Discipline is not a trait we’re born with, it’s a skill we develop. And like any other skill, it requires us to unlearn certain habits that hold us back.

Most people don’t realize how much their daily habits can influence their discipline levels. It’s often these little habits that seem harmless but are actually eating away at our self-control.

It’s high time to say goodbye to these 9 habits if you’re serious about becoming more disciplined. 

Let’s get started. 

1) Procrastination

Procrastination is the arch-enemy of discipline. It’s like a tempting siren, luring you away from your tasks and goals.

It may not seem like a big deal to postpone what you need to do. The trouble is, the more you put things off, the less disciplined you become. You’re basically training your brain to be lazy.

If you’re serious about becoming more disciplined, it’s time to kick procrastination to the curb. This doesn’t mean you have to accomplish everything in one go, but it does mean you need to start taking small steps towards completion.

Discipline is built on consistency. So, even if you only do a little each day, as long as you’re consistently moving forward, you’re building your discipline muscle.

2) Mindless scrolling

I’ll admit it, I’m guilty of this one too. There’s something oddly satisfying about endlessly scrolling through social media feeds or news articles. It’s almost hypnotic.

But here’s the thing – it’s a massive time waster and it does nothing for your discipline. I realized this when I once found myself aimlessly scrolling through my phone at 2am when I had an important meeting the next morning.

From that point, I made a conscious effort to limit my time on such platforms. I started setting specific times to check social media and stuck to it. This small step did wonders for my productivity and self-discipline.

If you find yourself trapped in the endless scroll, it might be time to reassess your habits. 

3) Skipping breakfast

Breakfast is often hailed as the most important meal of the day. You might be surprised to find out there’s a link between eating breakfast and self-discipline.

A study conducted by the University of Minnesota showed that students who ate breakfast regularly displayed better discipline in terms of study schedules and time management compared to those who skipped breakfast.

If you’re in the habit of rushing out the door without a bite to eat in the morning, you might want to reconsider. It’s not just about nourishing your body, but also about setting the tone for a disciplined day.

4) Multitasking

In our high-paced world, multitasking might seem like a necessary skill. Juggling multiple tasks at once gives the illusion of productivity. But in reality, it’s a discipline killer.

Trying to focus on several things simultaneously often results in none of them being done well. It’s like scattering your energy in different directions instead of channeling it into one task.

The key to building discipline is focus. By concentrating on one task at a time, you’re more likely to complete it efficiently and effectively.

When you find yourself trying to do a million things at once, take a step back. Prioritize your tasks and tackle them one at a time. You’ll notice an improvement not only in the quality of your work but also in your self-discipline.

5) Neglecting self-care

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that pushing yourself to the limit is a sign of discipline. You might work late into the night, skip meals, or neglect exercise in the name of getting things done.

However, ignoring your physical and mental wellbeing is not a sign of discipline; it’s a recipe for burnout.

Self-care is essential for maintaining a disciplined lifestyle. When you’re well-rested, nourished, and physically active, you’re better equipped to stay focused and productive.

Make sure to schedule time for self-care in your daily routine. This could be anything from taking a short walk, meditating, or simply relaxing with a good book. 

6) Being too hard on yourself

This is one that hits close to home for many of us. We often mistake self-discipline for self-punishment, and that’s a destructive habit we need to let go of.

Here’s the thing – nobody is perfect. We all have off days, we all make mistakes, and sometimes, despite our best efforts, things don’t go as planned. That’s just life.

When you’re too hard on yourself, it can lead to stress and demotivation, making it even harder to maintain discipline.

It’s essential to practice kindness towards yourself. Treat every setback as an opportunity to learn and grow. Remember, self-discipline is a journey, not a destination. It’s about progress, not perfection.

7) Fearing failure

Failure is something that used to terrify me. Every time I faced a challenging task, the fear of failing would creep in, holding me back from giving it my all. I realized this fear was crippling my ability to be disciplined and committed to my goals.

Over time, I learned to see failure not as a dead-end but as a stepping stone towards success. It’s not about how many times you fall, but how many times you get back up and keep going.

If the fear of failure is stopping you from being disciplined, it’s time to change your perspective. 

8) Lack of planning

Some people like to live life on the fly, making decisions as they go along. While spontaneity can be exciting, it’s not conducive to building discipline.

Discipline requires planning. It involves setting goals and outlining the steps to reach those goals. When you have a clear plan, it’s easier to stay focused and disciplined.

Without a plan, you’re more likely to get distracted or veer off course. It’s like trying to reach a destination without a map.

If you’re serious about becoming more disciplined, start planning. Outline your daily, weekly, and monthly goals. Break them down into manageable tasks. You’ll find that with a clear plan in place, staying disciplined becomes much easier.

9) Ignoring the power of small steps

One of the biggest misconceptions about discipline is that it requires grand, drastic changes. In reality, it’s the small, consistent steps that make the difference.

Trying to change everything at once can be overwhelming and unsustainable. But making small changes consistently over time can lead to significant improvements.

Don’t underestimate the power of small steps. Whether it’s waking up five minutes earlier, reading a few pages of a book each day, or cutting down on your daily sugar intake; every small step counts.

Discipline isn’t built in a day. It’s the result of daily choices, consistently made over time. So start small, be consistent, and watch as your discipline grows stronger each day.