Asma khan balouch Achieving and maintaining a successful and bright academic record is a dream of every student. However, most students struggle to apply rules and self-discipline to achieve their goals. Being a part of the American education system, along with so many distractions like Netflix, etc., means that your student life is tough.
Here we bring you an article to discuss some powerful ways to develop self-discipline to excel in student life.
Table of Contents
What is discipline? Definition of self-discipline
Discipline, often misconstrued as a fixed set of rules imposed externally, takes a fascinating turn when prefixed with ‘self.’ Self-discipline is an internal compass that steers one through the turbulent seas of distractions and procrastination.
It may simply refer to the ability to control one’s behavior and to stay motivated, focused, and persistent in pursuit of goals. In the context of student lives, we can say being concentrated, meeting deadlines for quizzes and assignments, and fulfilling study-related requirements efficiently
Self-discipline as a skill: The importance of self-discipline
Discipline is not something that comes naturally to people; it is like a habit that develops over time through practice and consistency. According to psychology, it takes 60 days for a thing or practice to become a habit.
Student life is an opportunity for you to practice and develop this skill. Through self-discipline, you can lay the foundation for a bright future.
Being a student is synonymous with juggling assignments, exams, and social life. The question echoes: How does one maintain self-discipline amidst this whirlwind of obligations and temptations?
1. Focus on long-term goals
A clear set of long-term goals encourages hard work and makes it easy to implement and regulate self-discipline. It depends on how ambitious and important your goal is.
For instance, if you are in college or university, you might dream of getting a master’s degree at your dream university or just landing a job at your dream company. Whatever the case, you should be clear and focused on your long-term goals.
2. Time management
Effective time management techniques play a key role in one’s success and practicing discipline. Divide your time into different fragments for each of your activities, like study, sports, and relaxation, and stick to the plan.
3. Schedule your day or follow a routine
A well-planned day, a schedule, or a routine helps a lot to stay disciplined. Schedule your study times and rest times as well. And make sure to select hours of the day when you feel most motivated and fresh for study.
It’s crucial to manage time as a student to develop the best study habits. An organized day and follow-up routine make it easy for your mind and body to be ready for the next task.
4. Eliminate distractions
Being a student is not easy it’s a full-time job. And every interaction would be considered a distraction if you are not good at self-discipline. At study time, avoid interacting with friends and set your cell phone to airplane mode or simply turn it off.
Consider changing your environment to study more attentively. For example, you can study in nature (a park), in a coffee shop, in the library, or in the comfort of your home, wherever you feel more focused and comfortable.
Try the Pomodoro Technique and embrace the power of 25-minute focused sprints followed by a 5-minute break. Rinse and repeat for a disciplined study routine.
5. Rewards and breaks
Our system is designed to get instant rewards after hard work due to a chemical in our brain called dopamine. The system is very tricky and keeps us tracked for short-term rewards; that’s why we also need to be tricky to attain long-term reward motivation.
Consider treating yourself to some kind of reward after completing a task such as a break or doing a thing you enjoy.
6. Use technology
Install apps to monitor your activities and limit screen time. Set reminders for assignment deadlines and exams or quiz timelines. You can also use technology to help you prepare and master the subject.
7. Engage in athletic activities
One of the best yet powerful ways to achieve and stay self-disciplined is to engage in athletic activities such as martial arts, etc. This will not only improve self-motivation and discipline but also level up focus and concentration.
Moreover, it’s the best option for extracurricular activities in school or college, which will pave the way for career-building opportunities.
8. 5-second rule
The neurologist says our brain stops us from doing uncomfortable things, so whenever we decide to do anything that we dislike somehow and delay the actions, our brain steps in and takes charge.
So the 5-second rule says whenever you want to do that uncomfortable thing, just count to five and take action.
9. Motivation and inspiration
In student life, you may feel excited, inspired, and motivated at times, but the span may not last long due to directionless motivation, such as you want to study and do something after your studies but are not sure what you would do.
If you dislike a subject and feel unmotivated, just start reading biographies or stories of people related to that field or subject. This activity will inspire you to excel in the subject.
Conclusion:
It’s hard to manage a lot of things at the same time as students have to. But your priority should be your career and future. And for the sake of your future, you have to adopt some habits and ways, such as self-discipline, to ensure your success.
Building a successful habit requires consistency, hard work, and patience. Moreover, a change in behavior and attitude aids in adopting a mindset. Self-discipline is the first condition of freedom. Just keep in mind that progress rather than perfection is the goal as we learn the enigmas of discipline.
“I’m not afraid of a genius, but a hard worker!” -Unknown
