o practice discipline, one needs to work at it.

Do you ever find your mind wandering, only to find out you have jumped into a different project?

It’s time to practice discipline!

So what do I mean by self-discipline?

According to Collins English Dictionary, 

Self-discipline is the ability to control yourself and to make yourself work hard or behave in a particular way without needing anyone else to tell you what to do. Exercising at home alone requires a tremendous amount of self-discipline.

That means you need to find a way or ways to transcribe in a way that allows you to become the success that you yearn for.

Practice Self-discipline

Before we delve into how you can practice self-discipline, let’s review some of the general transcription skills that it’s helpful to have if you want to get into this field. Let’s take a look at just a few of them.

• Positive thinking – Transcription is not a field you want to get into if you are going to procrastinate.
• You can type – and well.  You are going to be doing a lot of typing, so you want to be familiar with typing already.
• You need to have the right transcription equipment. You know, headphones, a foot pedal and a computer and the ability to work with all three at once.
• You don’t mind being at the computer for extended periods of time (with taking short breaks every hour or so.

Okay, so now let’s get into the nitty gritty as to how, you as a transcriber, should practice self-discipline.

How to Practice Self-Discipline

1. Get up in the morning before you are going to start your day with transcription with a smile on your face. The day will go faster and be more pleasant than if you were going to have a sourpuss face.
2. Make sure you have all the transcription tools you need. This is just an essential part of being organized.
3. Know your weaknesses and don’t fall into their trap. Some examples might be letting your mind wander as you’re transcribing or getting up every two minutes to get something from the refrigerator. Plan your schedule so that you meet your deadlines – early – so you don’t have to stay up all night to get a project done.
4. Prepare for the little distractions that are likely to occur and head them off before they begin. Set boundaries for the kids, make sure the pets have been taken care of, have your water at your desk so you don’t have to keep getting up to get it. 
5. Take breaks! There are many benefits from doing so. You’ll give your mind a chance to relax from the mental strain of having to listen to the audio, you give your back and legs a chance to unwind and stretch. There is nothing worse than sitting at your desk for hours on end and finding you can’t hardly move when you do go to get up.
6. These are just some ways to practice self-discipline if you are a transcriptionist.

So, have you figured out what it takes to practice self-discipline? It all starts with YOU. What are YOU going to do to practice self-discipline (or self-control)?

***Disclosure: This post and our website contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of money when you purchase using one of my links. Please see our affiliate disclosure.***

Interestingly, Caitlin Pyle at Proofread Anywhere, in her updated article, shifts focus toward motivation. She offers this valuable insight: Motivation isn’t always there when you need it. But self-discipline is the key to keeping you moving forward.

Once you take action and establish a routine, motivation often follows. This perspective aligns beautifully with what we’ve discussed. Self-discipline is the spark that lights the fire of motivation. By taking consistent, intentional actions—whether it’s preparing your workspace, planning your day, or managing distractions—you build the foundation for sustained success.

So, whether you call it self-discipline or motivation, the truth remains: your path to success begins with a single, deliberate step. Start practicing today, and watch how one small habit can transform your journey.

Borlok Transcription started doing transcription in 2006, and started out doing all sorts of transcription. As a subsidiary of Borlok Virtual Assistants, LLC, Pam Lokker is the co-founder and is a certified B2B SEO content writer for the company.

 Updated 12/31/2024