Self-control and discipline are like muscles, they can be strengthened with regular exercise, but not necessarily the physical kind.

Rather, adopting certain habits can give you the workout you need to boost these qualities.

According to experts, there are seven habits that can help improve your self-control and discipline starting today.

Let me share them with you in a simple, informal manner, with an aim to help you make positive changes in your life. Ready to get started?

1) Prioritize your tasks

Improving self-control and discipline often starts with mastering task management.

When you’re faced with a mountain of tasks, it’s tempting to tackle them all at once. However, this approach can quickly lead to overwhelm and burnout.

Instead, prioritize your tasks based on their importance and urgency.

Use tools such as the Eisenhower Box, a simple decision-making tool popularized by former U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, which helps you decide on and prioritize tasks by urgency and importance.

By focusing on what needs to be done first, you’ll be able to maintain control over your time and energy, gradually building your self-discipline muscles.

Of course, it’s important to keep in mind that this habit is not about overloading yourself with work. It’s about managing your tasks in a way that gives you control over your day and helps you maintain focus and discipline.

Remember, it’s not about being busy for the sake of being busy; it’s about being productive in a controlled and disciplined way.

2) Incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine

Mindfulness is a practice that has personally transformed my life and my ability to maintain self-control and discipline.

I used to be someone who was constantly multitasking, rushing from one task to another, feeling overwhelmed and stressed out. I realized I was losing control over my life, and my discipline was at an all-time low.

Then, I started incorporating mindfulness into my daily routine.

Every morning, before the hustle and bustle of the day begins, I spend 10 minutes practicing mindfulness meditation.

During this time, I focus on my breath, letting go of any thoughts that try to distract me. This simple practice helps me start my day with a calm mind and a sense of control.

Throughout the day, I make it a point to take mindful breaks.

Whether it’s taking a few deep breaths before starting a new task, or taking a moment to savor my lunch instead of mindlessly eating at my desk – these small moments of mindfulness have significantly improved my self-control and discipline.

Experts agree that mindfulness can help increase self-control by improving your ability to focus and decreasing impulsivity.

So why not give it a try?

Start small, perhaps with just 5 minutes of mindfulness a day, and gradually increase the time as you get more comfortable with the practice.

3) Get enough sleep

Sleep is often overlooked when discussing self-control and discipline. However, it plays a crucial role.

A lack of sleep can affect your brain’s ability to control impulses and make decisions.

It has been scientifically proven that people who regularly get less than the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep per night are more likely to struggle with self-control and discipline.

When you’re tired, your brain finds it more challenging to say no to temptations and stick to your routine. On the other hand, a well-rested brain is better equipped to make sound decisions and resist unnecessary distractions.

Moreover, consistently getting enough sleep can also improve your mood, boost your creativity, and increase your productivity.

So if you’re serious about improving self-control and discipline, make sure you’re giving your body the rest it needs.

Develop a consistent sleep schedule and stick to it, even on weekends. Your brain will thank you for it.

4) Exercise regularly

Physical activity is another powerful tool in developing self-control and discipline.

Exercise requires a certain level of discipline to get started and maintain consistency. Over time, the discipline you develop through regular exercise can spill over into other areas of your life.

Moreover, exercise can help improve your mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and enhance your cognitive function. All these benefits contribute to improved self-control.

Whether it’s a brisk walk around the block, a yoga session, or a high-intensity workout, find a form of exercise that you enjoy and make it a part of your daily routine.

Remember, the goal is not to become an elite athlete but to build discipline and self-control. Start small, be consistent, and gradually increase the intensity and duration as your fitness level improves.

5) Practice self-compassion

Improving self-control and discipline isn’t about being hard on yourself or punishing yourself for every misstep. Instead, it’s about treating yourself with kindness and understanding, even when you fall short.

Self-compassion involves acknowledging your mistakes, accepting that everyone has weaknesses, and knowing that it’s okay to not be perfect.

This gentle approach can actually boost your self-control and discipline. When you treat yourself with compassion instead of criticism, you’re more likely to learn from your mistakes and less likely to repeat them.

Remember, the journey towards improved self-control and discipline is not a sprint but a marathon. There will be setbacks along the way.

What matters is how you deal with these setbacks. Treat them as learning opportunities rather than failures, and always remember to be kind to yourself.

Your future self will thank you for it.

6) Set clear and achievable goals

Goal-setting has always been a challenging task for me. In the past, I’d often set overly ambitious goals, only to fall short and feel discouraged.

But over time, I’ve learned the importance of setting clear and achievable goals.

Instead of aiming to write a novel in a month, I started with a goal of writing for 15 minutes a day.

Instead of deciding to run a marathon without any prior training, I began with a goal of jogging for 20 minutes three times a week.

By setting these smaller, achievable goals, I was able to maintain my discipline and gradually build up my self-control. Every time I achieved a small goal, it boosted my confidence and motivated me to take on bigger challenges.

So start small, celebrate your victories along the way, and gradually work your way up to bigger goals. You’ll be amazed at how much you can achieve with consistent effort.

7) Limit distractions

In today’s digital age, distractions are everywhere – from social media notifications to endless emails. These distractions can easily derail your focus and hinder your self-control and discipline.

One effective way to improve self-control and discipline is to limit these distractions. This might involve:

• Setting specific times to check your emails or social media
• Turning off notifications
• Using apps that block distracting websites during certain hours

Creating a dedicated workspace can also help limit physical distractions. Keep your workspace clean and uncluttered, and make sure you have everything you need before you start working.

By taking control of your environment and minimizing distractions, you’ll be able to focus better, be more productive, and strengthen your self-control and discipline.

Embrace the journey

At the heart of self-control and discipline lies the ability to delay gratification, to choose long-term benefits over immediate rewards. This is a skill that can be developed over time, with patience and consistency.

Scientific research supports the idea that self-control can be trained like a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets.

So whether you’re just starting on this journey or you’re already well on your way, remember that every step you take towards improving your self-control and discipline is a step towards becoming a more focused, resilient, and successful version of yourself.

Embrace this journey with an open mind, and let the process of growth and transformation unfold at its own pace. You might just surprise yourself with what you can achieve.