7 Easy Steps To Becoming A More Disciplined Person

“People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore correction will go astray.” ~Proverbs 10:17

Nobody is born a naturally disciplined person. Becoming a disciplined person is something that is learned, and is one of the most beneficial habits you can establish. It is also one of the most difficult.

Discipline is “the suppression of base desires, and is usually understood to be synonymous with restraint and self-control.”

Since a person of discipline will be one of self-control, dignity, discretion, poise, balance, stability and strength of character, it is especially important for a Christian to strive for such a pattern of living. Nurturing such a life honors God.

The opposite is true as well. As Proverbs 25:28 states, “A person without self-control is as defenseless as a city with broken down walls.” What this means is that a life with a lack of discipline will be one of instability, giving an opening for the enemy.

God wants you to be self restrained because He knows how critical it is to all areas of your life, especially in your walk with Him. Living a disciplined life moves you towards all that God has planned for you. However, it can seem like an overwhelming task to accomplish.

Here are seven easy steps to help you become a more disciplined person:

1. Make the decision.

The very first step in becoming a disciplined person is to want it. You must desire structure in your life. This is possibly the hardest step because it can take time before you realize your need to live a life that is organized and productive.

Tell yourself that you will not make any more excuses.  As Michael Hyatt says, “Discipline is not really about will-power so much as it is focusing on what you really want. If you get clear on that, it suddenly becomes much easier.”

2.  Believe in yourself.

Once you make the commitment to intentionally work towards becoming a more organized and self-controlled person, be confident that you can accomplish this goal. This is a very important step, because if you don’t trust that you can live this way, you will fail.

Be willing to push yourself out of your comfort zone and imagine yourself successful.

3. Set up rewards and consequences for yourself.

It is helpful to set up practical ways to reach your intention of becoming a disciplined person. For example, setting a timer for each hour of the day to improve your time management can be very helpful.

For many, it is easier to be disciplined when you have the end goal in mind. Often the discouragement comes when there’s no quick reward. Therefore, create a reward system for yourself that’s realistic for you.

Be good to yourself and reward yourself when you accomplish even a small goal. For example, let’s say you’re working on being a better steward of your money. At the end of the week of staying within your budget, allow yourself a $5 treat.

4.  Start by practicing self-control in more manageable areas of life.

Since being a disciplined person affects all areas of your life, it may be easier to regulate a secondary area of your life first. For example, let’s say you’re a student and need more discipline in managing your studying time. You could start practicing self control with another area of your life first, like giving up soda. Starting small by working on an area that feels more manageable will build your self confidence.

As you practice self control in one part of your life, you will learn to become more disciplined in other areas.

5. Be aware of distractions/temptations.

Awareness is an important key when forming any habit. You must be alert to the fiery darts of the enemy that come through distractions and/or temptations. Learn which boundaries to make for yourself.

For me, my cell phone can be a big source of interference. Therefore, I have to physically put it away when I am working on a project and/or having quiet time with the Lord.

As a follower of Christ, be wise to the spiritual battles you face daily. It’s easier to resist interruptions when you are more observant of how the enemy may be attempting to discourage you.

6. Ask God and others to support you.

Having a support network is of great value when building new habits. Make sure to have accountability in your life. Ask God, friends and family members for encouragement to achieve your goal of becoming a disciplined person.

7. Extend grace to yourself when you fail, and start again.

I love what Henry Ford says, “Failure is only the opportunity to begin again, only this time more wisely.” When you fail, don’t give up. Pick yourself up and start again.

Learning to become a disciplined person is challenging for sure. You have to learn to deny yourself and say no to things. It will feel uncomfortable at first, but that’s only because you are working on transforming your character, and this type of change is always hard.

Like everything in life, the more you practice, the better you will be.

I encourage you to keep pushing yourself to persevere until you become an organized, structured and self controlled person. You will honor God through refining your character in this way, and you will reap the benefits of being a more fulfilled and satisfied person.

As you work on developing the habit of being a disciplined person, you will find that you can achieve more in life, have more peace and also draw closer to God’s plans for you.

May you live to please your Heavenly Father, and allow Him to be your strength and guide to becoming all that He created you to be.

Please feel free to share with me in a comment below which area in your life you need to be more disciplined with.

“No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.” ~ Hebrews 12:11