Why is self-discipline at work important? How do I improve it?

Do you struggle finding the motivation to get your work done?

Perhaps you find yourself unable to focus at work and pulled away by all the distractions of life?

We all can find self-discipline difficult at times. This is where understanding its benefits and developing strong habits can help!

Self-discipline can set you apart! It is an essential skill for you to succeed professionally.

Consider these key ideas when understanding why to self-discipline is important at work:

• Creates self-esteem — If you decide to have the discipline to stick with your diet and fitness schedule, and you start seeing the results, this will provide great self-esteem and prove to yourself. You can do it!

• Makes you accountable — Setting goals and meeting those goals, even when no one is watching, proves that you're accountable for your own actions.

• Helps you make decisions — Faced with the choice to stay out late with friends or go to bed early because you have a busy day of meetings, the choice becomes easier to stay in to be better prepared for day ahead.

• Reduces anxiety — Meeting deadlines and keeping projects on track keeps you calmer and reduces unneeded anxiety.

• Builds a healthier, more productive life — Managing your time, your schedule, and your focus all carry over to a healthier, more productive version of yourself.

  

• Responsibility: Do you take ownership for actions such as getting to work on time and fulfilling your job tasks? These both show you're responsible.

• Work ethic: A person with a work ethic does the work, even the mundane tasks. Is there one task you dread the most during your work day? Try doing it first. You'll feel accomplished and have a more productive day!

  

• Persistence: Think of this as endurance, such as motivating yourself to work through a longer project or through a longer shift.

• Self-care: Take time for you! Those who practice self-care show more self-discipline. Walk away from your desk, take a walk around the block, and do whatever you need to do to care for yourself.

• Minimize distractions: We all know how many distractions we can face in a day. Is your phone the culprit? Try putting it in another room or putting it on silent mode. Identify what your distraction is and make a plan to diminish the distraction.

• Avoid multi-tasking: By multi-tasking, you're splitting your focus. Concentrate on one task at a time — for example, don't check your email while attending a team meeting.

• Take breaks: Be aware that your body and mind need breaks from focus time. Building in breaks allows you to more easily become re-focused. Walk away from your work and spend time in nature. Find what helps you reset.

• Set goals and rewards: Set daily goals and S.M.A.R.T. goals. Practice writing out your tasks and goals each day. Reward yourself when meeting those goals.

Self-discipline can = success!

• Success is about habits, not will power.

• Success means consistent habits, showing up even when you don't feel like it!

• Success means saying no to the things that hold you back.

Check out this short video for insights!

Samantha has been working on improving her self-discipline. What scenario would best fit her goal?

A. Working through lunch to show her boss her productivity.

B. Responding to emails while listening to the department's weekly report.

C. Setting a daily task list in her planner at the beginning of the day.

D. Uploading her latest video to TikTok while her computer is updating.