The key to attaining goals is to be SELF DISCIPLINED, but how do we achieve self discipline, especially in the busy, noise filled world we live in? Here are some tips to help you:

The first thing you need to do is to WRITE DOWN goals that you want to achieve… Have a vision for what you want to achieve; Don’t just say “I want to lose weight,” or “I want to save money.” Be specific – I want to lose 10 lbs by December 31, or I want to have $1000 saved by the end of the year. Specific goals are easier to achieve than vague goals.

Next, focus on what you want to achieve. For example, if you want to lose 10 lbs by December 31, put your energy into that. When those cupcakes come into the break room at work – remind yourself to focus on the end goal. Is a moment’s satisfaction worth acting on that impulse to eat the cupcake or buy that cappuccino? To help with you focus, you can do things like hang motivational pictures on your wall, on your computer at work, post motivation quotes where you can see them. By having these visual cues/reminders, you can also keep yourself motivated when nothing is changing – “stay the course” or “don’t give up,” could be your motto.

Commit to learning from others who have achieved what you are trying to achieve, through reading books, listening to podcasts, meeting and spending time with like minded friends/acquaintances etc. Commit to one of these activities at least 20 mins per day.

Limit/eliminate distractions. One of my biggest distractions is my PHONE – checking/responding to emails/txts, looking at social media, looking up stuff on internet and getting lost in the sea of information and links, upon links… etc. There may be other distractions, such as people in our life, or even your children. Certain things and people in your life can’t be neglected, but if you don’t also take care of yourself, you won’t be able to take care of those other precious people that God has entrusted to your care.

Create a daily routine. Having a daily routine, will help you establish habits. A study conducted by Dr. Maxwell Maltz, showed that it takes a minimum of 21 days to establish a new habit; for some it could be longer, but the aim is to DO SOMETHING. I do know that nothing will change, if you continue to do the same things every day. You have power in that regard. Embrace it!

If you would like some help with accomplishing goals and learning to be more disciplined in your life, please call us at Christian Counseling of Arkansas 870-935-4102

Rita Dickson, LPC