If you want to become more disciplined, start doing these 10 things every morning

The key to discipline lies in our daily routines, especially how we kick-start our mornings.

You see, it’s not about being overly strict with yourself, but about making small, consistent choices that set the tone for the rest of your day.

If you want to become more disciplined, there are ten simple things you can start doing every morning. And trust me, they’re not as hard as you might think.

So grab a cup of coffee, and let’s dive into these daily habits that will help you cultivate discipline and set you up for success.

1) Start your day with a plan

Discipline is all about having a clear direction, and what better way to start your day than with a solid plan?

Now, I’m not talking about laying out every minute of your day. That can be overwhelming and counterproductive. No, what I’m suggesting is a simple outline of your key tasks and priorities.

Think about what you want to achieve that day and write it down. It can be as simple as ‘Exercise for 30 minutes’ or ‘Finish project report’. The key is to focus on what’s important to you.

By starting your day with a clear plan, you’re setting yourself up for success. It gives you a roadmap to follow, making it easier to stay disciplined and focused throughout the day.

And remember, the plan is not set in stone. You can always adjust it as needed. But having that initial direction can make all the difference in becoming more disciplined.

2) Create a morning routine

Trust me, nothing has changed my life more than establishing a solid morning routine.

Take me as an example. Every day, I start my morning by drinking a glass of water, followed by a 10-minute meditation session. This simple routine helps me to wake up my body and calm my mind, setting the tone for the rest of the day.

The beauty of a morning routine is that it’s completely personal. It’s about finding what works for you and sticking to it. Maybe you prefer to start your day with a workout, or perhaps reading a chapter of a book is more your style.

Whatever it is, establish a routine that puts you in the right mindset and sets you up for a productive day. With consistency, this routine becomes second nature, helping you to build discipline each and every day.

3) Make your bed

You might be thinking, what does making my bed have to do with discipline? Surprisingly, a lot.

In a speech delivered to the graduates of the University of Texas, Admiral William H. McRaven said that if you want to change the world, start by making your bed. It sounds trivial, but it’s a simple task that can set the tone for your entire day.

Making your bed is a small act of discipline that can create a positive chain reaction. It’s an easy win early in the morning, providing an initial sense of accomplishment. Plus, it’s always nice to come back to a tidy bed at the end of a long day.

So tomorrow morning, take a few minutes to straighten your sheets and fluff your pillows. This small habit can have a big impact on your overall discipline.

4) Prioritize physical activity

Starting your day with some form of physical activity can be a real game-changer.

It doesn’t have to be a full-blown workout session — even a short walk, a few stretches, or some yoga poses can do the trick. The goal is to get your blood flowing and shake off any residual sleepiness.

Physical activity in the morning not only wakes you up but also boosts your mood and energy levels. Plus, it’s a great way to practice discipline.

By committing to a regular morning exercise routine, you’re setting a positive pattern for the rest of your day. You’re showing yourself that you can stick to a plan and accomplish what you set out to do.

So lace up those sneakers and get moving. Your body — and your discipline — will thank you for it.

5) Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness might sound like a buzzword, but it’s a powerful tool for cultivating discipline.

Starting your day with a few moments of mindfulness can make a huge difference. It’s about being present in the moment and focusing on your thoughts and feelings without judgement.

You could practice mindfulness through meditation, deep breathing exercises, or even just sitting quietly with your morning coffee. The aim is to clear your mind and set a positive intention for your day.

Practicing mindfulness helps you to stay focused and grounded throughout the day. It trains your brain to resist distractions and stay disciplined on the task at hand.

So give it a try. A few minutes of mindfulness each morning might be just what you need to boost your discipline.

6) Write a gratitude journal

Starting the day with a sense of gratitude can truly transform your outlook on life.

It’s about taking a moment each morning to jot down a few things you’re grateful for. It could be as simple as the sunshine streaming through your window, the smell of fresh coffee, or the love of your family.

This small act of appreciation helps to start your day on a positive note. It reminds you of the good in your life, helping you to stay focused and motivated throughout the day.

Over time, this practice trains your mind to look for positivity and goodness, fostering a sense of discipline towards maintaining an optimistic outlook.

So take a few minutes each morning to reflect on what you’re thankful for. It will not only boost your mood but also foster a stronger sense of discipline within you.

7) Limit your screen time

Here’s a confession: I used to be glued to my phone first thing in the morning. The minute I woke up, I’d reach for my phone to check emails, scroll through social media — you name it.

And let me tell you, it was a productivity killer. I’d lose track of time and feel rushed and stressed before the day had even properly started.

That’s when I decided to limit my morning screen time. I made a rule to not check my phone until after I’d finished my morning routine. It was tough at first, but it helped me start my day in a much more relaxed and focused way.

So if you find yourself reaching for your phone first thing in the morning, try setting some boundaries. It’s a small change that can have a big impact on your discipline and overall productivity.

8) Embrace a little mess

Believe it or not, striving for perfection can sometimes hinder discipline.

Yes, staying organized is important, but obsessing over every little detail can lead to unnecessary stress and burnout.

In fact, it’s often more beneficial to accept that things won’t always go according to plan. Your morning routine might get disrupted, your to-do list might not get completed, or your coffee might spill on your freshly ironed shirt.

Instead of getting frustrated, use these moments as a chance to practice discipline in managing your reactions. Accept the situation, adapt accordingly, and move forward.

By doing so, you’re training yourself to stay disciplined even when things don’t go as planned. And that’s a crucial part of becoming more disciplined in life.

9) Fuel your body right

The old saying “You are what you eat” holds a lot of truth. What you fuel your body with in the morning can greatly impact your discipline throughout the day.

A nourishing, balanced breakfast can provide you with the energy and focus you need to tackle your tasks. Opt for foods that are rich in protein and fiber to keep you feeling satiated and focused.

On the flip side, starting the day with sugary cereals or pastries can lead to a mid-morning crash, leaving you feeling sluggish and less likely to stick to your plans.

Remember, discipline isn’t just about mental willpower. It’s about taking care of your physical health too. So make sure you’re giving your body the right fuel it needs to support your daily discipline.

10) Be gentle with yourself

Above all, remember that discipline is a journey, not a destination. There will be days when you falter, and that’s okay. The key is to not beat yourself up over it.

Instead, acknowledge the slip-up, understand what led to it, and then gently guide yourself back on track. This self-compassion and understanding is crucial in maintaining long-term discipline.

So take it one day at a time. Celebrate your wins, learn from your mistakes, and most importantly, be patient with yourself. You’re on the right path to becoming more disciplined, and that in itself is something to be proud of.

Final thoughts: Discipline is a choice

At the heart of it all, discipline is a conscious choice we make every day.

It’s rooted in the simple decisions we make from the moment we wake up, whether it’s making our bed, choosing a healthy breakfast, or setting our intentions for the day.

The renowned motivational speaker, Jim Rohn, once said, “Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.” It’s through discipline that we can turn our aspirations into reality.

So, as you start your day tomorrow, remember that each choice you make plays a part in your journey towards becoming more disciplined. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.

Each small act of discipline is a step forward on your path to success. Embrace these moments, celebrate your progress, and keep moving forward. After all, the choice to be disciplined starts with you.