Jasmine Womack: Welcome to the Published and Paid Podcast, where we share book, business, leadership, and life lessons in 20 minutes or less to help you build a thought leadership brand and business. My name is Jasmine Womack. I'm a former middle school language arts teacher turned seven-figure entrepreneur, and I am glad that you are here. Let's get started.
Welcome back to another wonderful episode of the Published and Paid Podcast, where we discuss all things publishing your intellectual property and getting paid for it, as well as leadership, business, and life lessons. My name is Jasmine Womack, and I am your host for today. Today, we're talking about increasing your self-discipline and your self-efficacy.
I wanted to make sure I was articulating this in a way that makes the most sense. So, I did a quick Google search, and self-efficacy is defined as an individual's belief in their capacity to execute the behaviors necessary to produce specific performance attainments. And self-discipline is the ability to control yourself and work hard or behave in a certain way without being told to do so.
Two of the keys that are absolutely necessary for success are self-discipline and self-efficacy. You've got to believe in yourself. You've got to believe in your ability to accomplish the things that you say you want to accomplish. And then you've got to be disciplined enough to control yourself and take the actions that will help you accomplish your goal.
I’m often asked, “How did you develop discipline and create this sense of belief in yourself?” That's not to say there aren't times when my confidence wanes because I believe everyone has moments where their confidence may not be as strong. But at the end of the day, nobody can ever tell me I can't do something I’ve set my mind to. I honestly don't know if it's because of the way I was raised or if it's an innate ability, but I’ve always been the type of person where if I decide I'm going to do something, I'm going to do it. I don't care about your opinion, your limitations, or what you think. This is what I want to do, and I'm going to figure out a way to make it happen.
So, as I sat down and began to peel back the layers of the onion, I started to get to the bottom of what helps me maintain this level of discipline and self-efficacy outside of the drive that already exists.
One of the first things I do is address my strengths and weaknesses, but I don't overanalyze it. I’m just honest with myself about where I am. For example, I don't like staying up late. I'm an early bird, and it’s easier for me to get up early than to stay up late. That's just how I’m wired. I also realize I’m more productive early in the day, so I plan my tasks around those times. My husband, on the other hand, is a night owl and prefers staying up late. But for me, I know that trying to do deep thinking at 5 p.m. just isn’t going to work.
You’ve got to know your strengths and weaknesses, what flows naturally for you and what doesn't. Sometimes, things that are good for us will challenge us, but that doesn’t mean you should force yourself into things that don’t align with your strengths. Instead, align your goals with your strengths and identify how you can either navigate or get help with your weaknesses.
Another critical aspect of success is having clear goals and a plan of execution. It's difficult for anyone to have discipline and belief if they don't know where they're going or what outcome they're striving for. Take me, for example. I’m currently in school, working on my doctorate. I had some credits transfer over from a previous degree, so I’m halfway through the program. But to keep those credits valid, I have to finish within a certain timeframe. It's one thing to know I need to finish by a particular date, but it’s another thing entirely to have a plan to get there.
You have to know what your goal is, identify where you want to be, and work backward from that to determine the exact steps you need to take every single day to reach that goal. And, most importantly, you have to be willing to stick to that plan. Discipline comes into play when you follow through on the commitments you’ve made to yourself, even when things get tough.
For me, from 8 to 10 p.m. every night, that’s my time for schoolwork. I make sure dinner’s ready, the kids are settled, and everything’s in place, so I can lock in for two hours. Sometimes, things come up, like extracurricular activities or family events, and I might have to adjust, but I still find a way to get those two hours in, even if I have to shift the schedule.
You’ve got to practice every day. Whether it's 15 minutes or two hours, that daily commitment reaffirms your belief in yourself and builds your confidence. Small actions every day will move you closer to your goals. And remember, it’s not about being perfect—it’s about being consistent.
Another vital piece is surrounding yourself with support. Whether it’s an accountability partner or a coaching community, having people around you who are on the same journey is crucial. They can provide encouragement and guidance during tough times. Having that support can be the difference between giving up and pushing through.
Lastly, I want to remind you to show yourself grace. We are often too hard on ourselves, expecting perfection. But every day won’t be perfect, and you won’t always succeed. The key is to continue showing up for yourself, knowing that each step forward brings you closer to your goals.
Thank you for tuning in. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Feel free to send me an email at [email protected], and make sure to mention Episode 23 in the subject line. And, of course, follow me on Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn at @thejasminwomack. If you're ready to take your life and business to the next level, I invite you to join us at the Published and Paid Live Experience. You can find all the details at www.publishedandpaidlive.com. Until next time, peace, love, and impact!
