Discipline is the train you board in order to reach the destination of success. For the longest time, I never took boarded that train. I kept hiding under the cape of creativity. It took me ages to realise that discipline is the key that helps creativity flourish. And discipline is a ritual. It cannot wait for motivation or inspiration to strike. It has to be done on a daily basis. Like writing this blog.

Some ways to stick to a ritual are:

1. Have an allocated time for the activity.
2. Have it out of your way in the first half, especially if you are starting something new or do not like it.
3. Appoint an accountability partner – someone who can boss you over or has authority over you. Either by professional commitment or by relationship.
4. Some day will be easy, some not so easy. Have ideas ready for the tough days. Eg: you do not like a workout. Make sure, you engage in a group activity so that you are committed. If you cannot make it some day, have someone push you. Make up for it the next day in case work or life get in the way. Confess it to someone. So that you feel more responsible.

When you keep at something no matter what, you start to see unexpected results. Like doing 10000 steps daily without missing a single day. Or feeling gratitude daily no matter what. We bring up reasons like procratination or lack of motivation for falling out of discipline. Truth be told, it is neither. One can get into a rountine only if one sees value in the proposition. And that value ought to be a priority in life. Eg: Losing weight. One is able to exercise and control food intake when the doctor threatens them of a heart disease if the weight isnt reduced. Or not getting the desired promotion in case the sales numbers are not met. It is only in these dire situations that people choose to take action. And routines get formed and maintained.

P.S. Once you master the art of following a ritual, no matter what field it is in, you beigin to feel a power. You start to realise your pre frontal cortex is gaining strength. The stronger the PFC, the better your discipline. And the better your sense of control, aresults and growth in every sphere of life.