools at home to reduce the friction of going to the gym. By analyzing where friction exists in your life, you can take steps to remove those barriers and make discipline more achievable.
The Power of Self-Respect
Discipline is, fundamentally, about keeping commitments to yourself. It’s more socially acceptable to be our own biggest critic than our own cheerleader, but the commitments we keep to ourselves shape our self-view. Mark Manson’s wisdom rings true: “The person you have to listen to the most in life is yourself. Try not to lose their respect.”
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In essence, discipline is a daily, lifelong pursuit that involves understanding and manipulating the discipline equation to your advantage. By becoming more disciplined, you not only achieve your goals but also shape a positive self-perception and foster a deep sense of self-respect.
In the grand tapestry of life, discipline isn’t a destination you arrive at; it’s a continuous journey that unfolds every day. The idea of waiting for the perfect Monday to embark on your disciplined journey is a common misconception. The truth is, discipline starts in the present moment, not in the future. Each decision you make, no matter how small, contributes to the development of this invaluable skill.
To truly grasp the essence of discipline, it’s essential to recognize it as a dynamic force rather than a static achievement. Waiting for the “right time” to start often becomes an excuse that hinders progress. The power lies in the small, consistent actions you take daily. It’s about choosing discipline in the seemingly inconsequential moments, whether it’s resisting the urge to hit the snooze button or opting for a nutritious snack instead of a tempting indulgence.
Moreover, understanding that discipline is a lifelong pursuit means embracing the journey’s ebb and flow. There will be days when challenges seem insurmountable, and discipline feels elusive. On those days, remember that setbacks are not failures but opportunities to learn and recalibrate your approach. It’s about resilience, adaptability, and the unwavering commitment to the goals that matter most to you.
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In this ongoing pursuit, self-reflection becomes a powerful tool. Regularly assess your goals, motivations, and the joy you find in the process. Adjust the equation as needed, aligning your actions with the evolving landscape of your aspirations. The discipline equation isn’t a rigid formula; it’s a blueprint that you can modify to suit your unique circumstances and ambitions.
As you navigate the intricate dance of discipline, cultivate self-compassion. Acknowledge that perfection is an illusion and that setbacks are part of the human experience. The journey towards discipline is not about never faltering but about rising stronger each time you do. By approaching discipline with a growth mindset, you transform challenges into stepping stones toward a more disciplined and fulfilled version of yourself.
So, don’t wait for a distant Monday to make a change. Start today, armed with the understanding that discipline is a continuous, evolving journey—one that shapes not only your external achievements but also the resilient, self-respecting character you are becoming. Embrace the process, celebrate the small victories, and keep moving forward, one disciplined decision at a time.
Watch the video below for more information.
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Consistency is the linchpin of success in both diet and training for several compelling reasons. Whether you’re aiming for weight loss, muscle gain, or overall well-being, maintaining a consistent approach is imperative for achieving and sustaining your fitness goals. Let’s delve into why consistency is the key to unlocking the full potential of your diet and training endeavors:
1. Adaptation and Progression:
- The body responds positively to consistent stimuli. Regular and predictable training sessions signal to your muscles, cardiovascular system, and metabolism that adaptation is necessary. Similarly, a consistent diet provides the body with the nutrients it needs regularly, supporting overall health and performance.
2. Establishing Habits:
- Consistency helps in forming habits. When you repeatedly engage in specific dietary and training behaviors, they become ingrained in your daily routine. Habits are powerful because they require less mental effort over time, making it easier to stick to your fitness regimen.
3. Long-Term Sustainability:
- Sustainable changes happen gradually through consistent efforts. Crash diets or sporadic workout routines might yield short-term results, but they often lead to burnout or rebound effects. Consistency, on the other hand, fosters long-term sustainability, ensuring that you can maintain your dietary and training habits over the course of your life.
4. Mitigating Setbacks:
- Consistency acts as a buffer against setbacks. If you deviate from your diet or training plan occasionally, the overall impact is minimized when compared to sporadic, intense efforts followed by periods of inactivity or unhealthy eating. Consistency allows you to bounce back quickly from setbacks.
5. Optimizing Results:
- Results in both diet and training are cumulative. Small, consistent efforts compound over time, leading to significant transformations. Whether you’re aiming for fat loss, muscle gain, or improved endurance, the steady progression achieved through consistent actions maximizes your overall results.
6. Behavioral and Psychological Benefits:
- Consistency provides a sense of control and accomplishment. Knowing that you can adhere to your dietary and training commitments fosters a positive mindset, boosting your confidence and reinforcing a belief in your ability to achieve your goals.
7. Maintaining Metabolic Health:
- Regular exercise and a consistent, balanced diet play crucial roles in maintaining metabolic health. Fluctuating between extremes, such as extreme calorie restriction followed by overeating, can disrupt metabolic processes. Consistency helps regulate metabolism and promote overall well-being.
8. Reducing Decision Fatigue:
- Consistency simplifies decision-making. When your dietary and training habits are consistent, you spend less mental energy deliberating over what to eat or whether to work out. This reduction in decision fatigue allows you to focus on other aspects of your life.
In essence, consistency is the cornerstone of sustainable success in diet and training. By making small, manageable changes and adhering to them consistently, you create a foundation for long-term health and fitness. It’s not about perfection but about persistent effort and a commitment to your well-being, day in and day out.
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Image Sources
- Meal plan: Yaroslav Shuraev on Pexels
- Fridge open: Helena Lopes on Pexels
- Plank (3): Gustavo Fring on Pexels