You’ve probably heard people tell you that you just need more self-discipline. But what does that really mean? Is it just another way of saying self-control? Or are they actually different things? In this article, we’ll explore what each of those terms means, how they’re similar, and how they differ. Understanding the distinction can help you figure out which one you may need to work on more.
We’ll look at some examples and studies to break it down in a practical way. Whether you tend to struggle with procrastination, unhealthy habits, or staying focused, you’ll learn actionable tips to build your willpower and follow through. Stick with us to gain insight that could lead to real improvement and change.
Table of Contents
The Main Differences Between Self-Control and Self-Discipline
Self-control and self-discipline are not the same, even though the terms are often used interchangeably.
Self-control refers to resisting urges and delaying gratification in the moment. It’s about avoiding behaviors that could be harmful or unhelpful. For example, using self-control to avoid snacking when you’re not hungry or staying off social media when you should be working. Self-discipline, on the other hand, is about working toward long-term goals and rewards. It requires determination and grit to establish good habits and break bad ones. Someone with self-discipline, for instance, will wake up early to exercise, work on their side project after work each day, or give up watching TV to make time for learning a new skill.
While self-control is a short-term strategy, self-discipline yields long-term results. Both are learnable skills that get stronger with practice, but self-discipline takes conscious effort and time. If you struggle with either self-control or self-discipline, start by setting small, manageable goals and build up from there. Celebrate small wins along the way to stay motivated for continued progress.
Some other key differences:
- Self-control is a restraint, self-discipline is active. Self-control holds you back, while self-discipline moves you forward.
- Self-control resists temptation, self-discipline pursues goals. Self-control helps you avoid bad habits, self-discipline helps build good habits.
- Self-control requires willpower, self-discipline requires habit formation. Willpower fades but habits stick with you.
Relying on self-discipline rather than just self-control will serve you well for creating lasting change and success in life. Though the road is long, the rewards are sweet. Stay focused on your goals and keep putting one foot in front of the other. You’ve got this!
The Role of Willpower in Both
Willpower plays an important role in both self-control and self-discipline. It allows you to resist temptation and delay gratification. Resisting temptation When you have a craving for something unhealthy, like a donut or skipping the gym, willpower gives you the strength to say no. It’s what stops you from acting on impulse. The more you exercise your willpower, the stronger it gets.
Delaying gratification: Willpower also allows you to put off rewards and pleasure in the short term to achieve bigger goals in the long run. For example, studying for an exam instead of watching TV or saving money for a down payment on a house rather than splurging on new clothes. While it can be challenging, delaying gratification builds perseverance and helps you reach important milestones.
Building your willpower muscle: The good news is willpower works like a muscle- the more you use it, the stronger it gets. Some ways to boost your willpower include:
- Start small and build up. Don’t take on more than you can handle. Set small, achievable goals and build on them.
- Get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation weakens your willpower. Aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night.
- Exercise regularly. Exercise strengthens your self-control and releases pent up energy and frustration. Even taking a 30 minute walk can help.
- Practice mindfulness. Spending a few minutes a day focused on your breathing can strengthen your ability to resist temptation and delay gratification. Mindfulness meditation is very effective for this.
- Stay hydrated and eat healthy. Dehydration and low blood sugar sap your willpower. Drink plenty of water and eat balanced, nutritious meals.
With regular practice of these techniques, you can build a willpower muscle strong enough to achieve almost any goal or make any positive change in your life. But remember, everyone struggles sometimes. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you slip up. Just get back to exercising your willpower and you’ll be back on track in no time.
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Self-Control vs Self-Discipline: Which Is More Important?
So which is more vital for success and well-being: self-control or self-discipline? The truth is, both are essential. While self-control and self-discipline are related, there are some key differences to understand.
Self-Control: Resisting Temptation and Delaying Gratification
Self-control refers to resisting cravings, temptation, and impulses in the moment. It’s the ability to avoid doing something pleasurable right now in order to achieve a long-term goal. Things like not eating that donut, avoiding hitting the snooze button again, or not checking social media when you should be working require self-control. Developing self-control is key to achieving life’s most meaningful goals. However, it’s also a limited resource. Your willpower gets depleted as you make more choices and decisions throughout the day. That’s why self-discipline becomes so important.
Self-Discipline: The Ability to Get Things Done
Self-discipline refers to the ability to stick with important tasks and see them through to the end despite challenges or obstacles. It’s what allows you to sit down each day and work on that project or follow through with an exercise routine. Self-discipline is a habit and skill that must be built up over time through practice and consistency. Unlike self-control, self-discipline is not a limited resource. In fact, the more you practice self-discipline, the stronger it becomes. Self-discipline allows you to override cravings, distractions, and excuses to achieve meaningful goals and the results you want in life. It’s what separates those who achieve at the highest levels from those who don’t.
