“To get what only 5% of the population gets, you have to do what only 5% of the population is willing to do” – Robin Sharma.

The dictionary meaning of self-discipline goes like this- “the ability to control one’s feelings and overcome one’s weaknesses; the ability to pursue what one thinks is right despite temptations to abandon it”. This clearly shows that self-discipline is the key to achieving success consistently in one’s endeavors.

Cracking competitive exams isn’t a flimsy business and thereby it needs your attention. Follow the below-mentioned steps to develop self-discipline and create a lifestyle that would help you do well not just in the competitive exams but also in life.

Steps to develop self-discipline

1. Yearn for it – The first step to acquiring any skill is to actually want it and yearn for it and only then you will work towards it. After you have a true desire you will surely put it into action.

2. ‘Exercise’ Self-Discipline – Self-discipline is a skill and like any other skill, it can be obtained only with regular practice.

3. Have a clear plan – This is an obvious step and it will drive your entire pursuit. Have a clear plan and for a start only plan the time allocation and the activity. Do not set any goals for now.

4. Create a routine – Routines help you stick to your plans and also make it easier for you to do things by helping you develop habits.

5. Make things happen – The things that can be achieved with hard work should not be left to luck or the chance of things going your way or you feeling motivated at an opportune moment.

“Stop wearing a wishbone where your backbone ought to be” – Elizabeth Gilbert.

6. Trust – When you start doing something new, you need to trust that when you put in the work you will get the results. A little every day adds up to something big. But if you isolate the little it may look too small in juxtaposition with your final goal.

7. Do not worry and pressurize yourself – You surely need to be ok with accepting some discomfort while developing self-discipline but do not pressurize yourself with too many things like accountability, meticulous realignment with your goals and end up worrying. Just focus on showing up and doing what you have to.

8. Steer clear of distractions – Find out what distracts you and stay away from it. Remove these distractions from your study room and in general. No Facebook/ TV / Video games/ smartphones for some time will do you no damage but no studying/ sticking to your plan will have serious repercussions now and in the future.

Let these points sink in and work on sticking to these for some time as these are the fundamentals. You can add in goal setting, prioritizing, reviewing, time management, and the more advanced aspects only after you have built a strong foundation.

Once you have made the plan and done the other necessary things, you have only one thing to do “Just focus on showing up and doing what you have to”. With time this is going to be a lot more enjoyable and rewarding than if you had chosen not to do this.

You can check our blog for more tips. If you want to know more about joining PUC with Competitive exam coaching you can fill a form and request for most information.