When it comes to achieving success and happiness in life, there are many important qualities that you must possess. However, there is one quality that beats them all in regards to sustainable, long-term success: self-discipline. Self-discipline is the one trait that you need to have if you want to accomplish your goals and be happy. Fortunately, self-discipline is a learned behavior. Here are five proven methods for gaining better control and improving your self-discipline.

Remove Temptations

Self-discipline is often easier when you abide by the adage, “out of sight, out of mind.” A crucial first step to improving your self-discipline is removing all distractions and temptations from your environment. Set yourself up for success by eliminating the bad influences.

Eat Regularly

Studies have proven that when your blood sugar is low, it can weaken your resolve. When you are hungry, your ability to concentrate on the tasks suffers as your brain is unable to function at its highest potential. Not only does hunger make you more pessimistic and grumpier, but it also will make it much more challenging for you to focus on your tasks. To combat this, make sure that you are well fueled throughout the day so your brain can better focus on your priorities and goals.

Don’t Wait

Improving your self-discipline involves changing up your normal routine, even if it’s uncomfortable and awkward. When a behavior becomes a habit, we halt our decision-making skills and switch on the auto-pilot. To break our bad habits and build new habits, we have to make active decisions. This can sometimes feel wrong, causing your brain to resist the change. To fix this, embrace the wrong and acknowledge that it will take time for the new regime to take hold and feel right.

Schedule Breaks and Reward Yourself

Self-discipline doesn’t mean your new routine needs to be hardcore, in fact, not providing for a little wiggle room will often result in disappointment, failure, and giving up. When practicing self-discipline be sure to schedule specific breaks, rewards, and treats for yourself. Self-discipline can be severe, so be sure to reward yourself for your effort.

Forgive Yourself

Changing up your routine and instituting a new way of thinking won’t always go according to your plan. You will experience ups and downs, successes and failures. The key to improving your self-discipline is to keep moving forward even when you fail. When you have setbacks, acknowledge what caused them and move on.

Improving your self-discipline isn’t easy, but it is necessary if you want to achieve success. Utilize these tips and watch as you become more self-disciplined and move closer to your goals.