Master Your Destiny
The Power of Self-Discipline & Forming New Habits
Doing the shit you don’t want to do because it’s the only thing that’s going to get you where you want to go. That about sums it up right there.
When it comes to overcoming addiction, many people mistakenly believe that it's simply a matter of willpower or self-control. The reality is that addiction is a complex disease influenced by a variety of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.
Trying to beat addiction through sheer force of will alone is often an uphill battle. However, that's not to say that self-discipline doesn't play a crucial role in the recovery process.
In fact, developing and consistently practicing self-discipline can be a game-changer for those seeking to break free from the grip of addiction.
Self-discipline and forming new habits are the dynamic duo that can transform your life. In the quest for personal growth and success, they play pivotal roles. There’s a profound connection between self-discipline and cultivating new habits and how they can shape your path to a more fulfilling and accomplished life.
Self-discipline is the ability to control your impulses, emotions, and actions to achieve a desired goal. It's the foundation upon which new habits are built. Without self-discipline, even the best intentions can fall by the wayside.
Habits are powerful because they are essentially our brain's way of conserving energy. When we repeat an action regularly, it becomes automatic, freeing up mental resources for other tasks. Understanding the habit loop (cue, routine, reward) can help you intentionally create and change habits.
Recovery is filled with moments of temptation and vulnerability. Self-discipline allows you to pause, reflect, and make the conscious choice to resist acting on cravings or giving in to triggers that could lead to relapse.
I will be completely honest with you - practicing proper self-discipline and implementing change when it came to avoiding triggers and temptations was extremely difficult. Especially in the very beginning.
Making conscious decisions without someone else instructing me to do so, or for the ugly consequences that usually follow to restrict me from doing otherwise - but actually enforcing these guidelines and boundaries myself, was something that has strengthened with time.
It’s not easy to make to those calls. To distance yourself from people that don’t have our best interest at heart or that contribute to your poor mental and emotional state - potentially leading to you picking back up.
To skip out on social events or going out to the bar with friends. To feel excluded from what it seems like every one else is doing. It can be an isolating and upsetting feeling.
Be confident that you know what’s best for you. This is where being honest with yourself comes into play.
Addiction often stems from a reliance on unhealthy coping mechanisms. Self-discipline is required to replace those ingrained habits with new, constructive routines around exercise, nutrition, sleep, and self-care.
Drinking and using filled up all of my void time. Until it became so out of control that it took up ALL of my time. Sobering up required me to really put my efforts into finding positive and productive shit to do. To avoid just sitting around with my thumb up my ass - feeling sorry about my life, and wanting to jump ship every 10 minutes.
I made it a priority to spend time outside. I started reading again. I journal daily. I went to meetings. I found a great love and joy in writing. I practice daily prayer, and building a relationship with my higher power. I started exploring new passions and interests.
Don’t knock something until you try it, you might just be surprised at what sparks your interest.
The following chart provides helpful tips to implement within the 5 life categories listed. If you are really struggling I encourage you to try these.
Staying accountable is a must. Recovery is not a solo journey. Self-discipline enables you to stay committed to your treatment plan, attend support group meetings, and be honest with yourself and your loved ones about your progress and setbacks.
I CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH ! One of the most profound things that I have seen work in my favor, was implementing accountability.
We are all human. Imperfect. Some times our shortcomings or past mistakes can cripple us from not wanting them to be exposed. It’s normal to want to avoid judgement, criticism, or belittlement. This is why it is so important to identify your “Start Squad.” The trusted people you have in your corner. These are your people, and you need them.
For me, this is my step mother and my sponsor. Two very strong minded, supportive, and compassionate women, that I am so very grateful to have. I know I can always count on them to pick up the phone, give me a shoulder to cry on, or put me in my place if I’m off my rocker. I trust them with my life. And that’s kind of the point.
Whenever I’m faced with a difficult emotion, craving a hit off the old pipe, or feeling totally unhinged - the first thing I do, is tell on myself.
The moment you identify turmoil rising, I strongly encourage you to turn to your support. For a long time I avoided doing this. I was always one for wanting to handle my own problems (we see how that worked out).
It’s so important to have positive people in your life. They might not have all the answers or be able to totally eliminate the problem for you, but they certainly can help ground you and guide you towards sorting them out for yourself.
Having people who empower you throughout your recovery makes all the difference.
Each time you exercises self-discipline, whether it's turning down a drink or sticking to a meditation practice, it reinforces the belief that you have the inner strength to overcome your addiction. This bolsters self-esteem and confidence.
Cultivating Self-Discipline
While self-discipline is a valuable asset, it's not something that comes naturally to everyone, especially those struggling with addiction. However, it is a skill that can be developed and strengthened over time through consistent practice.
Here are some strategies for cultivating self-discipline in addiction recovery:
Start Small: Begin by setting achievable, incremental goals, such as going for a 10-minute walk every day or limiting social media use to 30 minutes per day. Celebrate small wins to build momentum.
Identify Triggers: Become aware of the people, places, and situations that tend to trigger cravings or impulsive behaviors. Develop a plan to avoid or navigate these triggers.
Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness meditation and other present-moment awareness practices can help individuals recognize urges as they arise and respond with intention rather than reactivity.
Seek Support: Surround yourself with a network of supportive friends, family members, and recovery peers who can hold you accountable and provide encouragement.
Be Patient and Persistent: Developing self-discipline is a lifelong journey. Expect setbacks and be kind to yourself when they occur.
Self-discipline without direction can lead to frustration. Set clear and achievable goals for yourself. These goals will give your self-discipline purpose and help you decide which habits are worth forming.
Establishing a daily routine can make self-discipline easier. By structuring your day, you minimize distractions and make it more likely that you'll stick to your new habits. When adopting new habits, it's often more effective to start small. The idea is to build consistency and gradually increase the intensity or complexity of the habit over time.
It's crucial to adopt a growth mindset. Embrace the belief that you can learn, change, and adapt. This mindset encourages you to see challenges as opportunities for growth. This is essential when it comes to navigating your journey of recovery and personal transformation.
Rather than viewing challenges and setbacks as permanent roadblocks, those with a growth mindset see them as opportunities for learning and improvement. This mindset shift allows you to approach obstacles with curiosity, resilience, and a willingness.
Instead of getting discouraged by failures or relapses, you can recognize these as necessary steps in the learning process. The focus remains on progress, not perfection. You will find yourself empowered to take risks, try new strategies, and continuously expand your capabilities. Know that growth and progress are always possible, even in the face of adversity.
As you navigate the ups and downs of your recovery journey, remember that self-discipline is not about perfection or deprivation - it's about empowerment.
Each time you exercise control over your impulses, follow through on your commitments, or push past a moment of temptation, you're not just avoiding a relapse - you're actively reclaiming your power, rebuilding your self-trust, and laying the foundation for a life of purpose, fulfillment, and lasting sobriety.
The life you envision is within your grasp. All it takes is the courage to keep showing up, day after day, and the unwavering belief that you have what it takes to overcome any obstacle that stands in your way. You do. And you can!
Additional Tools & Helpful Resources:
Are you ready to take your personal growth to the next level? Our carefully curated collection of self-improvement and wellness eBooks and workbooks are designed to help you cultivate the mindset, habits, and skills you need to thrive. Whether you're seeking to boost your productivity, improve your mental health, or simply live a more fulfilling life, you'll find a wealth of practical, science-backed strategies within our digital library. Dive into insightful reads that will challenge your perspectives, complete interactive exercises to cement new behaviors, and track your progress along the way. Investing in your well-being has never been easier or more accessible.
