Keys To Self Discipline

In life, its only natural to experience setbacks or problems. Self-discipline is the basic set of tools we require to solve lifes problems. Without self-discipline, we can solve nothing. With only some self-discipline, we can solve problems. With total self-discipline, we can solve practically all problems.

Its because of problems that we grow mentally and spiritually.

Its through the challenge of confronting and solving problems that we learn and become better human beings.

I define discipline as the ability to do what has to be done, without procrastination, whether you want to or not.

Self-discipline is the means by which you concentrate your mind on that which you want from life—and keep it from attracting that which you don’t want through fear and worry.

Self-discipline refers to the persistence, stamina, perseverance, determination, tenacity, or “stick-to-itveness” necessary to maintain your drive and reach your goal, overcoming any and all failures and obstacles along the way. In this sense, self-discipline prolongs a positive process of achieving your goal.

At the same time, self-discipline may be thought of as self-control, moderation, restraint, tact, humility, and the ability to maintain perspective.

In this sense, self-discipline points to avoidance of a negative sense of disorganization, stress, or lack of motivation that may develop as you proceed and/or the conceit, arrogance, or loss of focus that may occur once you feel you’ve attained a degree of success.

More precisely, self-discipline refers to the process of striking a balance between these two components that is, maintaining the desire for achievement while eluding any emotional pitfalls along the way.

Self-discipline is an essential key to success and, ultimately, happiness. The self-discipline to do what you know you have to do, even if you don’t want to, is the starting point to all achievement. The inner satisfaction and sense of accomplishment that one receives from self-discipline is both satisfying and contributes to a “can do” attitude.

SOME SUGGESTIONS IN DEVELOPING SELF-DISCIPLINE

  1. “IF ITS TO BE, ITS UP TO ME.” Don’t depend on others to make things happen. Depend on yourself.
  2. ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY. Don’t blame others for your problems. Accept responsibility and address any problems with a concrete plan of resolution.
  3. GET IN THE RIGHT HABIT. Everything is difficult before it becomes easy. But once it becomes a habit, its easy. It usually takes 30-60 days to develop a habit. Have the self-discipline to develop the right habit and you’ll find things a lot easier and more rewarding.
  4. BE PERSISTENT. Without persistence, you would change course so many times that you’d be lucky to ever come close to your destination. Persistence requires that you focus squarely on your ultimate goal and that you are committed to getting there no matter what it takes. As you no doubt know, however, this is easier said than done. One excellent method for improving your persistence is to create a system of rewards for yourself.
  5. SET GOALS. Is your goal a wish or a want? If you’re having particular difficulty sticking to your plan, it may be because you look at your goal more as a wish than a want. A “wish” is a whim, a fancy, or a hope. A “want” is a craving, a yearning, a need, or, as Napolean Hill, author of “Think and Grow Rich,” would say, “a burning desire.” Make your goal a want! If you think about it, isn’t the meaning of happiness the successive achievement of goals? Self-discipline is how we achieve these goals. Goals should be broken down into long, intermediate, and short terms, with a specific “battle plan” on achieving them. Constantly review your goals and reward yourself as you accomplish them!

Try following the aforementioned suggestions to develop self-discipline and your happiness, success, and achievement can be a self-fulfilling prophecy!

P.S. In the immortal words of Winston Churchill, the ten most important words in the English language are: “Never give up, never give up, never, ever give up!