ESTABLISH YOUR VISION

You cannot practice self-discipline without a vision, making this step one in your process. So often we have dreams for our lives, but we never define the steps to get there. A vision allows you to clearly define what you want and how you are going to get there. Remember that self-discipline is the bridge between your goals and actually achieving them.

NAME YOUR EXCUSES

Excuses are your mind's defense system against discipline. Our brains are wired to keep us within our comfort zones. We all have a common line of excuses that arise internally whenever we are stepping outside of our comfort zone. In relation to this challenge, you might tell yourself that you don't need a routine, don't have time for one or are traveling and are going to skip a few days. Excuses are inevitable, but how you respond to them is in your control. We challenge you to actually write them down. Journaling is an effective way to face your subconscious and process the destructive feelings that we store inside. Take a moment to respond to this prompt: What are the excuses that I continue to tell myself that are preventing me from becoming the person that I know I can be? And then below each excuse, list out a self affirmation and a solution to combat that problem. Make sure that the solution is feasible and supportive so that you don't create a new excuse for it. An example could be –

( Excuse ): I'm traveling and don't have time for my routine

( Affirmation ): I am the person that I am becoming no matter where I am or what my schedule is. I am her now.

( Solution ): When traveling, I will do a condensed version of my routine to keep my commitment to myself, feel fulfilled and stay on the path of the growth that is allowing me to be the person that I want to be.

By bringing your excuses to the forefront, you can more easily identify them when they arise and decide right then to make a change towards the you that you are becoming.

DETERMINE YOUR WHY

This is the perfect tool to combat your excuses. Your why creates a deeper sense of purpose than the present moment. By getting to the emotional root of why you are taking time out of your day to create space for a routine will allow you to ground back to your higher purpose when your mind is telling you not to. Write down your why and stick it to your mirror or write it on the first page of your journal to constantly remind yourself that your temporary discomfort in the present moment is proof of the change you are making.

CREATE SUPPORTIVE RITUALS

Defining rituals that genuinely support the growth that you are growing towards is crucial in developing strong habits. Your daily rituals that will soon become habits need to be actions that you look forward to in your day. Yes, there will be many times where your mind tells you excuses of why you shouldn't do them, but being able to come back to the support that they provide serves as your why in itself. Refer back to your vision and ensure that your rituals are allowing you to make small steps that are leading you towards your dream self. Remember that discipline is consistency and to let go of rigid restrictions that are playing into your excuses. Consistency is better than perfection.

AFFIRM WITH GRATITUDE

Gratitude and affirmations are proven to produce serotonin which allows us to associate our current actions with positive feelings.This is why every entry page in your Routine Journal has a space for a self affirmation as well as a list of three things you are grateful for. The combination of these two positive powerhouses are the supportive foundation for discipline. Whether you are recording your gratitude in your journaling session or using a self affirmation to combat an excuse, remember that these tools are essential to your discipline practice.