As the year comes to a close, I’m reminded of how often I’ve claimed to be disciplined, only to prove myself wrong time and time again. When a new year approaches, we’re quick to create lofty goals and beautiful “vision boards,” but let’s be honest—none of it holds real weight unless we give it to God and anchor it in discipline.
Here’s the thing: at the root of so many of my struggles is one simple yet powerful word—discipline.
Have you ever noticed that the goals we set for the new year often don’t change all that much? The issue isn’t coming up with new aspirations; it’s the act of following through. For me, motivation just isn’t cutting it anymore. Motivation is fleeting—it comes in waves, but discipline? Discipline is what stays, no matter the circumstances or outcomes.
Take something like working out. Maybe you want to get in shape or lose weight, and you’ve got an accountability partner lined up to keep you on track. But here’s the real test: do you still hit the gym when your partner doesn’t? Do you still go for that run when your buddy chooses to sleep in? True discipline isn’t about showing up because it’s easy or because someone’s by your side; it’s about staying consistent even when no one’s watching, even when it’s hard.
And here’s the truth: we can’t do it alone. Real, lasting discipline starts with prayer. We need to invite God into every part of our lives—even the small, seemingly insignificant areas. It’s not just about the “big” things. It’s about the simple, everyday decisions.
So, as you step into the new year, I encourage you to pray. Ask God to help you remain disciplined in all areas of your life. Talk to Him like the Father He is. Prayer isn’t just for life’s major crises; it’s for the small moments too. When we lean on God, He provides the strength we need to stay the course.
Discipline isn’t easy, but with God, it’s possible.
Here Are a Few Things I Struggle with Discipline In and How I Plan to Fix Them
- Eating Habits
When it comes to my eating habits, my biggest weakness is sweets. Sweets are tricky—they’re often the root of many unhealthy eating habits. One thing I’ve realized is that I don’t need to have something sweet after every meal, even though it feels like a habit. To break this cycle, my husband and I started the year by committing to no sweets for 75 days. This challenge has been a way to reset and break the sugar addiction while helping us develop healthier habits. - Social Media Consumption
As someone who works full-time in social media, it’s so easy to fall into the trap of endlessly scrolling on TikTok or Instagram. I used to spend hours mindlessly scrolling, letting my days slip away to the addictive nature of these apps. This year, I’ve committed to being intentional with my time online. If I’m not working or posting content, I avoid social media. Instead of scrolling, I’ve swapped that time for reading. The time I used to waste online could’ve been spent finishing 10 times the number of books in a month. I’m choosing to invest my time in things that enrich me instead of draining me. - Finishing Tasks with a Full Heart
I don’t know who else can relate, but sometimes when I’m completing a task—whether it’s work, folding clothes, or washing dishes—I get lazy halfway through. It’s like I just want to get it over with and check it off my list. But I’ve realized that everything I do should be done wholeheartedly. Colossians 3:23-24 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” That verse reminds me to check my heart posture. When I start a task, I want to finish it with the same effort and intention I started with, knowing that I’m ultimately doing it for God.
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