Understanding Discipline: A Fresh Perspective

Discipline can pose a unique challenge for solopreneurs, often more so than for other professionals. While we may not be entirely isolated thanks to online communities, the day-to-day reality is one of solitude. This solitude can lead to procrastination, stress, and exhaustion, making it easy to abandon commitments for trivial reasons driven by our subconscious.

You might feel like the world is conspiring against you, but rest assured, you’re not alone. Together, we can unlock the power of discipline and enhance your productivity.

“Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want most.” — Abraham Lincoln

The Four Pillars of Discipline: Which One Challenges You?

Our understanding of discipline often stems from our childhood experiences. However, rather than blaming our upbringing, we must recognize that we possess the power to transform our habits. By identifying specific areas where discipline eludes us, we can gain awareness and take actionable steps toward improvement.

#### Step #1: Choices

“Teaching children how to make choices early in their lives is one of the best gifts parents can give, because the earlier children learn to be responsible for their choices, the more likely they are to make responsible decisions later in life.” — Christian Conte, PhD

My own upbringing involved a mix of freedom and control, which made my transition to solopreneurship difficult. Initially, I struggled to define the rules for myself. However, with time, I learned to separate the creator of rules from the follower, embracing creativity and self-awareness in the process.

Who are you when it comes to making choices? Are you the indecisive one, or the one who struggles to act on decisions?

#### Step #2: Consequences

“If people know that an unwanted consequence will follow, they’ll be significantly less likely to perform that action.” — Christian Conte, PhD

As solopreneurs, we lack external accountability, making it easy to neglect our commitments. While the common advice suggests creating a "bigger vision," I found success in focusing on smaller, specific desires that felt immediate and achievable. For example, completing my articles could lead to a rewarding trip or valuable time with family.

These tangible wants are more motivating than distant visions.

#### Step #3: Consistency

“Parents start off having a tremendous amount of credibility with their children. However, if parents don’t follow through, they begin to lose credibility.” — Christian Conte, PhD

We can lose credibility with ourselves too. Breaking promises diminishes our self-belief and confidence. The key to reversing this cycle is honesty. If you’re too tired to work, allow yourself to rest. However, when you can push through, do so. Making consistency a habit is crucial for maintaining discipline.

#### Step #4: Compassion

“If we want to raise compassionate children, we must always act out of compassion.” — Christian Conte, PhD

As solopreneurs, we face a steep learning curve. When mistakes happen, approach them with kindness and a desire to learn rather than self-blame. Understanding the psychology behind successful solopreneurs can guide us toward improvement.

How I Simplified Discipline

Let me share some practical strategies that helped me build a successful online business while managing family responsibilities:

• Break Tasks into Tiny Steps: Tackle smaller actions to reduce procrastination. Instead of “Write a newsletter,” focus on “Generate an idea for the newsletter.”
• Just Start: Initiate tasks, even if it's just a small effort. Often, starting leads to continued progress.
• Surround Yourself with Positivity: Look for relatable success stories to inspire you rather than feeling overwhelmed by those who are far ahead.
• Manage Your Emotions: Recognize that the journey of solopreneurship has ups and downs. Regulate your emotions to avoid letting temporary setbacks derail your progress.
• Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses: Identify areas where you excel and those where you struggle. Focus on non-negotiable tasks while allowing flexibility in others.

Rethinking Willpower

“Success is 80% psychology and 20% strategy.” — Tony Robbins

It’s essential to shift your perspective on willpower. If you perceive it as limited, you may struggle to push past those boundaries. Instead, adopt a mindset of unlimited willpower.

Ask yourself, “What would a world where this is achievable look like?” This question can unlock your potential by encouraging creative thinking.

If you seek guidance in launching or expanding your solo business, consider subscribing to the One-Person Business Success newsletter for support.

The first video, Ryan Holiday: The Art of Self-Discipline, delves into the foundational principles of self-discipline, offering insights on how to cultivate resilience and perseverance in your daily life.

The second video, How to Become Disciplined: Motivation, Self-Concept, and Finding the Fun | Being Well, presents strategies for building discipline through motivation and a positive self-concept, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the process.