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Discipline is the key to putting your plan into action and achieving your family goals. It is the ability to stay focused and motivated even when things are tough. Discipline is not always easy, but it is essential for success.

To help your family in your journey towards success, here are some tips for developing discipline as a family:

  • Start small. Don’t try to change too much too quickly. Pick one area where you want to be more disciplined and focus on that. Once you have mastered that area, you can move on to another one.
  • Set clear expectations. Make sure that everyone in the family knows what is expected of them. This will help to reduce confusion and conflict.
  • Be consistent. The key to discipline is consistency. It is important to follow through on your commitments, even when it is difficult.
  • Be supportive. Everyone slips up from time to time. Be supportive of each other and help each other get back on track.
  • Make discipline a family value. Talk to your children about the importance of discipline and why it is necessary to achieve their goals.
  • Model discipline. Children learn by watching the adults in their lives. Be a good role model by demonstrating discipline in your own life.
  • Create a positive environment. Discipline does not have to be negative. Create a positive environment where family members feel supported and encouraged.
  • Celebrate successes. When your family achieves a goal, take some time to celebrate your success. This will help to keep everyone motivated and moving forward.

There are a number of ways being disciplined can help your family achieve its goals. Some examples include:

  • Saving for a down payment on a house requires discipline to cut back on unnecessary expenses and to make regular contributions to your savings account.
  • Raising kind and compassionate children requires discipline to set boundaries and to follow through with consequences.
  • Achieving financial security requires discipline to live within your means and to make wise financial decisions.
  • Traveling the world together requires discipline to save money and to plan your trips carefully.
  • Making a difference in your community requires discipline to volunteer your time and energy.

Discipline is like a muscle. It grows stronger the more you use it. By developing discipline as a family, you can increase your chances of success and achieve your goals.

By following these tips, you can help your family develop the discipline it needs to achieve its goals and create a successful future together.

Anthony G. James, Jr. holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in human development and family studies from the University of Missouri and a B.S. in Sociology (with a minor in Military Science) from Lincoln University (MO). He is an associate professor in the Department of Family Science & Social Work at Miami University. He is the editor-in-chief of Marriage and Family Review. Dr. Jamesโ€™s research and thought leadership has appeared in Diverse Issue in Higher Education, TIME, and the Thrive Center for Human Development blog. He is the editor of Black Families: A Systems Approach, co-editor of Essays of Advice, and author of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion: A Practical Guide.