Self-discipline in 10 days by Theodore Bryant

How to go from thinking to doing.

Part One:

The insights from chapter one: There is a part of you that does not want self-discipline. I can agree with this sentence. Yes, I know this, I experience this from time to time. That seems to be a common issue. This part of the self has different faces: cynisism, negativism, defeatism, escapism, delayism.

First conclusion: consider the part of you that does not want to be self-disciplined as a partner not an enemy that you have to defeat.

Self talk: Even if you don't notice it consciously self talk is going on and on.

Action oriented self-talk overrules self-defeating self-talk by being positive, specific and present tense.

Example: Say to yourself: I am cleaning the windows. Repeat it and say it even aloud. Repetition is important.

Avoid words like "I should", "I have to", as it means that someone else wants you to do something. Better is to say "I choose to...".

Definition of self-discipline:

Firstly it is a skill that can be learned.

"Self-discipline, then, is the skill to direct and regulate all the various parts of our personality so that rather than being immobilized by inner conflict, all of our psychological element are pulling together in the same direction - toward your consciously chosen goals." (p. 44)

It is important to be aware of the mental blocks.
Examples of blocks are:
- fear of failure
- fear of success
- fear of rejection
- fear of mediocrity
- fear of risks

Part two:

The ten day self-discipline developoment system:

Day One: Fear of Failure: