30 Nov What does discipline mean?
Last week we talked about forgiveness. Forgive, let go and move forward in a positive way that leaves behind negativity.
Today, I want to share with you a different way of moving. A way that supports you to build a strong foundation in honesty and positive attitude – this is the stuff that creates champions.
What am I talking about? Discipline of course, what else?
What does discipline mean?
Discipline has two meanings:
- The kind of discipline that is a punishment. You have been ‘disciplined’ for doing something wrong or behaving inappropriately, as an example.
- The other kind of discipline is more about self-discipline. Having the commitment to your own standards and goals, to be consistent in the things that you do and feel every day.
Both meanings are equally important in life but you often don’t get shown how to be disciplined and the benefits of it as you grow up. Even adults struggle sometimes, so I want to discuss how to bring the discipline duo into your life for structure and fulfilment.
“We do today what they won’t, so tomorrow we can accomplish what they can’t.” Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson
You are in control of self-discipline
A new year, new term, new semester, the turn of a birthday, or maybe a new job (if you’ve reached the world of employment yet) are typical times when people want to set new goals to achieve. Times of big change such as a home move, start of a new relationship, a death or a birth can signal a focus for goal setting.
Think about the last time you set a goal. What was it? When was it? Did you achieve it?
Many goals never get achieved. Goals such as a healthy diet, new exercise regime, less time gaming or staring at your phone can often be forgotten about in a short space of time. Why do you think people give up? Has this ever happened to you where the motivation was there at first but it got lost somewhere along the way?
What goes wrong?
Put simply, it’s because your ‘why’ wasn’t big enough. Your motivation wasn’t strong enough.
Instead of following through with a goal you can become one of the world’s biggest storytellers – those excuse-makers!
When have you said:
- You’re too tired
- Have no time
- Don’t have the right resources
- Need more energy
- Haven’t had the right weather
- It’s too far
- The cost is too much?
And you know what? You listened to the voice inside your head and it talked you into something or out of something.
What’s the solution to self-discipline?
First of all, you have to say that you are going to do it no matter what.
Secondly, you need to commit to a daily action, even if it’s for a short space of time. You have to commit to yourself, by yourself, and for yourself.
Thirdly, it helps to have someone to hold you accountable to achieving your goal. This person could be a mentor, teacher, friend, sibling or parent and they will become a supportive external structure. This is why people give up – you need to be reminded of your ‘why’ and the bigger vision that you set out to achieve to keep you motivated. A strong external structure will help to keep you going.
Parents and friends can sometimes be the worst people to hold you accountable because they sympathise and empathise and let you off the hook. This will never help you!
No one can be the best you other than you. The easy way out, listening to the excuses and not committing, does feel good in the moment, but it will always feel bad later. Whatever it is will turn around and bite you in the ass. Guaranteed!
“A disciplined mind leads to happiness, and an undisciplined mind leads to suffering.” Dalai Lama
Stick to your discipline
Set your goals and get on with it without moaning.
Being strict with yourself creates a future you that has truthfulness. If you are consistent, people will trust you. That future you will become someone who’s reliable, which is a super standard to have. This future you is someone who takes responsibility and is totally respected by others. You will be inspiring because you are passionate and dedicated in whatever you choose to do. This is a quality that shines through and you will stand out from the crowd because you are persistent and resilient.
How good does that sound?
For more inspiration see ‘Can’t Hurt Me’ by David Goggins – who changed his mind set to change his life. ‘Cheer’ on Netflix is a good example of discipline in a team, where you become part of the team, staying in it and becoming a winner, while Jocko Willink will leave you challenged in a good way.
“You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realise this, and you will find strength.” Marcus Aurelius.
Take the discipline exercise
Create discipline that will lead to self-discipline.
I’ll admit it, self-discipline is boring. It’s about doing the small stuff every day, every week and every month. It’s the little things that make a big big difference.
Whatever you want to do, you need to do it every day. Practice to become better and better and consistently do the basics regularly until it becomes natural, a habit and part of your routine. Think about how routinely you brush your teeth every morning and night. That habit had to start from somewhere didn’t it?
If you give up then you’ve let the ‘pity party’ take over. Never settle for less than you can be and never give up – you are already incredible and you can be truly amazing.
Excuses become patterns in different areas of your life. It could be a lack of passion, drive, self-respect or simply not feeling worthy of enough.
Nowadays there are a whole heap of struggles and mental health issues that develop as a result. Self-reliance through discipline shows that you can be independent from others but giving in will never lead to success. It will have completely the opposite effect and create a path to feeling weak, helpless and directionless … constantly if you give in too much.
Repeating things and sticking to your goals might seem hard at first but trust me when I say it actually creates a much easier life in the future because self-discipline in being consistent with the little things helps you to develop a strong sense of independence, resourcefulness and faith in your own ability.
Self-discipline will give you freedom and flexibility in who you are and how you show up to the world – you will look your best and feel your best. You become the best educated for yourself whether that is academic or skills-based, and if you take care of what you eat and drink and have enough sleep, your health, happiness and confidence will give you an abundance of rewards in energy and success. How you feel inside is a great measure of success.
“Self-command is the main discipline.” Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Choose the life you want to lead
Set yourself up as you mean to progress in life as future parents, leaders, lovers and businesspeople. Bring self-discipline into your life today.
Start each day with your why, your vision. Imagine what you want to see and hear. What will it feel like to touch? What will it make you feel like inside?
Once you have your goals, find the people that will hold you accountable, ensure the high standard is met and love you enough to be consistent.
Please share the goals you set on social media or pop them in the comments below so that we can hold you accountable too. It’s fun when more people get involved, it creates healthy competition and encourages people to move forward. Tell us what discipline means to you.
Until next time, stay disciplined and become a master at self-discipline.
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