In summary, self-control and self-discipline work together. Self-control helps you resist temptation in the moment, while self-discipline gives you the momentum and perseverance to achieve your goals and stay consistent over the long run. Developing both will allow you to become the master of your impulses and the champion of your destiny.
Why Both Are Essential for Success
Self-control and self-discipline-while closely related-are two distinct skills that are vital for achieving your goals and living a purposeful life.
Self-Control: Delaying Gratification
Self-control is the ability to resist temptation and delay gratification. It’s what gives you the willpower to avoid unhealthy foods, skip the snooze button, and stay focused when distractions abound. Researchers refer to self-control as a “muscle-it can be strengthened with practice but also fatigued after prolonged use.
Building self-control requires conscious effort and consistency. Start by identifying your triggers and temptations, then make a plan to avoid or overcome them. For example, if nighttime snacking is an issue, don’t keep junk food in the house. If snoozing makes you late, move your alarm across the room so you have to get out of bed to turn it off. Start with small wins, and your self-control muscle will grow stronger over time.
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Self-Discipline: Taking Action
Self-discipline refers to the ability to take action in pursuit of your goals and priorities. It’s what motivates you to work out even when you’re tired, practice an instrument when you’d rather watch TV, or get started on that work project you’ve been avoiding. Self-discipline is a habit and skill that must be developed through practice. To strengthen your self-discipline:
- Define your goals and priorities. Write them down and review them often.
- Break big goals into small, manageable steps. Don’t feel overwhelmed.
- Plan and schedule your time wisely. Having good time management skills makes it easier to act disciplined.
- Start building momentum. Take action, no matter how small. Success breeds success.
- Learn to overcome obstacles and push through discomfort. Discipline isn’t always easy or comfortable. But the rewards are worth it.
- Stay consistent and committed. Don’t make excuses. Your self-discipline will become stronger each and every day.
With self-control and self-discipline working in harmony, you have the power to achieve amazing things and shape your life into what you want it to be. Keep practicing, strengthening that muscle, and turning discipline into a habit. You’ve got this!
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Tips to Strengthen Both Your Self-Control and Self-Discipline
To build your self-control and self-discipline, start with small changes and build up from there.
Start your day strong
How you begin your day often sets the tone for how productive and disciplined you’ll be. Wake up a bit earlier and start with exercise like yoga or going for a walk. Eat a healthy breakfast. Taking time to prepare yourself mentally will strengthen your self-control for the day ahead.
Make a schedule and stick to it
Having a routine and schedule is key to disciplining yourself. Decide on your priorities and tasks for the day and week, and allocate time for them. Build in breaks to recharge as needed. Checking items off a list gives you a sense of progress and accomplishment, which further boosts your motivation. Start with a loose schedule and tighten as needed.
Remove distractions
Minimize notifications on your devices and try to limit checking email and social media. Find ways to avoid interruptions, like letting people know if you need to focus. The more you practice concentrating for extended periods, the more your mental discipline will grow.
Start small and build up gradually
Don’t try to overhaul your habits overnight. Pick one area to work on, like reducing sugar or waking up 30 minutes earlier. Once that’s habit, add another small change. Don’t get discouraged if you slip up. Just get back to it and celebrate your wins, no matter how small. Over time, all those small changes will add up to big progress.
Reward yourself for milestones achieved
For bigger goals and milestones met along the way, give yourself a reward. This positive reinforcement will keep you motivated to continue progressing. The rewards don’t have to be big, but choose something meaningful to you. You deserve it! With regular practice of these tips, your self-control and self-discipline will become second nature.
Developing Self-Control Through Mindfulness
Self-control is a skill that takes practice to develop. One of the best ways to strengthen your self-control is through mindfulness. Mindfulness means paying close attention to your thoughts and feelings, without judging them as good or bad.
Observe Yourself
Try observing yourself throughout the day with curiosity and compassion. Notice the times you feel tempted or reactive, and try to understand why. See if there are any patterns to your behaviors and triggers. The more awareness you build, the more control you’ll gain.
Breathe and Pause
When you feel an urge arising, pause and take a few deep breaths. This can help you avoid reacting impulsively. Even just a short pause can be enough to allow the urge to pass or for you to respond in a calmer way. Make a habit of pausing regularly throughout the day to check in with yourself. How are you feeling? What do you need? Staying connected to yourself will strengthen your self-control.
Accept Yourself
Practice self-acceptance and speak to yourself with encouragement. Don’t beat yourself up over perceived mistakes or imperfections. Everyone struggles with self-control at times, so be gentle with yourself. Focus on progress, not perfection. I appreciate your efforts and wins, both big and small. The kinder you are to yourself, the more motivation and willpower you’ll have to keep practicing.
Reflect on Your Values
Remind yourself of your core values and priorities in life. Why is developing better self-control important to you? How will it benefit you and help you achieve what really matters? Connecting your efforts to your deeper values will give you inspiration and help you stay committed to the ongoing practice of building your self-control through mindfulness. With regular practice, your self-discipline will grow stronger each and every day.
