How do I increase discipline to where I can reach goals and finish tasks I have planned?

I want to do great things, and I’ve tried to take the right steps. Sometimes, though, I do the wrong thing or move from that path and it stops progress. It feels like two steps forward one step back if not two steps back. I was a high achiever when I was younger. I’d like to feel like that again, and I know I can. I just think I need a little help.
Asked by Lucas
Answered
11/09/2022

Hi there! Thank you for reaching out for support. I want to encourage you for taking this step, as I know that can be a scary thing to do. I want to preface this answer by saying that I am only given a certain amount of information from you. If we were meeting for a session, I would want to ask clarifying questions and gather more information from you so that I could give more feedback. Therefore, I apologize if I have misunderstood anything that you have disclosed here.

First of all, I have to commend you for saying that you want to do "great things". It sounds like you are feeling motivated in your life, but I would want to know more about what "great things" really mean to you. Each person has different goals in life, and I would encourage you to try to break down your goals and what classifies as a great thing in your life. I know it can be discouraging when we make mistakes or take steps back from the plan. But, I want to also normalize this for you and let you know that you are not alone in this! Unfortunately, nobody is perfect, even if we do try to be! It sounds like you are describing that you value high achievement and that you especially valued this when you were younger. That is such a great thing, and even if you have made mistakes, it doesn't mean that you don't value high achievement still.

I would encourage you to reflect on what has gotten in the way of motivation lately. Often times, there are underlying reasons for a decrease in motivation or discipline. It is so important to recognize what those reasons are. I would encourage you to work through this with a therapist/mental health professional if you have access to one. I will provide some suggestions for increasing motivation and/or discipline, though. One way you could increase discipline is to establish a daily routine if you do not have one yet. I would encourage you to establish a set wake-up time so that you can hit the ground running at a consistent time each day. I would also encourage you to establish a set bedtime to get a healthy amount of sleep each night. It is amazing how much a clear and healthy sleep routine can help with motivation and discipline. I would also encourage you to find time for breaks during the day so that you can have a moment to take a step back during work or school. Breaks can really help with motivation so that you can avoid burning out during the day. It is also important to have healthy coping skills and tools that help with avoiding burn out. What are some things you enjoy doing for fun or for stress relief? Examples are exercise, dancing, painting, reading, etc. These can help get you back on track when you are feeling tired.

I would also encourage you to think about what your long-term goals are for you life - where do you see yourself in one year, five years, ten years? Now, what are the shorter term goals that you can work on right now? What do you want to accomplish this week, this month, and in three months? Try to break it down so that it is more realistic and manageable for you. This can really help with motivation, since it can decrease feeling overwhelmed. I would also encourage you to listen to motivating podcasts/audio books that are focused on building positive habits and discipline. You can listen to these while you are working, studying, or exercising. Also, don't be afraid to lean on your supports in your life when you are feeling unmotivated. I would encourage you to think of someone who motivates you to do your best and maybe use them for feedback if needed.

I want to thank you again for reaching out for support today. I hope this was helpful, and I hope that you are able to establish more discipline in your life like you want to!

Warm regards.

(LCSW)