Are there ways to overcome procrastination? Are there ways to be disciplined, without having to use large amounts of willpower? What is the easy way to stop self-sabotaging?
My secret to discipline is to not use willpower. It might sound funny at first however let me explain. I still use effort, energy, reasoning and planning but don’t wrestle with my mind, about whether to do something or not.
Article updated 18/01/2023.
If using lots of willpower yet not achieving a goal, it may be time to step back and examine why you are really doing, what you are doing.
A goal with a strong enough purpose makes discipline easier, like a mother who cares for her baby. She continues to care, because the child inspires and is worth fighting for. Self-sabotage may be guiding you away from things you don’t care about, to something meaningful.
Focus your energy on 1-2 things you truly care about. This is easier than trying to complete 15-20 goals and losing motivation.
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Intrinsic Goals
In a healthy eating example, the goal can be extrinsic or intrinsic? Extrinsic refers to outer rewards, like gaining pleasure or losing weight. This type of goal usually requires extra willpower.
Intrinsic refers to an inner reward, like self-love. Pleasure and weight loss may not occur every day however self-love is both the action and path. Focus on ‘self-care’ and results will follow.
“Focusing intention on something meaningful, helps maintain discipline indefinitely.”
I encourage the use of intrinsic goals for breaking addictions. Ideally, I want clients avoiding willpower, wherever possible. We focus on what inspires and is worthwhile to accomplish for each person.
Telling someone their habit is bad doesn’t promote growth. Satisfying needs is a surer path moving forward. You can apply this same reasoning to a habit/addiction you no longer desire. Examine what you get from the old behaviour and have your needs met from better rituals.
Book a free 30 minute session to discover more about motivation and changing habits for the better. https://bookeo.com/inspirehypnotherapy
Good Day VS Bad Day
“But on bad days, it can be harder to stay motivated.” True, the lower mind takes over in stressful situations. It looks for avoidance and instant pleasure. At this time don’t rely on unhealthy habits, drink alcohol or sabotage. Use stress as a reminder that you are in need of re-alignment.
On bad days, take more positive action, not less. Breathe deeper, hydrate more, eat better food, exercise the body, be still and take 3-5 positive actions each day. In 1 year you will have been productive more than 1000 times. Action is preferable to procrastination.
It is tempting to stop trying when stressed. My suggestion is to be clear on what is important and head in that direction. For example, if my mental and physical health are valuable, then consistent support is needed for body and mind, to make healing happen.
The next time you are using willpower to stay disciplined, engage your higher mind by asking, “What is the intention here? Are my rituals working? Is this habit making me feel better or worse?”
In Review:
- Examine what you truly need in life.
- Let go of things that are not meaningful or inspiring.
- On bad days look after your mind and body more, not less.
- Don’t use willpower to change any habit… search inside for real purpose.
- Intrinsic goals are lasting and don’t rely on merely gaining pleasure and avoidance.
Jeremy Walker’s background is in Hypnotherapy. He created the WARP (Walker Addiction Removal Process) and is located in Brisbane QLD. Confidential appointments are available for quitting smoking, weight loss, alcohol and anxiety related issues. Jeremy enjoys nothing more than seeing others make a positive shift!