How to Build Your Self-Discipline Muscle for Weight Loss

If you could wave a magic wand and give yourself the skill of self-discipline, weight loss would feel like a breeze, right? Well luckily, self-discipline IS a skill that can be learned.

I’m going to break down what self-discipline really means, why it’s a game-changer for busy career women like you, and share some down-to-earth strategies to make this weight loss journey not just effective, but also enjoyable.

Self-Discipline and Weight Loss Habits

Alright, let’s talk real-life stuff – the kind of habits that fit into our crazy schedules.

Eating, moving, catching those z’s, staying hydrated, and managing stress. These are the pillars to losing weight and keeping it off. There are of course others, but these are the biggies.

With your busy schedule, it can feel very difficult to stay consistent with these. Especially when emotions like stress, anxiety, and overwhelm come into play.

But guess what? Self-discipline is like your secret weapon, pushing you toward those healthy choices that matter most in your bustling life. So wouldn’t it be nice to have more of that? Don’t worry, I’ll be teaching you exactly how to build your self-discipline muscle for weight loss in just a bit.

P.S. I did an entire podcast episode on Self-Discipline and Weight Loss Habits, so check it out below!

• LISTEN OR READ: Self-Discipline and Weight Loss Habits (Podcast Episode)
• LISTEN OR READ: 5 Crucial Weight Loss Habits (Podcast Episode)

Importance of Self-Discipline in Habit Formation

To forge lasting habits, frequent repetition of the desired behavior is essential. Daily or near-daily engagement significantly enhances the likelihood of habit formation.

As you might already know from listening to my podcast, Eating Habits for Life, behind every behavior is a feeling. So, it’s much easier to do the desired behavior if the feeling is either motivation or a feeling that inspires you into action.

But, you won’t always feel motivated or another feeling that inspires you into action. And you might even feel completely UNMOTIVATED.

Because of that, you might only do the desired behavior when you “feel like it” or when circumstances align. (Completely normal!)

But because we don’t always feel the way we want to feel, waiting for motivation or ideal circumstances will hinder your progress, making it crucial to act regardless of how you feel.

As a career woman, you’re all about rolling up those sleeves and getting things done, right? So, self-discipline with weight loss habits won’t be any different than what you’re already used to doing.

• LISTEN OR READ: Weight Loss Strategies for Busy Weeks (Podcast Episode)
• LISTEN OR READ: Weight Loss and Your Emotions (Podcast Episode)

Create Your Own Momentum

In the chaos of deadlines and meetings, feeling tired or unmotivated is just part of the deal. But hey, waiting around for the perfect moment? That’s a luxury you can’t afford.

So let’s make it easier, so you even when you “don’t feel like it,” you’ll be likely to do the action anyway.

Your brain craves regular wins for a quick dopamine hit, so just doing a small action, something you feel is really doable, will create that quick win. It’ll activate the part of your brain that wants to build a new habit.

And just remember, improving self-discipline is like building a muscle. Start small, make those healthy behaviors easy-peasy, and throw in a few reminders (because, let’s be real, we’re all a bit forgetful).

Then, be sure to congratulate yourself on the small win. It may seem small, but your brain needs that acknowledgement that it did something “good” in order for it to be more likely to repeat the behavior. Kind of like a little kid.

• LISTEN OR READ: Weight Loss That Fits Your Lifestyle (Podcast Episode)
• LISTEN OR READ: 4 Ways to Make Weight Loss Fun (Podcast Episode)

Personal Transformation Through Self-Discipline

When you start getting used to doing the actions that align with your future self, the person you want to become, you start becoming that person.

You start becoming the person who is self-disciplined and just gets it done. No matter what.

This makes sticking with healthier foods easier. It makes hitting the gym after work a routine you don’t even think twice about. It makes going to bed when you intended to, easy peasy, regardless of what steamy novel you’re reading or Netflix show you’re watching.

You end up carrying over that self-discipline skill into other things that can advance you in your career, help you make more money, improve your relationship with others.

4 Strategies to Boost Self-Discipline

Simplify the behavior: Make the intended behavior as physically easy as possible.

Set reminders: Utilize alerts or visual cues to prompt and reinforce your commitment.

Focus on rewards: Emphasize short-term benefits to overcome immediate challenges.

Push through reluctance: Remind yourself of the positive feelings that follow completing the intended action.

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Final Notes:

Self-discipline is a skill that ANYONE can develop and master. You just need to remember that you don’t need to feel like doing something to actually do it. But the above strategies will make it much easier for you.

So, my very capable career woman, you now know exactly how to build your self-discipline muscle for weight loss

And if you’re looking for more personalized help, I invite you to a free consult with me to discuss how eating habit and weight loss coaching can benefit you personally. I’ll learn about you, your struggles, and goals, then tailor a plan of how to get you to your goals. Book your free consult here.