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Self-Discipline for a future Fitness Instructor
Frosty the Snow Plow
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
Bottom-lined, I want to be able to get shit done regardless of my emotional state. Be able to make a conscious decision and carry through with it very reliably. Remarkable self-discipline/control, basically.
I'm not remarkably inept at it, but I've been seriously fascinated with the idea of becoming a fitness instructor for some time now. While areas of that job are wonderfully natural fits for me, my self-motivation and discipline, currently, aren't, an area I imagine to be a huge crux of being a useful fitness instructor. I would think that would be grounds for not considering the job, but write-ups about the subject give me the impression that self-discipline is a very malleable and improvable thing.
It's sort of a weird thing to ask, but H/A, how would one go about developing a stronger self-discipline?
I'm not remarkably inept at it, but I've been seriously fascinated with the idea of becoming a fitness instructor for some time now. While areas of that job are wonderfully natural fits for me, my self-motivation and discipline, currently, aren't, an area I imagine to be a huge crux of being a useful fitness instructor. I would think that would be grounds for not considering the job, but write-ups about the subject give me the impression that self-discipline is a very malleable and improvable thing.
It's sort of a weird thing to ask, but H/A, how would one go about developing a stronger self-discipline?
Frosty the Snow Plow on
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There are 2 systems which cover the broadest possible solutions for a basic starting point.
The first is the nike way. JUST DO IT. Power through; get it done; go; go; don't stop. Trust that what you are doing is right, feel you must do it or you'll be a failure, force yourself.
This method can be useful to people but I don't personally like it. It may seem like this is just saying "raw willpower and motivation are the key" but it is very different from the second system I will present.
The second system is active self-reflection. Basically look at the action you want to do (exercise, practice, eating right, job performance, networking).
Then make a list of the behaviors and motivations which are holding you back from performing the action at peak performance or at all (emotional state?). A basic list would be a good start but a journal focused around this area would be best and may bring new blocks to your actions.
Then you have to find solutions to these specific problems. Sometimes you might be able to do it yourself (buy a watch, get a calendar) but you should always look for help from friends, family and professional help.
This type of self improvement is difficult and unfortunately very hard to start if your not self-motivated in the first place.
Do not listen to anyone who tells you that self-discipline is easy to accomplish. Most people who have self-discipline had it instilled throughout their ENTIRE CHILDHOOD and/or adulthood.
On the other hand many people sell self-help crap that is often just repackaged psyco-babble.
If you have specific areas that need improvement or blocks to that improvement it would be helpful to have those so more specific remedies could be offered.
Lastly just starting a routine to test your levels of self-discipline may be useful.
I did get the vague sense writing the OP that I was asking something a lot more ethereal than "What's some good trance music?"
Concerning self-help type things...I have a natural aversion for that kind of stuff. Partly why Google can't offer clarity this time. Maybe "very" malleable wasn't the right phrasing, but, it's something I feel deeply needs to be done. As a lifestyle-governing sort of adaption.
There is another aspect I've already worked in, eliminating temptations beforehand, which has done me wonders in the last half-year, from eating healthy to minimalizing distractions. My room used to be it's own entertainment center. Now it's somewhat more akin to an office. Your two described methods don't sound mutually exclusive. JUST DO IT sounds like a good old willpower hit, which you could engineer into the second?
And yeah, routine. That's...one I just realized I usually ignore. :? As good as I am with controlling the environment I'm in, I love to wake up with the day itself as loosely-defined as possible. Still, that shouldn't mean not waking up at a consistent time (and not during the daytime). Hm.
On the other hand, regularly denying yourself or forcing yourself to do something you dont want to do makes you better able to be disciplined.
Self-discipline is a practice - there's no trick to it, you just do it and slowly it becomes easier.
A word of advice: don't be too hard on yourself. I have the somewhat opposite problem of going overboard with my self-discipline, which generally just means I really miss those beer and cookies and then feel guilty when I have some. Just make a conscious decision of what you want to do, and then do it. You don't need to live like a monk, and if you do have a lapse of discipline learn from it and then move on.