Will Power And Self Discipline

We often look up to individuals who have managed to achieve some measure of success in life - people who have excelled in their chosen field, attained a high level of financial independence, managed to achieve their ideal weight, learnt new skills, overcome great hardship, or made their dreams come true.

We admire and respect these people, and marvel at the high level of will power and self-discipline it must require for them to achieve those goals.

The fact is, the will power and self-discipline they possess is nothing marvellous or fascinating. Their inner strength is not inborn or exceptional, and anyone can attain a high level of will power and self-discipline through an uncomplicated process of training.

Will power is the courage to make a certain decision, and stick to it, regardless of any internal or external opposition or difficulties. It is the ability to carry a chosen task from conceptualisation to fruition regardless of how uncomfortable, painful or unnerving it might be.

Self-discipline involves rejecting or postponing a short-term gratification in favour of something more beneficial in the long run. It is the strength to stick to certain thoughts, actions and behaviour that lead to the betterment of the self in some way - physically, mentally, academically or spiritually.

One of the simplest and most effective ways of cultivating will power and self-discipline in daily life is by refusing to satisfy damaging or unnecessary desires.

Try waking up half an hour earlier to do crunches. Fight off the urge to drink a soft drink or an iced latte and drink water instead. Take the stairs instead of the lift. Stop doing things to help you sleep, like reading, talking on the phone or drinking alcohol. When people offer you chocolate, cake or ice-cream, politely say no.

These simple exercises help you develop your will power and self-discipline. Over time, you'll find you have more control over your life, are more focused and alert, and are better able to achieve your goals in life.