Self-discipline is an essential factor for productivity and success. Without it, we become lazy, unmotivated and dependent upon others. Lack of self-discipline also makes you one of 
those dreaded difficult-to-deal-with employee, boss or coworker. Exercising self-discipline means you need to know what must be done, when it must be done and then, as Nike says, "just do it". Good self-discipline includes a basic schedule or framework of what needs to be accomplished within a specific period of time. And, remember from my previous post, you can't allow yourself to become sidetracked or to procrastinate. Something to keep in mind, though, is being too rigid does not increase productivity. It can even lessen it. If you do not allow yourself any breaks throughout the workday or any room for error, the expectations you are placing on yourself are too rigid. Instead of getting more done, or doing more in a shorter period of time, it can cause you to become frustrated with your tasks and your job. Take a few minutes to just breathe. If you learned self-discipline early in life, it's probably just a part of you and isn't difficult at all. On the other hand, if you haven't yet developed these skills, this is a good time to develop the habit. You may have managed to slide through your early years without a good sense of self-discipline, but it will be a stumbling-block to your career. A good way to start cultivating self-discipline is to acknowledge what you are responsible for. You can begin by holding yourself accountable for getting the job done correctly and on time. If this is a relatively new concept for you, you also need to acknowledge that errors do occur and be able to fix them immediately. Exercising self-discipline also includes not allowing yourself to be sidetracked by time-wasting distractions and activities. While you may need (and deserve) a little break during your workday, it cannot throw you off-course from getting the job done. When you have developed the habit of self-discipline, completing tasks will be easier. They will be done well and on time. It will increase your productivity and help you to move that much closer to success. Here's the links to my previous blog posts on this topic:
- You Can't Play the Game if You Don't Know the Rules - http://real-estate-support.com/2012/10/you-cant-play-the-game-if-you-dont-know-the-rules/
- Bright Shiny Thing! Squirrel! Reducing Distractions to Get More Done - http://real-estate-support.com/2012/10/bright-shiny-thing-squirrel-reducing-distractions-to-get-more-done/
- Eat Your Sweet Potatoes or no Dessert! What Should You do First? - http://real-estate-support.com/2012/10/eat-your-sweet-potatoes-or-no-dessert-what-should-you-do-first/
How do you exercise self-discipline? What strategies do you use that are most helpful to you?
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