What does it take to create a successful business?

Some people might say it takes an innate talent or attribute. Others will say dedication and hard work are the foundations of a healthy, successful business. But the most important aspect of all would be discipline.

Success doesn’t happen overnight. You’ll need to stay focused on your goals. That rings true as well when you’re the creative type with so many shiny new ideas bouncing around in your head. If you never turn those ideas into action because you can’t focus on any one thing, then they’re not really doing you much good, are they?

However, developing and maintaining laser focus can be difficult — especially when distractions are constantly vying for your attention. But with a little daily discipline, you can train yourself to be incredibly focused and productive.

Why all the fuss about discipline?

Discipline provides people with the tools they need to live their lives efficiently and effectively. If you are disciplined, you can make small sacrifices in the present for a better future. Remember that time you woke up to do that thing you needed to do instead of sleeping in? That’s discipline.

And discipline creates habits. Habits make routines. Routines become your character, who you are daily. The daily disciplines and habits that you live by will ultimately determine who you’ll be  — as a parent, as a sibling, as a son, as a daughter, and yes, even as a business owner.

Business leaders are often faced with the challenge of making big decisions. If you want to be a great and inspiring leader, you need to make the right decisions and show restraint. Discipline also brings a sense of stability and structure into your life — both very important aspects of your business. If you can exercise those in your daily life, then it’ll translate into your work and surely, you’ll reap its benefits through your business.

How to create a daily routine that works for you

Habits are powerful, but they’re not easy to form. There may also be unforeseen roadblocks that hinder you. It’s challenging, but here are some tips to create a routine that works for you:

1. Make a list of your daily tasks at home and at work.
2. Structure your day.
3. Loosely outline each part of your day and write the specific tasks and times.
4. Give yourself a little wiggle room on the timeframes for each task.
5. Test drive your routine plan for a week.
6. Track your progress and make adjustments as needed.
7. Don’t forget to reward yourself with something fun from time to time.

Wait, here are some little reminders…

No matter how motivated you are at setting a new routine and sticking to it, there are pitfalls you may encounter. For example, you may set goals that are unrealistic. Or you may feel pressured to put everything on your plate and become overwhelmed. Maybe you’ll be too hard on yourself that you lose all drive and determination.

Creating a routine plan is merely the first step. Implementing that plan is another — when you’re trying out a new habit or discipline, go into it with these things in mind:

• Manage your time wisely.
• Set small, realistic goals.
• Stop trying to do so many things at once.
• Switch up your environment.
• Work within your limits.
• Focus on progress over perfection.
• Hold yourself accountable by hiring a coach, finding a buddy, or using a planner to track your progress.
• Pursue goals that interest you.
• Identify obstacles that are holding you back.
• Expect setbacks and prepare for them.
• Celebrate your wins.

Habits to practice daily discipline

The activities that you choose to include in your routine are entirely up to you. But here are just a few tried and tested habits that are helpful in practicing daily discipline:

• Stick to a morning and night ritual.
• Write down three things you’re grateful for every day.
• Keep a journal.
• Create daily goals every morning.
• Exercise at least 10 minutes every day.
• Take time to meditate.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Clean your room or office.
• Get enough sleep.

The benefits of staying disciplined

Once you have a good handle on your discipline, you’ll reap many benefits:

1. It helps you get ahead in your career.
2. It allows you to achieve your long term goals.
3. It decreases anxiety.
4. It develops confidence.
5. It improves your physical health.
6. It makes you feel more inspired and motivated.
7. It positively affects your personal and professional relationships.
8. You become more resilient.
9. It improves your mood and makes you happier.

What if you become distracted?

The biggest threat to discipline is distraction. Many things could distract you. Maybe you want to put off your work to binge watch a new Netflix series. Or perhaps you just do not feel motivated, so you shirk your duties and laze around all day.

Fortunately there are many different ways to stay on track:

• Create a to do list.
• Put your phone on silent or airplane mode.
• Place your phone somewhere out of reach.
• Use a focus app.
• Listen to music or white noise.
• Turn off notifications.
• Try the Pomodoro technique.
• Do relaxation and breathing exercises.
• Unplug and play for at least 30 minutes.
• Take occasional breaks.
• Take a short walk.

Interruptions are inevitable, but that doesn’t mean you have to let them derail you. As long as you can plan ahead for these distractions, you’ll be able to be productive.

Achieving our goals is hard. Getting discouraged is easy. Giving up takes far less effort than pushing through, especially when you have to give up pleasure for pain. But that’s simply what it takes. You need to discipline yourself and stumble a few times along the way before you can be successful and elevate yourself and your business.

You’re ambitious. You’re driven. You’re ready to reach your goals. There will always be a reason you can’t do something. But there’s always a reason you can. You have a choice. Discipline is a practice, and what’s important is showing up each day ready to try.

If you want to develop habits and discipline that’ll lead your business to success, buy Habit Hero and learn how to drive higher income and happiness!