10 Fundamentals to More Self-Discipline for Christians

Many people say they want more self-discipline in their lives. But most do not realize that self-discipline is more straightforward than they think!

Here are two common questions about more self-discipline:

What is self-discipline?

Discipline is following a path or planned direction each day. No direction, no self-discipline.

Why is more self-discipline important?

Self-discipline is important because it helps you make steady progress toward goal attainment. You establish a pathway of action steps leading to the goal and then take steps along that pathway each day consistently, knowing you will reach your goal in due season.
Discipline is following a planned direction each day. No direction, no self-discipline.

The 10 Keys to More Self-Discipline

Here is a list of ten keys to more self-discipline:

  1. Discipline is following a planned direction each day. No direction, no discipline. Your daily routine determines your direction, therefore plan/schedule wise actions into your daily routine.
  2. Success is not an accident, but failure often is. Many people's approach to life is passive rather than active engagement. So they end up where they do not want to go!
  3. A disciple lives a disciplined life because we follow a planned direction; we follow Jesus! (“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me (John 14:6).”
  4. Ask the Lord for a vision of the person He created you to be. Write down what you see.
  5. Ask: What actions is Holy Spirit leading me to take each day to start becoming that person? Get excited!
  6. Build wise actions into your routine (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.). The same energy you are using to resist activity could be directed to getting it done.
  7. Put those actions on your calendar to move from vision to reality. Your daily routine must match the person you envisioned. If your daily routine contradicts your vision, then it causes inner conflict and robs you of peace.
  8. Plan: When you don’t plan, you allow others, distractions, or your worst impulses to control your time.
  9. Manage time: Time is a blessing. However, your time on Earth is limited. Don't let the enemy convince you that you have all the time in the world. You do not, so make the most of the time with which God has blessed you.
  10. Do not waste your time; invest it in becoming the person God created you to be for His glory and increased influence for His kingdom. Keep Psalm 90:12 in mind

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."

Psalm 90:12

About the author 

Kimberly Taylor

Kimberly Taylor is a certified Christian life coach and has a heart to help others struggling with emotional eating and weight loss. Once 240 pounds and a size 22, she can testify of God’s goodness and healing power to overcome. She lost 85 pounds as a result of implementing techniques to overcome emotional eating and binge eating disorder.

Kim is the author of "The Take Back Your Temple Program," which teaches Christians how to take control of their weight God's way and the books "The Weight Loss Scriptures" and "The Weight Loss Prayers."

Kim has been featured in Prevention Magazine, Charisma Magazine and on CBN’s 'The 700 Club' television program.