The Art of Self Dicipline.

          Have you ever wondered how some people manage to be picture perfect first thing in the morning?  Or maybe how some people manage to do so much in so little time?  Or...even...how do some people go through life looking like it is clear smooth sailing?  Well I am here to say this.  It takes practice.  Self Discipline can change the way you look at things and how you day to day plays out for you.
          Everything in life worth doing takes education and practice.  Hopefully today I can assist you in learning how to change and develop your Self Discipline.  If you have a sense of no discipline within yourself, an injury, past trauma, present drama, or disability depending on the type, you can learn self discipline.  Sometimes we need a friend, loved one or helping hand in the things we do and this one it is OK to recruit help. 
          The first thing I would like you to do is to write a list of things that you are already disciplined on.  The list could be as long as you like.  For right now three items will do.  You can add new items as you find and develop them.  The list could look like:

1. I get dressed in the morning.  (even if it is sweat pants and grubby t-shirt)
2. I eat breakfast.
3. I walk everyday for 10 minutes.

          Now we need to write a list to develop these things further.  They need to be defined in such away that the change is an achievement of change and positive in nature.  You could look at this as goal setting if you choose to.  I choose to call this Simple Steps to Positive Change.  Now this list is going to change with reasons and examples with them.

1.  I get dressed in the morning equals "I want to look put together when I start my day and not have to worry if I forgot to mascara one set of eyelashes."
          Here are some things you can do to change this:

1. On a day when you are in a good mood pick and choose your outfits for a couple of days or for the week.  Put together good combinations.  If you go to the gym or have certain work out clothes then set these up as well.  Have a house painting project then put those clothes in the line up for that day.  So you will have maybe one or even three outfits already assigned for each day. 
2. Organize your accessories to each outfit ahead of time as well.
3. Make sure your make-up area is organized and have a separate set for your purse (for touch-ups during the day).  This will save you time in trying to figure out where you had certain items last.
4. Hair.  Get yourself a hair design or learn new techniques that will make it easier to style in the morning.  If you have done the above then you have already saved time and have extra to do your hair.
5. Start each week waking up five minutes earlier (means going to bed earlier if need be) until you have the required amount of time needed to start you day.  It could look like:  This week I woke at 7 am and it was not enough time.  The second week I woke up at 6:55 and still a little difficult.  The third week I will wake up at 6:50 and check that out.  Adjust on a weekly gradual basis instead of thinking I can just instantly program myself to get up an hour earlier starting tomorrow.

2.  I eat breakfast equals "I want to eat a healthier breakfast than a coffee and toast."
          Here are some things to change this:

1. Boil eggs the night before.
2. Set out cereal and bowls the night before.
3. Use morning breakfast drinks.  Just add milk or juice.
4. Adjust your time in the morning as we did in the above example until you get your proper wake up time to accomplish what you need to.  A good breakfast.

3.  I walk everyday for 10 minutes equals "I want to walk longer distances and at 30 minutes each during the week.
          Here are some things to change this:

1. Always consult with your doctor.  If you have a disability or injury, maybe even just starting out then this is a requirement.  You don't want to hurt yourself.
2. Make sure you have the right walking shoes.  They do make a difference.
3. Add in warm up exercises.  This may help you go further.  It may also slow your first week down depending on your abilities.  So don't be surprised. 
4. Week one push to add just five minutes.  It doesn't matter how far you go as long as you can go the time without causes undue pain.  When you master this time frame you add on another five minutes.

          Practice and adjustments will take some time.  Each new adjustment will require its own sense of timing in your ability to adapt.  How long will each step take is up to you to master and it also depends on the step you are taking.  If you have never worn make-up before then you need to learn basic application techniques first.  I wouldn't recommend the whole do right out of the gate.  Practice first.  Add new steps as mastered.  Each step will take its own time and it is important to master each one before going to the next step. 
          The real benefit is in the release of confidence that will show through as you master the Art of Self-Discipline.  By the way if your breakfast and getting out the door is on your list then you will have mastered your morning routine.  This is the best, long lasting way to develop routines for yourself, your home, and next week we will explore the adaption to work and hobbies. 

Until then!

Nadine Seely
Organizing Coach/life planner
DustBunnyHell