Keeping Promises to Yourself

Have you ever told yourself, "Tomorrow will be different" only to find yourself slipping into your same old self again?

Maybe it's about going to bed at an earlier time.

Starting that book you always meant to write.

Staying on a healthier eating program.

I've seen this in many women, myself included, who are thoughtful, capable, and fully aware of what could better serve them--and yet, in the moment, we struggle to follow through.

It's easy to call this a lack of discipline.

But I don't think that's entirely the full picture.

"Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want most"

-Abraham Lincoln (often attributed)

What if self-discipline isn't about being tougher on yourself...but about learning how to better support yourself?

Because...most of us don't break promises to ourselves in the morning--we break them in the moment.

In the morning, we feel clear. In the moment, we feel tired, emotional, fearful, or tempted. And in that moment...feelings often win.

Try asking: What's happening right before I make that choice?" What am I needing? "What are my feelings telling me?"

Because often, it's not about will power, it's about:

• Needing comfort

• Feeling overwhelmed or afraid

• Wanting relief

• Feeling tired or lacking energy

And, when we don't understand what we truly need in that moment, we are more likely to make choices that do not serve us.

When that happens, ask yourself, "What do I need right now?" Then take a quiet "time out" moment to check in with yourself.

Self-discipline isn't about being hard on yourself It's about learning how to show up for yourself--especially in the moments that matter most.