To the One Who Needs Discipline
I have a question. Why is it so hard to get focused and remained disciplined?
I've often heard the saying "if you knew better, then you'd do better" in reference to some negative behavior that a person needs to change. Is this statement really true though? How often have you continued patterns and behaviors that no longer serve you because they are convenient, cheap, or familiar? How many times have you told yourself that you need to do better in a particular area, but failed to actually but actions behind these thoughts? I know I'm guilty of this every single day. I recognize areas in my life that need to be changed, set goals, and stick to my new routine for about a week. One unexpected thing comes up during the next week, throws off my plans, and my new routine goes out the window as I slip back into old habits.
Since you are on this journey with me to become the best versions of who God created you to be, I challenge you to think about areas in your life where you are not disciplined. I’ll go first. To be honest, I could be better at saving, exercising, meal prepping, being punctual, and spending intentional time with God. How are we supposed to remain disciplined when we lack motivation and life is constantly throwing us curve balls? Motivation can come and go but discipline is a practice. So here are some things to consider.
Remember that we are created for a higher purpose much bigger than ourselves. Who or what in your life will change for the better as a result of you being disciplined?
Identify your why. I think a lot of us go through life simply going through the motions. We don't really know why we are doing the things that we do. Remember that we are created for a higher purpose much bigger than ourselves. Who or what in your life will change for the better as a result of you being disciplined? Write your "why" down or even post it somewhere that you can visually see it often. This is another way to stay focused on your goals even when you lack motivation.
Remember the hurt. Remember the times that it hurt to not practice discipline. Remember the heartbreak from entertaining people who were not meant for your journey. Remember the times that you can't get back. Remember how difficult it was to pay off a debt. Think about how long it takes your body to recover after eating that food that you're not supposed to have. Reflecting helps us use wisdom and do better.
Life is not all or nothing. Sometimes initiating change can be really scary. I can get overwhelmed with all of the details and things that I have to do to accomplish that I end up not doing anything at all. I'm starting to learn that breaking things down so that I can accomplish a little at a time is a game changer. It builds confidence and trust in my ability to handle the situation. It's okay if you can't complete an hour workout after work; start with 15 minutes. Meal prep just one meal for the week instead of every meal initially. If you can find 10 minutes out of your day to read the Bible and talk to God, that is better than nothing. Done is better than perfect. Start somewhere. Use what you have.
This is insanity. Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result is INSANITY. No one is stopping you from being where you want to be in life. You have the power to create your own life and to manifest every part of it. Manifesting isn't passive. This is a Kingdom principle that whatever a man sows he will reap. If you sow disbelief, inconsistency, and fickleness, then you can't complain about the harvest that you reap.
Freedom. Having the ability to be free from yourself should be a life goal. The better you are at not listening to everything your flesh tells you to do, brings you closer to the person God created you to be. We know that having discipline can lead to great rewards here on earth, but it can also lead to eternal rewards that can never be taken away from you. I believe that you're storing up treasure in Heaven that you won't have room enough to receive. I truly believe that for you!
Done is better than perfect. Start somewhere. Use what you have.
This week let's set intentions to really identify areas in our lives that lack discipline. Ask God in prayer to show you your blind spots. Surrender those areas to God and ask Him to help you come up with a game plan to execute all of them. Identify your why behind you goals and do one thing every day to reach them. Give yourself grace this week & take care of you.
