Self-Discipline: Prioritizing Health & Wellness

Self-discipline is one of the most challenging aspects of adulthood, especially for professional women who often prioritize the needs of others over their own. Juggling family, work, and home obligations can be overwhelming, leaving little time or energy for self-care. Yet, self-discipline, particularly in terms of health and wellness, is essential for leading a balanced and fulfilling life.

Self-discipline is the ability to control one's emotions, behaviors, and desires to achieve a greater goal. It involves making choices that align with long-term objectives rather than opting for immediate gratification. For many women, self-discipline often translates to managing household responsibilities, excelling at work, and ensuring that family needs are met. However, this can come at the expense of personal health and well-being. The demands of a career, family, and home can leave little room for activities like exercising, eating well, or even taking a moment to relax. It's common to hear women say they don't have time or energy to work out or focus on their health. This can lead to a cycle of neglecting your personal well-being, resulting in physical and emotional exhaustion.

 A Personal Journey to Wellness

I understand these challenges all too well. For years, I was overweight and out of shape, constantly putting the needs of others before my own. It wasn't until I faced a significant health scare—heart surgery—that I realized the importance of prioritizing my health. This experience was a wake-up call, prompting me to make drastic changes in my lifestyle.

Over the past year, I have quit drinking alcohol and caffeine, committed to a nutritious diet, and embraced regular exercise. These changes have been transformative, leading to a 30-pound weight loss through Weight Watchers and a renewed sense of vitality. Yes, Weight Watchers does still exist! I chose this path instead of Ozempic or one of the other semaglutide drugs because I specifically wanted to work on my self-discipline.  For years, I have used the excuse that I just don’t have willpower. Well guess what, you can develop willpower! It is a muscle just like any other skill.  

The Importance of Prioritizing Health and Working Your Willpower Muscle

What if self-discipline is about taking care of your health and wellness first? By improving your overall well-being, you can become more effective in all areas of your life. When you feel good physically and mentally, you have more energy and focus to devote to your professional and personal responsibilities. Here are some steps you can take to exercise that willpower muscle.

1. Set Clear Goals: Identify specific, achievable goals related to your health and wellness. This could include exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, or reducing stress through mindfulness practices. Nutrition is extremely important. Be sure you are eating enough fruits and vegetables. Overworked and overstressed usually goes hand in hand with a diet high in processed foods and sugar. 

2. Create a Schedule: Put exercise and self-care activities on your calendar, just like any other important appointment. Commit to these activities and treat them as non-negotiable. If you don’t have time to go to the gym, then do a workout at home. There are plenty of fitness apps and YouTube videos that help you find a routine that works for your schedule. 

3. Start Small: Begin with small, manageable changes that can gradually become part of your routine. For example, start with a 10-minute daily walk and gradually increase the duration and intensity of your workouts. If you wear a fitness app (or even have the Health app on your Iphone) you can monitor your steps. Aim for 10,000 steps a day. It sounds really ambitious if you are currently nowhere near that number. But just parking farther from the office or taking a ten minute walk several times a day can help you boost your daily steps. 

4. Find Support: Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family, or colleagues who encourage and motivate you. Joining a fitness group or an online community can also provide accountability and inspiration. A recent study showed that the combination of walking and talking had exceptional supportive outcomes for your brain. You can schedule walking dates with a friend to fit in your exercise and maintain close relationships. 

5. Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga into your daily routine. These practices can help reduce stress and improve mental clarity. I love yoga and the discipline it creates. Even a few minutes of yoga daily can help you reset.

6. Track Your Progress: Keep a journal or use a fitness app to track your progress. Monitoring your achievements can boost your motivation and help you stay on track.

7. Be Kind to Yourself: Remember that self-discipline doesn't mean being perfect. There will be setbacks, but it's important to be kind to yourself and stay committed to your long-term goals.

A Call to Action

As professional women, it's crucial to recognize the importance of self-discipline in achieving a balanced and fulfilling life. By prioritizing health and wellness, you can improve your overall quality of life and become more effective in your roles as professionals, caregivers, and individuals.

Self-discipline is a powerful tool for professional women striving to balance the demands of career, family, and personal life. By prioritizing health and wellness, you can enhance your physical and mental well-being, increase your productivity, and achieve a more fulfilling and balanced life. Embrace the journey towards self-discipline and discover the transformative impact it can have on your overall happiness and success.

Take the first step today by setting clear health and wellness goals and committing to a routine that includes regular exercise, nutritious eating, and mindfulness practices. Remember that self-discipline is not about perfection but about making consistent, positive choices that lead to long-term well-being.

As a life coach for lawyers, I encourage you to take the first step towards a healthier, more balanced life. Remember, the journey to self-discipline starts with a single step—take that step today and commit to prioritizing your health and wellness. You'll be amazed at the positive changes it can bring to your life.