Discipline drives successful lifestyle changes.

Discipline is recognizing the need for action followed with immediate and consistent actions. Discipline compels you to put your ability, skills and talent to work.

Although many of us know what we should be doing, there are times that we fail to act promptly. Procrastination delays the necessary action and halts progress.

Six tips that promote discipline:

1. Start with SMART goals. Plan. You'll gain confidence knowing exactly what you should be doing and why.

2. Publically announce your goals. Knowing that others are watching your progress increases your motiation to act responsibly.

3. Get rid of temptation. Replace the routines that led to bad habits with new routines. For example, if you always snack while watching TV, try reading a book. Remove vices such as cigarettes, high-calorie condiments or low-nutrition snacks.

4. Do not debate with yourself about acting promptly.

5. Change your thinking. When you find yourself thinking negatively, replace that thought with a positive thought or mantra.

6. Reward yourself at specific intervals. Small steps get small rewards. Milestones get big rewards.

Discipline takes practice, patience and a willingness to change. Be firm, but kind to yourself during your learning process.