Discipline! It sounds harsh doesn't it? A word that often evokes memories or feelings of being corrected, receiving punishment or perhaps even misery. However, when deliberately chosen, this powerful word can and does lead to the ability to regulate healthy decisions and see dramatic changes in your lifestyle! A choice that will empower and liberate your life.

Now who wants a little 'discipline' in their life?

In order to achieve change in your life you need to exert self-discipline into the area that needs change. While this is true for any area of your life i.e. finances, relationships, work etc. I'll be focusing on the health and fitness aspect.

So how do we use discipline to change our circumstances? Well one way is to adhere to 'The discipline of goal setting'.'Now I have written before on how exhilarating goal setting can be, but I've decided to set out some easy to follow steps that will aid you in not only setting your own goals, but actually setting you on the path to achieving your goals.

1/ REALISTIC TIME FRAMES:-

3-6 months is a reasonable length of time for most short term goals.

2/ BE SPECIFIC:-

About what your goals are. List the things YOU can do to get them.

3/ WRITE THEM DOWN:-

This is so important because it helps you to specifically define your goals. Believe it or not, writing them down increases your determination to chase them! It's a constant reminder of what you need, where you are going and how you are going to achieve them.

4/SHARE THEM:-

I've said this before, but it so true! Tell someone else who will encourage you and keep you honest and focused on your goal. A shared goal often inspires others into action as well. A shared goal is one of the most important steps in keeping you committed to your end result.

5/ COLLECT INFORMATION:-

This aids in your ability to make informed and intelligent decisions on the best way to achieve your goal and who and what can help you to make it happen!

6/ DIVIDE AND CONQUER:-

Separate your goals into steps; for example with your 6 month goal decide how far along you want to be in month 1 Month 2 etc.

7/EVALUATE MONTHLY:-

Check how you are going: are you on target? Is there a better way to reach your goal?

8/CHECK, CHECK AND CHECK AGAIN:-

Periodically review your goal list and see if you are still on track to accomplish your goals. Have you quit? Given up?

9/REWARD:-

Reward yourself! That's right! Every day, every week, every month that you successfully complete a step towards your final goal, do something special to CELEBRATE your efforts and your PROGRESS. This is a big deal!

You need to recognise the achievement of your goals and what's more positive than a reward?

Remember goals are pleasurable not painful.

SELF DISCIPLINE IS POWERFUL AND EFFECTIVE!

10/ DON'T DESPAIR:-

If you muck it up, don't cry like a baby and tell your self you're hopeless, you're no good at anything and you'll never make it! NO!! If you muck it up START AGAIN!

"THOSE WHO PERSERVERE... WIN!"

YOU CAN AND WILL REACH YOUR GOALS!