Self-discipline is the ability to pursue what one thinks is right despite temptations to abandon it. It’s an acquired skill that also gives us the ability to overcome our negative impulses. Self discipline requires turning down instant rewards of pleasure. Our body and society is wired for INSTANT GRATIFICATION.

Let me explain. A 5-year-old kid wants a piece of candy and he wants it right now. This is an example of instant gratification. He cries and cries until he gets his candy.

This is also an example of the PLEASURE PRINCIPLE as described by famed psychoanalyst Sigmond Freud. The pleasure principle strives to fulfill our most basic and primitive urges, including hunger, thirst, anger, and sex. When these needs are not met, the result is a state of anxiety or tension. The small child does not have to go through any real effort to get what he wants. The 5-year-old kid is just immature. He does not realize that when he gets older he will have to make money to get that candy. The point is that you have to work and apply yourself to succeed and get what you want. Nobody is going to give it to you, no matter how hard you cry.

• Find your weaknesses and identify them.
• Remove those things that cause temptation.
• Don’t wait. JUST DO IT.
• Set realistic goals for removing temptations.
• THE 21/90 RULE. 21 days to become a habit and 90 days for a lifestyle.
• THE 3-5-10 goal technique. Where you want to be in 3,5, and 10 years.
• Make changes in moderation.
• Set Alarms and whatever tools necessary that will hold you accountable.
• Use reward systems to reward yourself for using self discipline.