Nature and nurture

One of the best ways to stay disciplined in your life – in nearly any area – is to treat yourself as you would treat your child.

You would never give your kids a breakfast of coffee. You know they need actual food – fruits, grains, lean protein, even vegetables – to get a good start on their day. You aren't any different. Do you provide a good breakfast for yourself?

You would never let your child call herself names and put herself down (or anyone else, for that matter). You know that negative language breeds negative behavior. Do you call yourself names? Do you put yourself down? Think of yourself in terms of your positive attributes.

You would never let your kids stay up all night. You know they need a good night's sleep to rejuvenate for the next day. Do you shortchange yourself by going to bed too late? Or by burning the candle at both ends?

Give your inner child the right food, build up your inner child, and discipline your inner child with standards and boundaries. Nurturing and discipline yield results.