Overcoming Lack of Discipline
Have you ever noticed yourself avoiding tasks that you know would make you more successful? If you're like most high achievers, you probably attribute this to a lack of discipline or time. After all, discipline and determination got you where you are today. But this explanation may be precisely what's keeping you stuck.
The Discipline Trap
When accomplished professionals find themselves not taking action on important initiatives, they often fall back on a familiar narrative: "I just need more discipline." It's a comfortable explanation because it aligns with their identity as hard workers who succeed through dedication and effort. However, this self-diagnosis completely misses the mark and can prevent real progress.
Consider the executive who knows they should spend more time on strategic planning but consistently gets pulled into tactical work. Or the leader who wants to delegate more but ends up handling everything themselves. These aren't failures of discipline – they're unexamined patterns of behavior that have become deeply ingrained through years of success.
The Cost of Unexamined Patterns
What makes this challenge particularly insidious is that these patterns often served us well earlier in our careers. Getting hands-on with work, maintaining high standards, and being responsive to every request – these behaviors likely contributed to your current success. But as responsibilities grow and roles evolve, these same patterns can become limitations.
Beyond Time Management
"I don't have time" is another common refrain among high achievers. But look closely at any successful professional who claims they don't have time for important initiatives, and you'll often find they're making time for less critical tasks that feel more comfortable or aligned with their established patterns.
A New Approach to Discipline
The key to breaking old habits isn't working harder or being more disciplined – it's recognizing and deliberately disrupting unconscious patterns that keep you from taking action on your goals. This might mean:
Defining what "good enough" looks like, and practicing stopping when you reach it
Practicing time blocking and getting better at honoring the time you reserve for your priorities
Acknowledging and addressing pet peeves, like difficult work relationships
Empowering your team to own their work without making any suggestions or comments
Start Here
Start by asking a different question. Instead of "How can I be more disciplined?" use this simple 3-step process to make progress on your most important projects.
1. Ask yourself "What's Important Now?" (WIN). This simple shift moves you from self-judgment to strategic thinking. It can be something you want (more visibility, a stronger team) or something you don’t want (overbooked schedule, conflict with a business partner).
2. Plan differently. Start with the assumption that what you’ve been doing isn’t working, and trying harder won’t get you there. What other ideas do you have that will help you advance?
3. Schedule action. Don’t leave implementation to good intentions or to chance. Pick a specific date and time, and block the time to do the work.
Moving Forward
This journey is not about adding more discipline to your already demanding life. It's about identifying and removing the invisible barriers that keep you operating in patterns that no longer serve you.
Taking your foot off the brake can be more effective than stepping on the gas.
It leads to the “success trifecta” my clients have achieved:
Less stress & less time at work
More impact and recognition
More fulfillment
If you've been telling yourself you need more discipline, it’s time for a new approach. Get curious about what doing something different might look like. The answer might surprise you – and lead to the breakthrough you've been seeking.