10 Keys to Greater Self-Discipline: John MacArthur

Discipline teaches us to operate by principle rather than impulse. Saying no to our desires, even the ones that are not inherently evil, puts us in control of our appetites.
The key to practicing self-discipline is advance decision making.
Delayed gratification: a process of scheduling the pain and pleasure of life in such a way as to enhance the pleasure by meeting and experiencing the pain first and getting it over with.

1. Begin with small things
Learn to discipline yourself with the little things in life
Lack of discipline in small things often spills over into bigger things
2. Clean your environment
Get yourself to the place where orderliness matters.
3. Make a schedule and learn to conform to it
Make a list of all your priorities
4. Wean yourself off of being entertained
Find ways to be edified rather than being entertained
If you have extra time be productive (read vs. watching TV)
5. Be on time
Order your universe so that you can plan all the stops between now and where you are supposed to be.
6. Keep your word (even in the small things)
Your word is your vow—keep your commitments
Don’t make promises you can’t keep
7. Do the hardest task first
Save the easiest tasks for the end of the project.
8. Finish what you start
Count the cost in advance
9. Practice self-denial
Remind yourself that you are still in charge
Stay in control of your appetites
10. Volunteer for tasks
Leave a little space in your life for things that are self-sacrificing
Accept extra responsibility