Bold in Self-Discipline

Welcome to The Bold Brief—

You are a member of this community of top-notch expert nurses and healthcare professionals who aspire to be “bold” in career and life. We want to be bold in our life’s purpose and bold in life and career choices to live with authenticity, balance, and meaningful challenge.

So, bold in self-discipline.

Understanding Your Self-Discipline

Locus of control refers is an individual sense of agency regarding life. With an internal locus of control, one believes that things are greatly influenced by their own abilities and actions. In contrast, with an external locus of control, one believes that other forces are responsible for the individual's life. External forces can be environmental factors, actions of others, and simply random chance. Locus of control is important because it is tied self-discipline.

Self-discipline is the ability to regulate oneself to stay on track with your goals, even in the face of challenges, temptations, and distractions. Self-discipline involves consistently self-regulating your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to choose long-term goals and values over immediate gratification. These choices mean you can have the life and career you dream of.

The Evidence Underpinning Your Self-Discipline

Research demonstrates that individuals with high self-discipline perform better in educational settings,¹ manage stress more effectively² and report higher levels of happiness and satisfaction in life.³ These individuals are more likely to achieve their life and career goals.⁴  

So, why not master your own self-discipline now, for a better life and career?

A Guide to Master Your Self-Discipline for Unstoppable Success

Step 1: Set Clear Goals

When you have a singular focus, you develop self-discipline. Define clear, actionable goals that are aligned with your vision, values, and beliefs. Use the SMARTER criteria to ensure your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound, Exciting, and Relevant.

Step 2: Develop Routines & Systems

Build structured daily routines that support your goals. Consistency in your daily activities reinforces discipline and makes difficult tasks become second nature over time. Scroll down to grab 2 free downloads to help you develop your own routines and systems.

Step 3: Monitor Your Progress

Keep track of your progress with tools like journals or apps. Regular monitoring helps identify when you are getting off track and need to refocus. I keep track of my vison, goals, purpose, routines, systems, and schedule in my Full Focus Planner.

Step 4: Manage Distractions

Identify and reduce distractions that hinder your focus. This may involve altering your life or work environment, setting clear, bold boundaries on your digital device usage or non-work hours, or scheduling specific times for breaks and relaxation.

Step 5: Practice Delayed Gratification

Train yourself to delay gratification through exercises like the "two-minute rule" where you work on a disliked task for just two minutes. This activity will build tolerance or through setting rewards for task completion.

Step 6: Strengthen Your Willpower

Engage in activities that challenge your willpower gradually. This can include physical exercise, meditation, or tackling progressively challenging tasks in your work or personal life.

Why This Method Works

• Goal Alignment and Clarity: Establishing clear goals provides direction and motivation, making it easier to see the benefits of self-discipline and maintain focus on long-term achievements.

• Habit Formation: Structured routines and consistent monitoring turn disciplined actions into habits, reducing the mental load required to make disciplined choices daily.

• Incremental Challenges: Gradually increasing the difficulty of tasks that require discipline, strengthens you willpower over time, similar to building muscle strength through progressively tougher workouts.

Resources for Mastering Self-Discipline

I only read a few great newsletters. If you love science then subscribe to The Aurorean. The Aurorean scours 100+ sources so you don't have to. Read it to discover the essential news, research and beauty in science every Wednesday.

Read this great book on self-discipline: The Power of Self-Discipline: How to use Self-Control and Mental Toughness to Achieve your Goals Link

To master my own self-discipline, I use the Full Focus Planner (not sponsored - I am a BIG FAN). The Full Focus Planner is a planning system that has helped me and all of my clients develop systems and routines to:

• Focus only on the Tasks that Matter

• Banish Distractions

• Eliminate Busywork

• Tame any To-Do List

• Reclaim TIME - hour gained every week

• Achieve BOLD Goals

I truly believe that regular use of my Full Focus Planner is a key element of my own unstoppable success in life and career. Download these 2 FREE Full Focus resources, while they are still offered: Full Focus Planner Digital Guidebook and Ideal Work and Life Designer.

Conclusion

Self-discipline is a muscle that grows stronger with use. Learn to improve yourself so that you can have the life and career that you desire; be a standout amongst the crowd of applicants. By implementing these strategies, you will work towards your current goals building a foundation for lifelong success, happiness, and fulfillment.

The bold career and life that you desire is not just a dream—it's within your reach. Let's make it a reality together.

P.S. If you want to learn from me on a daily basis, come connect with me on LinkedIn or in my Facebook Community.

Remember that this is a dedicated space for you, the nurses at the bedside and beyond, the committed healthcare professionals ready to explore transformative career paths beyond traditional roles. Every week, we'll dig into evidence-based strategies, insights, and stories designed to empower you to take bold steps toward a fulfilling career and life outside the hospital setting.

1  High self-control predicts good adjustment, less pathology, better grades, and interpersonal success. Link

2  People with More Self-control are Less Stressed Out. Link

3  Effects of Self-Control on Subjective Well-Being: Examining the Moderating Role of Trait and State Motivation. Link

4  The Science and Practice of Self-Control. Link