Willpower. Self-control. Self discipline.  These are many names that all mean the same thing: having the mental strength and attitude to consciously do the things you know you must do; even when you don’t emotionally want to.

Higher willpower is associated with being happier, scoring higher on standardized tests and earning more money.  Willpower is also highly correlated with accomplishing personal goals.

What you may not know however, is that willpower is a resource that you can call upon – and at the same time, it is also a skill that you can  improve. 

Below are some of my favorite tips to help you in your self-discipline:

#1: Remove Temptation

Willpower is a limited resource – so don’t waste it.  Everytime you need to tell yourself “no” to a temptation in front of you, you slowly deplete your willpower – and it takes time to replenish. So whenever possible: remove the temptations from your life.

For example, if you know that you watch too much TV, and need to focus on a project for the next month – cancel your cable, or physically unplug your TV from the wall.  As a personal example, I know some people eat junk food if it is in the house – so best is to never keep any in your home.

#2: Stabilize Blood Sugar

Low blood sugar is associated with diminished self discipline.   Avoid eating sugary foods such as candy or high sugar drinks.  Of course, it is a bit of a catch 22 – it takes self discipline to avoid eating tasty, sugary foods to begin with!

#3: Sleep

Make sure you get enough of it.  Research has shown that the ability to maintain focus on tasks suffers due to lack of sleep.

#4: Enjoy Life

Positive emotional experiences replenish your self discipline reserve.   So throughout the day – take a few moments to enjoy your life

I love to take breaks and stretch, play guitar, swim and do other activities that inspire me – find what works for you.

#5: Avoid and Reduce Stress

Stress has shown to deplete self discipline.  Reducing commitments, breathing exercises, regular stretching, workouts, Reiki and Yoga has personally helped me reduce stress in my life.

#6: Have a Plan

Research shows that when your willpower starts getting depleted, having a plan and a goal you are chasing can help mitigate the effects of lowered willpower.

If you are finding it hard to stay on the path to create discipline, get coached to have a smart start.

In my ‘Lifestyle Tune-up- Mind and Body Program’, I take you step by step through how to dill in the gaps in your lifestyle and a create a customized plan and coach you to sttike the mind and body tune-up. This program is a combination of Reiki, Supplementations/Detox/Fatloss and Yoga/Exercise one-on- one sessions.

#7: Self Affirmations

Similar to positive emotional experiences, self affirmations have been shown to help replenish depleted willpower.Maintain a gratitude journal and daily write your gratitude affirmations in it.

We all can do it!

“Within each of us lies the power”