Developing Self-Discipline (32 Day Commitment Activity)
Developing Self-Discipline (32 Day Commitment Activity)
Developing Self-Discipline (32 Day Commitment Activity)
Self-Management
Developing Self-Discipline
Once I accept responsibility for choosing and creating the life I want, the next step is taking purposeful actions
that will turn my desires into reality. I am taking all of the actions necessary to achieve my goals and dreams
Struggling Students
wait passively or wander from one unpurposeful
activity to another.
live disorganized, unplanned lives, constantly
responding to whims of the moment.
quit or change course when their actions dont lead
to immediate success.
Developing Self-Discipline:
In a word, success takes discipline the willingness to do whatever has to be done, whether you feel like
it or not, until you reach your goals and dreams. Every January, athletic clubs are filled with people who
made New Years resolutions to get in shape. You know what happens. A month later, the crowds are
gone, reminding us that getting and staying in shape takes commitment, focus, and persistence.
Our actions reveal whether we have the self-discipline to stay on course on the face of tempting
alternatives. Most students want to be successful, but wanting and doing are worlds apart. Partying with
friends is easier than going to class day after day. Talking on the phone is easier than reading a
challenging textbook hour after hour. Watching television is easier than doing research at the library...
night after night.
Many people choose instant gratification. Few choose the far off rewards of persistent and purposeful
actions. Many began the journey to their dreams; few finish. Yet all we need to do is put one foot in
front of another again and again and again and again. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single
step, but many more must follow.
Self-discipline has three essential ingredients: commitment, focus, and persistence. In this activity you
explore how to strengthen your commitment.
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Motivate students to consistently improve their exam performance and strive towards
a standard of excellence in all areas of study.
Materials:
Total Time
10 minutes for initial explanation. Time varies after that depending on the number of
times the assignment is collected.
Semester timing: Perform this activity after the second or third exam, but before there are less than
32 days left in the semester.
Procedure:
Introduce students to the idea that insanity is doing the same thing over & over again
& expecting different results. Explain to students that changing an action/behavior
can help them be more successful. Explain step one on 32-day commitment form (see
32-day commitment form) & give students time to fill in the blanks. After students
complete step 1, explain step 2 (see 32-day commitment form).
Assessment:
Either collect the 32-day commitment form at the end of the 32 days, periodically, or
both. Collect the reflection questions and tracking sheet at the end of the 32-days.
Sources:
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Step 1: Review your exam analysis sheets from the last exam and record the following information
below.
1. What are two things you will do next time to prevent careless errors?
a.
b.
2. List two steps you will take to remedy being unprepared.
a.
b.
Step 2: Choose one of the above choices. Write down the ONE choice you have committed to making
every day on the worksheet Being Persistent: A 32-Day Commitment, which follows the 32Suggestions for 32-Day Commitments.
Next to Day 1, write todays date.
Record the action you took to complete the commitment and check that youve completed
the action.
Repeat daily.
Note: If you prefer, you can track your progress in your planner or on a separate sheet of
paper. Choose an approach that will work for you.
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Day
1
2
3
4
5
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8
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10
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32
Date
Action Taken
Completed
You did it! Remember to answer reflection questions on the next page and submit with checklist
for full credit.
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Step 3: Answer the following questions below after completing the 32 day commitment and submit the
completed assignment.
2. What difference did it make in your experiences, outcomes or progress toward your goals?
3. What strategy will you use to continue to experience the benefits of the 32-Day
Commitment? Many students begin another 32-Day Commitment either the same one or a
different one after they complete this assignment.
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