Self-discipline refers to our ability to
control or restrain ourselves from all kinds of feelings, impulses, and
desires, which includes the desire for physical and material comfort.
Self-discipline is something that is learnt
and developed as we grow older.
Self-discipline is rarely observed in
children as they still do not have the full capacity to think in terms of the
future. As the “self” aspect of “self-discipline” is not fully developed,
self-discipline is often taught on the basis of discipline through our parents,
school and the society.
Hence, the word DISCIPLINE throughout our
lives will be always associated with punishments. DISCIPLINE will always be
remembered as the devil in our childhood memories, emotions of sadness,
despair, fear and anger will automatically be presented in our thoughts.
Yes, discipline is scary but
self-discipline is different from that type of discipline.
Self-discipline is self-love; it is the
love so great enough to allow yourself to forego immediate pleasure, to think
& actively act based on what is best for you in the long term. It is the
very thing that will give us the power to overcome the temptations that cross
your road towards your goals, success and dreams.
Soon you will realise that
nothing will be as valuable as your path towards self-discipline. It is hard but definitely worth it. It is the
very thing that differentiates just talent and actual skill. Hard work will be
rewarded and no one or nothing can take that away.
“Winners embrace hard work. They love
the discipline of it, the trade-off they’re making to win. Losers, on the
other hand, see it as a punishment. And that’s the difference.” –
Lou Holtz
3
ways to work towards Self-Discipline
Accept
& Not Avoid Temptations
Avoidance of Temptations is the act of
sweeping things under the carpet. We may be able to lie to ourselves once or
twice, but this does not last. We won’t be able to lie to ourselves for long.
Acceptance of Temptations is simply to
recognise that such impulses exist, being open & honest about it. This
allows you move on faster, as to you, these desires are just a presence.
Imagine that you are trying to become
healthier. Compare these thoughts “There are delicious looking cookies on the
table” and “Don’t look at those cookies, do not touch or try to eat them”.
There is a higher chance that we would not eat the cookie when we think of the
first thought rather than the second thought.
The more we try to avoid such desires; we
will eventually be consumed by thoughts to actively avoid the temptations.
Avoiding temptations becomes such a painful process as we are consciously aware
of us giving up the pleasure for a long time, and this increases the
possibility for us to give in to our desires.
Give
up control
When temptations come, we unconsciously make
the effort to act upon it. Then that tug of war of giving in to those cravings
and winning against those cravings begins, with your mind
Always
remember your initial motive
Constantly remind yourself that you are
doing this because it is ultimately the best for yourself. You shape and determine
your own future. The pleasure experienced by the lack of self-discipline is
only temporary, and it can never be compared to the joy that you will feel
after accomplishing your goal or aim.
A little quote to ignite that fire to build
that strength for self-discipline;
“If I want to be great I have to win the victory over myself…self-discipline.” – Harry S. Truman
"Having the simplest self-discipline, create Legends"
