Let’s talk about the ability to discipline or parent self ✔
When we are young 🤱👶 our parents provide rules and boundaries in which we had to follow. Remember the whole “eat your veggies or no dessert” or “do your homework before you can watch tv”. Life seemed simpler then because we didn’t have the freedom to make 100% of our own choices (otherwise I would have eaten ice cream all day long).
Now that we are adults – we are FREE.
Free to make our own choices and boy oh boy – there are SO MANY CHOICES. Talk about paralysis by over analysis.
I find that I am in a constant battle between disciplining myself and having the chocolate in the cupboard. Do you find yourself acting as a responsible parent or naughty child? Because we have both sides within us.
The parent within us is our responsible, rational, adult side of ourselves. You know – the one that says you should be doing this or you need to do that.
The child within us is our playful, often naughty/ cheeky side.
Let me ask you a question – HOW DO YOU DISCIPLINE/ PARENT YOURSELF? And is this any different to how you discipline/ parent your children?
A tactic I have used for a long time to help discipline myself is not to give myself a choice. Practicing discipline has helped me achieve many things. Such as achieving my dream body, my dream mental state and my dream job. In turn I really am living my dream life (and I am so so grateful).
If given the CHOICE then I would sleep in instead of doing my work.
If given the CHOICE I would eat toast for lunch and dinner.
Think about it – when you are given a choice what do you do? Do you take the easy option or the uncomfortable option?
Part of the human condition is that we like the EASY OPTION. But the easy option never got anyone rich. The easy option never got anyone the body or health they want (sorry not sorry for the real talk).
The easy option always ends up being the HARD OPTION long term. Yes eating that piece of cake in the office kitchen was the easy option and satisfied you in the moment but now you have to work out for an hour and if that didn’t happen then there is a possibility that it is added to your waistline.
So make a plan and don’t give yourself the choice – you have to stick to it or you will continue to be the same. And if you continue on the same path you are on right now – don’t complain because you made the choice.
That is why I create and follow my own meal plan. I have no choice but to follow it because that is the decision I have made to honor myself.
I have an exercise program that I follow. Often I don’t feel like working out. Hell, I’m human. But I have no choice because that is the option I have made for myself.
When times get tough, the tough take consistent action.
Remember you have the power to create real change in your life. It starts with a decision followed by action.
What decisions or actions could you take that are different to the ones you take now?
Sarah Conlan
Health & Fitness Coach #ROMFIT
https://rangeofmotionfitness.ptminder.com/
https://romfit.com.au/