What on earth happened? That’s a question I’ve been asking myself here of late. Why have I fallen off track yet again? What distractions have I allowed to come in and take presidence over what matters most to me (as it relates to my journey) such as working out DAILY, eating healthy, and blogging consistently? When and how did my life spiral out of control?
The search for an answer led me to this conclusion: there’s a lack of discipline that has taken over. Keep in mind just a few short months ago discipline was apart of my life and when it was I was getting things done!
- It took discipline to get myself started and keep myself going with a 30 day “no excuse” exercise challenge.
- It took discipline to exercise 5-6 times a week for over a year.
- It took discipline to blog every day straight for 365+ days regardless of my crazy schedule.
- It took discipline to set goals and accomplish them one by one.
“Discipline without direction is drudgery”
What this suggest to me is that somewhere along the way I lost my focus. I’ve allowed the distractions of life to knock me off my game. What was once something I enjoyed doing has been replaced with other forms of fun and entertainment (which unfortunately involves food and a lot of it The things which once provided satisfaction and enjoyment have somehow become a chore or an obligation. Anything approached from that standpoint doesn’t motivate me to keep moving forward. So the first thing I need to do is change my approach and get back to enjoying the process.
I want to start living a disciplined life again. Not a stiff or boring or inflexible life, but one that has some structure, direction, focus and balance. I’ve been teaching a class called “Losing Weight Permanently”based on the book by the same title. One of the recent lessons highlighted seven disciplines to be considered that will help you stay on course:
- Let discipline start at home
- Discipline your priorities
- Discipline your nerves
- Discipline your follow through
- Discipline your time
- Discipline yourself to “what is”
- Discipline your disciplines
As I read through the thoughts shared by the author I thought I’d like to expound on these points and share them on my blog. Thus a seven part discipline series was born.
I don’t know about you but I need a reboot. I live a very busy life (who doesn’t) and if I am going to accomplish anything I need to build in some discipline. If not I will continue spiraling back down the path from which I’ve come and I refuse to wake up to find that I’m back at 347lbs. Nope, not gonna let that happen.
Your Turn To Share
What disciplines have you built into your life that have led to weight lose success?
Ana says
I always like to have a program to follow. If I just try being healthy, it doesn’t seem to work so well, even though I know what healthy is (or I think I do). But if the program says “eat X” or “do Y” then I tend to comply. I suppose that’s the same as direction but it would be better if I could get the direction from me!
Ana recently posted…21 Ways To Make Your Guy Feel Special
Stacey Strickler says
Hi Ana! Thanks for joining the discussion. I agree with you. I too need some form of structure to keep me on track. When left to my own devices I tend to lose focus.
Keisha Broomes says
For me, making sure that I have time to exercise each day, and being flexible about the exercise I do has been very helpful. With a job, three kids, a home, ministry work, and friends and family, each day does not afford me a full 50 minutes to go to the gym. Some days I get to the gym. When I don’t, I might have to walk during lunch time at work, or put the toddler in her stroller and walk around with her to the store in the evening. I find that asking myself “what is my exercise going to be today?” is a big help.
Stacey Strickler says
Hey Keisha I love your point and so needed this reminder. I tend to be very ridgid. If I can’t do it when I want to do it or for a longer length of time, I’ve been prone to blowing it off. But this is a reminder to me that some form of movement every day is better than none.
Lisa McGainey says
Excellent post. The points to share for getting back on track and staying disciplined are key. No matter what goes on, we cannot let it dictate to us, or keep us not focused. This post came right on time. I will implement these 7 principles to keep me focus and consistent. Thank you Stacey for sharing this!
Stacey Strickler says
Lisa!!! Thanks for stopping by You are so right in that we have to be careful to not let the matters of life knock us off our focus. I’m glad you found the post helpful.