Building Self-Discipline Through Habit-Forming
Building self-discipline is challenging but forming good habits can help strengthen your willpower over time. Start with small changes and build up from there. Identify one area you want to improve and focus on changing just that one behavior. Maybe you want to start exercising a few times a week or stop procrastinating on important tasks. Whatever it is, choose a specific and realistic goal.
Start small and be consistent
Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to change everything at once. Pick one small habit and practice it consistently. If you want to exercise more, commit to just 15 or 20 minutes a day, a few times a week. Or if you want to stop procrastinating, make a rule to start working on important tasks first thing in the morning before checking email or social media. The key is to start small but stick with it.
Track your progress
Use a calendar, chart or app to record your progress. Put an X on the days you complete your habit. This visual representation of your progress can keep you motivated. If you slip up, just get back to it the next day. Don’t give up completely. Habit forming is a journey, not a destination.
Reward yourself
Provide yourself with positive reinforcement to stay motivated. When you achieve your goal for the week or month, reward yourself in some small way. Get a coffee, watch your favorite TV show or simply give yourself a pat on the back. This positive feedback will keep you wanting to continue building your self-discipline through habit.
Review and improve
After a month or so of practicing your new habit, review how it’s going. If you’ve been successful, consider expanding on your goal or adding another small habit. On the other hand, if you’ve struggled, reassess and determine how you can modify your approach to increase your odds of success. Building self-discipline is a continuous work in progress. Stay committed and keep making improvements to strengthen your willpower over the long run.
With regular practice of habit-forming and continuous self-reflection, you can build the mental muscle of self-discipline. Start today by choosing one small change you want to make and sticking with it. You’ve got this! Stay focused on your goal and keep putting one foot in front of the other. You will get there.
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The Benefits of Improved Self-Control and Self-Discipline
When you develop better self-control and self-discipline, you open yourself up to countless benefits. You’ll have an easier time achieving your goals and maintaining healthy habits. You’ll reduce stress and improve your focus and productivity. You’ll form better relationships and become a source of stability for others.
Self-control and self-discipline are skills that get stronger with practice. Every time you make the choice to avoid distractions or delay gratification, you’re exercising your “self-regulation muscle.” Over time, self-control and discipline become second nature. You’ll notice improved willpower, less impulsiveness, and greater perseverance in pursuit of meaningful objectives.
Some of the specific benefits of self-control and self-discipline include:
- Greater success and goal achievement. With determination and focus, you can accomplish things you never thought were possible. Self-control helps you avoid procrastination, follow through on commitments, and work consistently towards your goals and dreams.
- Better health and wellness. Self-discipline is essential for developing good habits and breaking bad ones. You’ll find the motivation and willpower to exercise regularly, eat nutritious foods, limit alcohol and sugar intake, reduce stress, quit smoking, or make other healthy lifestyle changes.
- Improved relationships. Strong self-control and discipline make you a source of stability for others. You become someone people can count on. Your reliability and consistency cultivate trust and help build meaningful, long-lasting relationships – both personal and professional
- Increased happiness and life satisfaction. When you have self-control, you spend less time regretting past actions and worrying about the uncertainty of the future. You appreciate each moment and feel contentment with what you have. You nurture an attitude of growth and abundance rather than scarcity. This inner peace and tranquility lead to a happier, more meaningful existence.
- Enhanced productivity and focus. Self-discipline gives you the ability to avoid distractions, delay gratification, and see important tasks through to completion. You gain the motivation and mental toughness to start working even when you don’t feel like it. This allows you to accomplish more in less time and achieve an optimal state of flow and concentration.
In summary, self-control and self-discipline are the foundations for success and well-being in all areas of life. By strengthening these vital skills, you open the door to greater happiness, improved relationships, better health, increased productivity, and the achievement of your most meaningful goals. The benefits are well worth the effort.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, self-control and self-discipline are essential skills for achieving success and well-being. While the benefits listed above are certainly significant, developing self- control and discipline requires patience, persistence and practice. Start small and build good habits over time through consistency and repetition. Remember that setbacks and slip-ups are normal and should be viewed as opportunities to learn and improve. The journey to improving self-control and discipline is lifelong, but even small steps forward can make a big difference to your happiness and accomplishments. With patience and determination, you can strengthen these vital skills and start to reap the considerable rewards they offer
References
- The Science of Habit Formation: Crafting a Life of Positive Routines Nov 28 Written By Brent Fisher
- Building Self-Control Strength: Practicing Self-Control Leads to Improved Self-Control Performance by Mark Muraven. J Exp Soc Psychol. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2011 Mar 1.Published in final edited form as: J Exp Soc Psychol. 2010 Mar 1; 46(2): 465–468. doi: 10.1016/j.jesp.2009.12.011
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