The journey to becoming disciplined isn’t an easy one, but it’s worth the effort. It’s about consistency, not perfection, and it often starts with the small things we do daily.

For instance, the activities you engage in every evening can greatly impact your level of discipline. It’s in the evening that you prepare for what’s ahead, develop habits and routines that help you stay focused and organized.

If you’re aiming to be more disciplined, you might want to consider tweaking your evening routine. I’ve got ten suggestions that could make a real difference.

Here are some things you should start doing every evening if you want to become more disciplined.

1) Establish a routine

Let’s start with a fundamental: routines. Yes, routines might sound boring or rigid, but they’re the backbone of discipline.

Discipline is all about consistency. It’s about doing the same thing day in and day out until it becomes second nature. And how do you achieve that? By establishing a routine.

Consider this: every evening before you retire for the night, you engage in certain activities. Maybe you brush your teeth, read a few pages of a book, or jot down your thoughts in a journal. These activities form part of your evening routine.

And here’s the thing: the more structured your evening routine is, the easier it becomes to follow it consistently. And when you follow an evening routine consistently, you’re training yourself to be more disciplined.

Start by identifying what activities are most important to you and then incorporating them into your evening routine. It could be meditation, reading, or even a simple skincare regimen. The point is to make these activities a regular part of your evening, and stick to them.

2) Unplug from technology

Now, here’s something I learned the hard way. The lure of technology was a constant battle for me. My phone, with its endless notifications and fascinating internet rabbit holes, was a major distraction during my evenings.

I’d find myself scrolling through social media or watching one video after another on YouTube. Before I knew it, hours had passed and it was way past my bedtime. This not only messed up my sleep schedule but also hampered my productivity the next day.

That’s when I decided to unplug from technology every evening. I started by setting a digital curfew – no phone, tablets, or laptops for at least an hour before bedtime. It was tough at first, but gradually it became a part of my routine.

And the result? My sleep improved, and so did my focus and productivity during the day. More importantly, it helped me become more disciplined because I was taking control of my time and not letting technology dictate my evening activities.

3) Plan your next day

Think about the most successful people you know or have read about. One common trait you’ll find among them is that they don’t leave their success to chance. They plan for it.

Planning your next day the evening before can save you a lot of time and mental energy. Having a clear plan in place when you wake up means you can hit the ground running, instead of spending precious morning hours figuring out what to do.

People who plan their tasks a day ahead are more likely to accomplish them. It’s because when you have a plan, your brain can start preparing for those tasks even while you sleep.

So, spend a few minutes every evening planning out your tasks for the next day. It doesn’t have to be a detailed hour-by-hour schedule, just a clear idea of what needs to be done.

Planning your day ahead not only helps you stay organized and focused but also trains you in discipline. After all, discipline is all about sticking to the plan, even when you don’t feel like it.

4) Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness might seem like a buzzword these days, but it’s more than just a trend. It’s a practice that can significantly help you become more disciplined.

Mindfulness is about being present in the moment, fully aware of your thoughts, feelings, and actions. And when you’re mindful, you’re less likely to give in to distractions and more likely to stay focused on your goals.

Practicing mindfulness can be as simple as spending a few minutes each evening in quiet reflection. It could be meditating, journaling, or even just sitting quietly and focusing on your breath.

This practice not only helps you relax and unwind from the day’s stress but also trains your mind to stay focused and disciplined. And as you become more aware of your actions and thoughts, you’ll find it easier to make decisions that align with your discipline goals.

5) Get organized

A cluttered environment often leads to a cluttered mind. And let’s be honest, it’s tough to maintain discipline in chaos. That’s why it’s crucial to get organized.

Every evening, take a few minutes to tidy up your space. It could be your desk, your room, or any area where you spend a significant amount of time. Put things back where they belong, throw away any trash, and arrange your stuff in a way that makes sense to you.

Getting organized doesn’t just mean physical spaces, though. It’s equally important to organize your tasks and responsibilities. Make a to-do list for the next day or use an app to keep track of your tasks.

When you’re organized, you’re more likely to stay focused and less likely to get distracted. Plus, it’s easier to be disciplined when you know exactly what needs to be done and where everything is.

6) Practice gratitude

In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to lose sight of what really matters. We often focus on what we don’t have or what we haven’t achieved, and this can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction and frustration.

But there’s a simple practice that can change this perspective and help you become more disciplined: gratitude.

Every evening, take a moment to reflect on the good things in your life. It could be something as simple as a delicious meal, a kind word from a friend, or the beauty of the sunset. Write these things down in a gratitude journal.

Practicing gratitude not only helps you stay positive but also nurtures discipline. When you’re grateful for what you have, you’re more likely to stay focused on your goals and less likely to give in to distractions or instant gratification.

Gratitude reminds us that while it’s important to strive for better, it’s equally important to appreciate what we already have. And that can be a powerful motivation to stay disciplined.

7) Set realistic goals

I’ve always been a dreamer. I would set these grand, ambitious goals for myself, like writing a novel in a month or becoming fluent in a new language in just a few weeks. But more often than not, I would fall short of these goals, which led to feelings of disappointment and failure.

That’s when I realized the importance of setting realistic goals.

Setting unrealistic goals can be demotivating. When you constantly fall short of your expectations, it’s easy to get discouraged and give up. But when you set achievable goals, you’re more likely to stick with them and see them through to the end.

Every evening, think about what you want to achieve the next day. Break down your larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks that you can accomplish in a day. This will not only make your goals seem less daunting but also give you a sense of achievement at the end of each day.

8) Allow yourself some downtime

Discipline is often associated with rigidity, strict schedules, and no room for fun. But that’s not entirely true. In fact, allowing yourself some downtime every evening can actually help you become more disciplined.

It might seem contradictory, but having scheduled relaxation time can make you more productive. It gives your mind and body a chance to rest and recharge, so you’re ready to take on the next day’s tasks with renewed energy.

This doesn’t mean binge-watching your favorite show till late into the night. Instead, engage in activities that truly relax and rejuvenate you. It could be reading a book, listening to calming music, or simply enjoying a cup of tea.

Allowing yourself some downtime also helps you avoid burnout. When you’re constantly pushing yourself without taking breaks, it’s easy to lose motivation and discipline.

9) Reflect on your day

Reflection is a powerful tool in the journey to become more disciplined. It allows you to gain insights into your actions, behaviors, and habits.

Every evening, take a few minutes to reflect on your day. What tasks did you accomplish? Where did you face challenges? What could you have done differently?

This practice not only allows you to celebrate your wins, but also helps you identify areas of improvement. It’s an opportunity to learn from your mistakes and make better decisions in the future.

Reflection also encourages self-awareness, which is key to discipline. When you’re aware of your actions and their consequences, you’re more likely to stay focused on your goals and less likely to give in to distractions.

10) Prioritize sleep

Sleep often gets overlooked in discussions about discipline, but it’s crucial. Adequate sleep is the bedrock of good health, productivity, and yes, discipline.

When you’re well-rested, you’re more focused, more productive, and less likely to give in to distractions. On the other hand, when you’re tired, even simple tasks can seem daunting and maintaining discipline becomes a struggle.

So make sleep a priority. Establish a regular sleep schedule and stick to it, even on weekends. Create a relaxing bedtime routine that signals your body it’s time to rest.