We all need more discipline in our lives. It is something that we never have enough of, no matter how disciplined you may be. In fact, the word discipline and disciple are connected. Being a follower of Christ requires discipline as we are a disciple of Jesus. And if we want to be a great disciple we have to practice great discipline.

But discipline is a very misunderstood practice. Most people think of discipline as the willpower to do something. It’s all about having enough strength to overcome whatever is trying to sabotage our success. The problem with this idea of discipline is it’s very subjective to our ability to withstand the temptation to give in. If we are strong, then we might be successful, but if we are weak, we will probably fail. Trying to use our strength to not do something is very difficult, especially if we are in the heat of the moment. Like the person who is dieting and is starving at a dessert bar…it doesn’t turn out so well if they wait to have strength in the moment.

The solution to be more disciplined is not about being stronger…it’s about being smarter. Discipline is a mind game, not a strength game. The battle takes place first in your thoughts then is manifested through your actions. If you are going to be successful you must fight the battle before it begins. For example, don’t allow yourself to be so hungry at the dessert bar and already make the choice of what you’re going to do before you’re standing in line. You have to make the choice before you have to make the choice.

“The solution to be more disciplined is not about being stronger…it’s about being smarter.”

There is a great practice called, If, Then. If, Then is a logical reasoning mechanism where you ask yourself in advance to make the choice before you have to make the choice. For example, you say, “If this happens…then what will I do?”

Here are some If, Then statements:

• If I am offered dessert after dinner, then I will politely refuse and drink a glass of water instead.
• If someone says something hurtful to me, then I will forgive them and move on.
• If I am invited to an environment I am uncomfortable with, then I will decline and offer another option.

We could go on and on with If, Then statements, but I am sure you get the point. These are very powerful when it comes to anticipating the things that could wreck your discipline. Remember, it’s about being smarter, not stronger. Being smarter is about outwitting the enemy of discipline. Start making your If, Then statements and start practicing this powerful principle.