Self-discipline is one of the most critical life skills to learn for those just starting out in life (and everyone else!).

First and foremost, how do you get motivated to begin? Most of us don’t want to consider our lack of discipline, let alone taking a series of steps to address it.

• Begin by taking small steps to improve things.
• Do the things that cause you the least amount of pain.
• Push yourself to a point of frustration so that you can improve over time.
• With some practice, you can improve your self-discipline.

1. Desire to serve others — if you improve your exercise or healthy eating habits, for example, you can assist your elderly parents in doing so. You will support more people with that meaningful job if you get better at not procrastinating on your life’s work. More on this in the segment below titled “Focus on Others.”
2. Appreciating life — we only have a short time on this planet, and each day is a gift. We are not completely appreciating the blessing we have when we procrastinate and give in to constant distractions, failing to make the most of our time. Instead, we will value it by being present, thankful, and deliberate about how we spend our time.