Improving focus and self-discipline is something that many of us aspire to do, but it’s not always easy. The good news is that there are a few simple things we can do to get started on this journey. I talked about self-discipline earlier in one of my blog posts as well but this is a fresh take on the subject.
It’s not always easy, but it’s definitely worth it.
Following are 5 steps to improve your focus and self-discipline in life:
- Start your day with a positive affirmation
- Create a daily routine and stick to it
- Take breaks often, but make sure they’re short and productive
- Avoid distractions as much as possible
- Practice self-compassion when you mess up
Start your day with a positive affirmation
When you wake up in the morning, do you take a moment to set the tone for your day? If not, you might want to consider starting your day with a positive affirmation. By taking a few moments to focus on what you want to achieve that day, you can start your day with a positive mindset that will help you reach your goals. For centuries, people from many different cultures have used affirmations as part of their morning routine. Hindus begin their day with prayer, while many Muslims use wake-up calls to recite verses from the Quran. Oprah Winfrey is known for her practice of starting each day by saying, “I wake up every morning and I say to myself, ‘I’m going to have a great day today.'” Whatever form it takes, setting intentions for the day can help you stay focused and motivated. So why not give it a try? You might be surprised at how much difference it makes.
“Self-discipline is what separates the winners and the losers.”
– Thomas Peterffy
Create a daily routine and stick to it
A daily routine can help you to focus and be more productive. It can also provide motivation by breaking up the day into manageable tasks.
Creating a daily routine is simple and easy. First, decide what you need to accomplish each day. Then, create a schedule and make sure to be time bound. This means setting deadlines for each task so that you stay on track.
Sticking to your daily routine can be challenging at first, but it will become easier with time. Focus on your goals and remember why you created the routine in the first place. If you need some extra motivation, track your progress or give yourself a reward once you complete your tasks. Soon enough, following a daily routine will become second nature.
Take breaks often, but make sure they’re short and productive
It is important to take breaks often, but it is just as important to make sure that those breaks are short and productive. One way to do this is to avoid looking at your phone or other electronic devices during your break. Not only will this help you to avoid getting distracted by notifications, but it will also help you to relax and clear your mind. Another way to make sure your break is productive is to do something calming, such as deep breathing or reading. Taking a few minutes to relax and de-stress can help you to feel refreshed and ready to work when you return to your task. By taking short, productive breaks, you can improve your focus and maintain a high level of productivity throughout the day.
Avoid distractions as much as possible
In today’s world, it’s more important than ever to avoid distractions. With social media and the 24-hour news cycle, it’s easy to get pulled away from what’s really important. That’s why it’s important to set boundaries and say no to things that don’t serve you. When you’re with your family, be present and avoid looking at your phone. At work, avoid getting pulled into personal conversations or browsing the internet. And in general, try to be respectful of other people’s time and attention by avoiding distractions as much as possible. By doing so, you’ll be able to focus on what’s truly important and avoid missing out on the good stuff.
Practice self-compassion when you mess up
“I see my upbringing as a great success story. By disciplining me, my parents inculcated self-discipline. And by restricting my choices as a child, they gave me so many choices in my life as an adult. Because of what they did then, I get to do the work I love now.”
Amy Chua
It’s inevitable that we’ll make mistakes in life. We’re human, after all. But it’s how we react to our mistakes that really matters. Do we beat ourselves up and wallow in self-pity? Or do we practice self-compassion and move on? Oprah Winfrey once said, “Be easy on yourself. The moment you start criticizing yourself, you’re stops progressing.” And she’s right. When we’re too hard on ourselves, we get stuck in a negative spiral of self-doubt and negative thinking. This can be incredibly damaging to our mental and emotional well-being. Instead, we should cut ourselves some slack and be gentle with ourselves when we make mistakes. After all, we’re only human. And messing up is part of being human. So the next time you screw up, be easy on yourself. Practice some self-compassion and then move on. You’ll be better off for it in the long run.
Starting your day off with a positive affirmation can set the tone for the rest of your day and help you avoid distractions. Create a daily routine and stick to it as much as possible. Take breaks often, but make sure they’re short and productive. Lastly, practice self-compassion when you mess up – we all do it! What steps are you taking to improve focus and self-discipline? Is it part of your 2023 New year resolution? Let me know in comments below!