Discipline: How I Turned a Habit into a Lifestyle
Discipline is a word we often hear, but it’s one thing to understand it conceptually and another to live it. As a coach, I’ve seen many people struggle with discipline in different areas of their lives, myself included. For years, I tried to stay consistent with a workout routine, but I always fell short. I’d start with enthusiasm, but after a few months, life would get in the way, and my commitment would fizzle out. Sound familiar?
Looking back, I can see why I struggled with discipline in those earlier attempts. I lacked something crucial—a competing interest.
The turning point: finding my competing interest
About two years ago, everything changed. I had just had my second child and was feeling uncomfortable in my own body. I had gained some weight, felt tired all the time, and my back pain made simple tasks more difficult. To top it off, my 5-year-old daughter was bursting with energy, always wanting to run, jump, and play. I was struggling to keep up with her.
At that point, I knew I needed to make a change. It wasn’t just about losing weight anymore. The physical discomfort I was feeling—being tired, in pain, and unable to match my daughter’s boundless energy—became unbearable. That discomfort was my competing interest.
Without realizing it, I had found the key to unlocking my discipline. The pain of staying the same outweighed the effort required to start working out consistently. I wasn’t just trying to fit into old clothes; I was trying to feel good again, to be active and present with my daughters, and to enjoy my body instead of feeling trapped in it.
Unblocking my motivation
Once I had this realisation, something clicked. Suddenly, working out wasn’t just a chore—it was a lifeline. I committed to working out 3-4 times a week, not because I should, but because I needed to. And once that shift happened, sticking to the routine became so much easier.
But it wasn’t just about finding my "why." I learned a few key strategies along the way to make this commitment last:
Set small wins: I didn’t overwhelm myself with trying to become a fitness fanatic overnight. Instead, I set small, achievable goals. At first, it was just about showing up for myself, whether it was a quick 20-minute workout or a full hour at the gym. Each small victory built momentum.
Visualize success: I regularly reminded myself of why I started. I’d picture how much better I felt after a workout, the energy I had to keep up with my daughter, and how my back pain gradually lessened. These mental pictures kept me motivated when it would have been easy to skip a session.
Accountability: I also leaned on accountability. I started by scheduling workouts with a coach. Knowing someone was watching my progress helped me stay on track, and then I continued sharing my journey with my friends.
Turning a habit into a lifestyle
Now, after two years of consistency, I can honestly say working out has become a non-negotiable part of my life. It's no longer about just reaching a physical goal—it's about maintaining my energy, my health, and my overall happiness. Discipline, for me, has been about finding something worth working for, something that matters more than temporary discomfort.
So, if you’re struggling with discipline in any area of your life, ask yourself: What’s your competing interest? What matters more than the challenge you’re facing? When the why becomes stronger than the why not, you’ll find the discipline you need.
What can you do?
Discover your competing interest: what is the cost of not making a change? If the discomfort of staying where you are becomes greater than the effort required to move forward, you’ll unlock a whole new level of motivation.
Set small wins: don’t try to overhaul your life overnight. Start with manageable steps, and celebrate your progress along the way.
Visualize the outcome: regularly remind yourself how much better life will feel when you’ve built the discipline you need.
Find accountability: share your goals with someone you trust or work with a coach who can help keep you on track.
Building discipline isn’t about forcing yourself to work harder—it’s about finding the right motivation to push through the challenges. If you’ve ever struggled with sticking to a habit, trust me, you’re not alone. But once you find your competing interest, everything changes.
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Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re feeling stuck or struggling to make lasting changes in your life, remember that you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Finding and maintaining discipline can be challenging, but with the right support, you can turn your goals into reality.
I’m here to offer guidance and support as you work towards a more disciplined and fulfilling life. Whether you need help uncovering your competing interests, setting small, achievable goals, or simply staying accountable, I’m committed to helping you succeed.
If you’re interested in learning more about how coaching can support your journey, let’s connect. Feel free to reach out for a conversation to explore how we can work together to unlock your full potential and create the life you truly deserve.