Day 7 - A Life Of Joyful Self-Discipline

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How do we live a joy filled life of self-discipline?

I think the joy part comes in the accomplishment of living a self-disciplined/self-controlled lifestyle that is pleasing to God. Below are some tips to help you on your journey toward a life of self-discipline.


Six Tips in Leading a Self-Disciplined Life (This works for me!)

1. Commitment

You have to be willing to commit to a lifestyle of self-discipline. I must say again that this does not mean perfection, but an earnest "giving it your best."

2. Set and complete goals

This is important! Start small, don't say you're going to clean the whole house when you know you will get tired after 45 minutes! My goal, for example, is to clean my kitchen every morning by 9am, and I intend to complete that one little goal. The reason I'm choosing that particular goal to work on is because I don't like cleaning my kitchen, so I want it out of the way before the day really begins. Don't get too wrapped up in the setting of goals unless you feel you can complete them - remember, one step at a time!

3. Do what you say you will do

This has everything to do with integrity and trustworthiness. I want to be someone who follows through with what I say, but I've got to commit to doing it...will you?

4. Learn to say "no"

If you can learn to say "no" you will free up time and much unneeded stress. Seriously, this has helped me big time! If it's not a priority, or you're only doing it out of guilt, don't do it! Saying "no" is all part of time management, so only say yes if you know you can commit without your other priorities falling on the way side.

5. Practice

Anyone who has learned a life of self-discipline will tell you that it took time and practice. As we continue to work toward the goal, focusing on what lies ahead, we will naturally become more self-disciplined - but it takes hard work. Practice, practice, practice! Practice getting up early until it becomes a habit. Practice getting your kitchen cleaned before noon until it becomes second nature. Don't give up...

6. Don't give up

This says it all - don't give up.



Now for some of YOUR tips:

Over at everychapter, this gal has found that setting a timer or playing some music helps her to get going and be efficient. She always rewards herself at the end of a task.

Anna has used the site Remember the Milk as a useful resource to keep her on task. It doesn't always work for her, but it might work for you!

Ms. Good & Crazy says that she works after the kids are in bed (now she just has to figure out what to do now that it's summer and they stay up!)

Rachel often focus's her thoughts on the fact that procrastinating about cleaning takes longer than the actual cleaning! This helps her to get up off the couch (or computer) and tackle the job she's been putting off.



For some more great tips, check out this very helpful article on developing self-discipline by Grace to You Ministries.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23

Today's Challenge:

Let's work on making our bedrooms sanctuary's! First things first though, today let's work on a general bedroom clean-up, vacuum or mop, plus a little decluttering.

Tomorrow the fun will really begin in working toward a bedroom sanctuary!

Have a great day!