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THE HEIMSTONE MAGAZINE +

WELLNESS | 10.11. 2024

WELL-BEING

How Discipline and Commitment Transform Our Lives.
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Before we begin, I want to clarify that what I’m sharing here comes from my personal experience. I’m neither a doctor nor an expert, but I simply wish to share what works for me. In this series of articles on well-being, nutrition, and mental health, I invite you to explore themes that are close to my heart. These are vast, sometimes complex topics that hold so much potential for self-discovery. Before diving into these subjects, I felt it essential to lay down some foundational principles, as without these basics, nothing that follows would have the power to truly impact our 

lives. Since our last article in APERO, “The Beautiful Balance,” I’ve received many messages and questions. One of them comes up often: “How do I find motivation and discipline? I can stick to something for three days, and then I drop it for months!” This is a real issue, and for this first part of our conversation, I’d like us to take some time to discuss it.

 

“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.”- JIM RYUN
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1. CHOOSING TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF.

Choosing to exercise, care for your body, your health, and your mind is something each of us can undertake, no matter where we’re starting from. This summer, I had the opportunity to attend the Paralympic Games in Paris with my husband and our two daughters, and it was deeply inspiring. I’ve always believed that everyone can make the choice to take care of themselves, in their own way. But watching these athletes made this belief even stronger: we all have the ability to care for ourselves.

2. RETHINKING CONSTRAINTS.

In today’s world, discipline and commitment seem to be fading values. They require time and patience, which often go against the instant gratification that shapes our daily lives. The notions of effort and resilience are being left behind, yet they have so much to offer us.
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3. FINDING TIME FOR YOURSELF.

I know finding time can seem difficult. Between children, work, and countless small daily tasks, it often feels like we lack minutes, if not hours. But the reality is, each of us has the chance to adjust our priorities. For example, I don’t have more time than you do: if I manage to train every day, it’s because I choose to get up at 5:30 am.

 

“Self-discipline begins with the mastery of your thoughts. If you don’t control what you think, you can’t control what you do.”- NAPOLEON HILL

4. START GENTLY.

Not all of us have the same athletic background or physical foundation. Some may have been active their whole lives, while others are discovering it later on. It doesn’t matter, because the key is to start at your own pace. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, build muscle, or simply spend more time on self-care, begin with small goals and adjust based on what feels right for you.
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5. FOCUS ON CONSISTENCY.

It’s often more effective to start with ten minutes of exercise each day rather than an hour of intense activity each week. The body has an impressive memory, and by establishing a regular routine from the start, you’ll gradually build a habit. What seems overwhelming at first will, over time, feel natural. Treat each exercise as a personal challenge: if your goal is to do fifty sit-ups, try doing fifty-five. This small extra push will help you discover the satisfaction of going beyond your limits. 

6. START GENTLY.

Exercise and well-being don’t require costly investments. You don’t need a gym membership or fancy equipment to take care of yourself. Personally, I do my exercises barefoot each morning, using simple resistance bands and ankle weights that I bought for a modest amount four years ago.

 

“Discipline is the bridge between goals and achievements. Commitment is the key to crossing it.”
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I hope these words offer some inspiration and help you find that spark within yourself. Take this time for you, step by step. And soon, we’ll continue this beautiful journey together in the next APERO article!

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