I met Tom Shaw, four-time scooter champion at last weekend’s British Historic Racing circuit in Anglesey. We had an insightful chat about our communal passion for scooters, how to replace the clutch on a Lambrotta and how he developed his skill as a proficient racing champion on the circuit. 

One of the main reflections I took away from the meeting was the importance of grit and self-discipline. Tom clearly demonstrated that he is a productive individual in whatever he sets out to achieve; constantly making sacrifices with his diet, social life and sleep routines. 

This reflection made me think about the key ingredient that I have also noted in successful individuals that I have come across in my own life; self-discipline.

Self-discipline is like a muscle and requires regular consistent exercise in order to be strengthened. 

– Dr. Saj

There are three tips that I would like to share on starting on your pathway to developing self discipline: 

1. Review your keystone habits

Keystone habits are the routines and practices by which you operate and produce a ripple effect across everything else you do in life. For example, sleeping early is a positive keystone habit. In theory, sleeping early would mean you obtain a better night’s sleep, are fresher in the morning, wake up earlier and are able to achieve more before the rest of the world has woken up. This is therefore a central keystone habit that you can start by focussing on. 

2. Make your bed in the morning

Numerous autobiographies of successful individuals both in the workplace and elsewhere discuss the importance of starting your day productively and efficiently. The act of making your bed in the morning is an interesting one that demonstrates organisation, discipline and is an essential achievement first thing in the morning.  

3. Have an accountability partner

Monitoring your progress with an accountability partner is a fool-proof method of forming a sustainable roadmap towards excellent self-discipline. Pick someone you trust will keep on top of you, someone you can open to and then touch base with every 4-6 weeks (sooner if you wish). 

Virtual Work Experience

As we approach the summer, it is critical that we support our aspiring medical students in their quest for medical work experience. Many aspiring medical students find this challenging but remember whether you are looking to secure a place at your local GP practice, hospital or even with specialists around the world, we are here to help you. 

Our ‘Doctor for a Day’ virtual work experience is an intensely popular interactive course which has benefited students from all over the world.

Sign up for our upcoming sessions here: virtualwe.eventbrite.co.uk

Dr Saj