Self-Discipline, Daily Habits, and Big Goals: How to Stay Focused and Achieve Your Dreams
Let’s be honest—big goals are exciting, but they can also feel huge and a little overwhelming. Whether it’s starting a new business (like us last last year!✨), running your first marathon, or just keeping the house organized (hello, laundry piles!), achieving those goals requires something most of us struggle with: consistency.
Here’s the good news: You don’t have to overhaul your life in one day to see real progress. The secret? Intentional daily habits. As James Clear shares in Atomic Habits, “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” And creating systems through daily habits is the foundation for self-discipline—and success.
Why Daily Habits Matter
Daily habits aren’t just about ticking off boxes; they’re about maintaining focus on what’s truly important to you. Each small, consistent action moves you closer to your big-picture goals.
Think of it like this: Every time you stick to a habit—no matter how small—you’re casting a vote for the person you want to become. Want to be a writer? Write 100 words every day. Want to prioritize your health? Go for a 10-minute walk each morning. It’s not about perfection; it’s about showing up daily, even when you don’t feel like it.
The Power of Habit Stacking
If you’ve ever struggled to start (or stick to) a new habit, here’s a game-changing technique from Atomic Habits: habit stacking.
The idea is simple: Attach a new habit to something you already do regularly.
Want to journal daily? Do it right after brushing your teeth.
Want to drink more water? Have a glass before your morning coffee.
Want to read 10 pages daily? Do it in the sauna (Ashley gave me this idea!).
By linking your new habit to an existing routine, it becomes easier to remember and incorporate into your day.
How to Stay Focused on Daily Habits
Consistency is key, but let’s be real: Life happens. Here are a few tips to help you stay on track with your habits, even when things get busy:
1. Start Small
Instead of diving into a massive goal, break it down into bite-sized habits. For example, if your goal is to read more, commit to reading just 10 pages a day. That’s 300 pages a month! Starting small helps build momentum.
2. Track Your Progress
There’s something powerful about seeing your progress visually. Use our FREE habit tracker to check off each day you stick to your habits. Each checkmark is a little win that keeps you motivated.
3. Reward Yourself
This is my favorite! Celebrate your wins, big or small. Rewards don’t have to be extravagant—maybe it’s treating yourself to your favorite almond milk latte after a week of consistency.
4. Find an Accountability Partner
Everything is more fun (and effective) with a friend or family member. Share your goals with someone who can encourage you and help you stay on track. Last year I lost 20 pounds and one of the things that helped me the most was that I texted my cousin a picture of the scale most mornings when I woke up. This just helped to always keep my goal top of mind.
5. Give Yourself Grace
Miss a day? No big deal. What matters most is getting back on track. Progress, not perfection, is the goal.
Join Our February Challenge: 28 Days of Self-Discipline
Here’s your chance to turn everything we’ve talked about into action. Starting February 1, 2025, we’re launching the I Am Self-Discipline: A 28-Day Guided Journal challenge, and we’d love for you to join us!
For 28 days, we’ll focus on building self-discipline through intentional daily habits. Each day, you’ll have prompts and activities in the journal to keep you motivated, accountable, and aligned with your goals.
Here’s how to get started:
Grab Your Journal: You can order your I Am Self-Discipline: A 28-Day Guided Journal here.
Follow Us on Social Media: We’ll be sharing tips, encouragement, and progress updates throughout the challenge.
Commit to 28 Days: Show up daily, reflect, and take small, intentional actions toward your goals.
Final Thoughts
Your big dreams aren’t out of reach—they’re just waiting for you to take consistent, intentional steps toward them. By focusing on small daily habits, you’re not only building self-discipline but creating a life aligned with what truly matters to you.
So, what’s your first step? Maybe it’s ordering your journal, setting up your habit tracker, or stacking a new habit onto your morning routine. Whatever it is, take that step today.
Let’s make 2025 the year we show up for ourselves daily, with focus, self-discipline, and a whole lot of intention.
👉 Grab your journal and join us for the challenge! Let’s do this together.
P.S. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook for weekly tips and updates as we tackle February’s 28-day challenge. See you there! 🎉
