“Self-discipline is a learned behavior. You are not born with it. You learn self-discipline” – Steven Aitchison

One TV show I always recommend for people to watch is “My 600-lb Life.”
It was the perfect wake-up call for me back then when I was still struggling with sugar and carbohydrate addiction. And also a perfect reminder of what the future could turn out to be if I don’t work on changing my eating habits and lifestyle.

It’s sad to see full-fledged adults so enslaved to food that they can’t let go even when death is staring them in the face. So weak in the face of temptation that in spite of their situation, they still can’t hold back. Imagine actually hiding in the bathroom to binge on junk food.

This Is What Happens When You Don’t Exercise Discipline

The thing about discipline is, the more you don’t exercise it, the weaker it gets till you get to that point where you have no will at all, and you are completely left at the mercy of your emotions and impulses. Totally helpless in the face of temptations.

This is how people get to that state of morbid obesity. Where you see them and wonder why they allowed themselves to get to that stage.

If I wanted to exploit people, I would have made millions selling green tea by now. This is because when people see me drinking green tea with a slice of lemon in it, the next thing they ask me is how much of it they should drink daily to lose weight. Of course, I am quick to tell them it goes way beyond green tea and lemon. By the time I am done talking nutrition and lifestyle with them, they sadly and quietly walk away like the rich man who was told to give up his priced possessions to follow the Lord in the Bible.

The Discipline Journey Is An Unending One 

Most people just want to be able to eat without caution and live carelessly and still be fit and healthy. But I will say this again!! Being fit and healthy is not through magic!

You’ve got to be ready to stretch yourself and exercise discipline enough to win over your impulses!! It’s very important. That’s the only way you can do right by your body.
That’s what separates you and positions you to win in this journey.

The truth is, this journey is an unending journey. Discipline is what will determine whether you will enjoy the journey or struggle through it.

Let me open your eyes to this simple but unpopular truth: It’s not the type of diet that determines whether you will be able to stick with it for the rest of your life or not.
I mean, I have seen people who were allowed to eat all they want daily in controlled portions, including their favorite junk foods, yet they still failed at it.

Whether portion control, Carb cycling, Keto, Vegan, Paleo, or whatever diet you are following, what determines your commitment is DISCIPLINE.

Make Up Your Mind To Say That First NO!

Discipline is what will see you through the initial tough phase until it becomes normal to you. Discipline is what will determine if you will make the transition from a diet to a lifestyle. I assure you, building discipline is not impossible!

You just have to be determined enough to say that first NO!! Then the second and the third. You may fail the fourth time but don’t let that stop you. Just pick up from the fifth temptation and keep making an attempt to resist those poor choices till winning becomes a part of you.

Honestly speaking, if you lay there and allow yourself to be tossed to and fro without making any effort to fight, you will keep going in circles. I will save that lecture for another day but be assured it would lead to a slippery slope of regrets and depression.

Hear me again: Nobody was born with discipline. You build it by actually making efforts to exercise it. You can do it – start right now.

Jacinta Ufuoma Gold is the Head coach of Profound Nutrition and Wellness.