What is self discipline? Real discipline is when you have trained your mind in such way that you consistently get the behavior you want. Self discipline may appear to be a problem of willpower. “Willpower,” however, has connotations of just pushing ourselves harder to do things, even when we feel miserable, or fighting temptations. Notice the rewards of self discipline. The more you see the benefits, the more you’ll be motivated to continue the useful behaviors. Ask for assistance where you can get it.
If you can’t stop whining, for example, have friends point out when you’re doing it. However I do believe there is merit in having an outlet from which to write - as some by way of writing do have situations that are taking place in life. And there not the only ones we all are at different times. Reward yourself. Set behavioral goals and reward yourself for their completion. A writer, for example, could decide to write 20 pages per day, and reward himself when he reaches this goal. Imagine the consequences of your useful and damaging behaviors.
When you are tempted towards damaging behavior, see all the possible results, and be vivid in your imaginings. Give yourself a good scare, if you have to. When you are trying to get to work, see all the future rewards that are possible. Relax. Willpower is low when you’re stressed, so close your eyes and take three deep breaths.
Sometimes a little push with the willpower goes a long way.
Makes sense to me.
ReplyDeleteThis is a good post, Jack ... I consider myself to be a very disciplined person, perhaps to the point of being extreme ... I'm a very conscientous worker and I won't accept anything less that 150% from myself ... the willpower is there but in the end, it's the integrity which fuels me ... I won't settle for giving God anything less than my best and the Bible instructs that we should work as though we're working for the Lord ... what I do and how I do it is a reflection of the qualities He gives me ... *wink* ... besides ... they say attitude reflects leadership ... by keeping this in mind, I'd say I have a great supervisor ...
ReplyDeleteHave a great evening, Jack ... be blessed ...
Me too but I see my self as a realized perfectionist so I know that I can't do everything in one day - but I can achieved several things with cadence Cin. I never burn myself out, or sometimes I may, but I try my best to balance it all out.
ReplyDeletegood piece of writing..
ReplyDeleteThanks has some value
ReplyDeleteinitiativestain saidI see my self as a realized perfectionist
ReplyDeleteI do too
initiativestain saidso I know that I can't do everything in one day …I never burn myself out, or sometimes I may, but I try my best to balance it all out.unfortunately, I do not realize this…and struggle very hard to get into balance..
We all do know and then. Balance is not achieved 24 hours in the day. But we look for the best in what we have rather than what we don't have.
ReplyDeleteI raise my hat to people who can keep their discipline and willpower all the time. It seems much easier to just do as we please. On the other hand, when you think about it, being disciplined might make life easier because everything is tidy etc. It all depends on how you see it. I think that somehow, not being disciplined is a behavior that is a kind of rebellion against authority, be it conscious or not. I certainly have a couple areas of my life where I could use more discipline and will power. Very good blog Jack. Thanks for the reminder, and good tips. Funny you write about the reward aspect, someone else was suggesting it to me last week. Well now, back to discipline, I have house work to do lol!
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I've always considered myself a disciplined person. When I was working, I gave all I had to do good work and I succeeded very well. I was hard on myself and I always had to produce something that I considered perfect. I spent a lot more time at work than most people in the office but it paid off and I got promoted several times, the last time to an important post. Now that I'm retired, I'm easier on myself, I now indulge myself when the occasion presents itself and I take time to enjoy what's left of my life. I still have a schedule but it's one that can be changed as needed. I'm more relaxed and definitely happier.
ReplyDeleteThis is what it seems to be what it's all about. You know what I don't understand is why people get to this area when they retire. You would think that generally most of us reach that point Lise when we are younger. Very interesting post - thank you.
ReplyDeleteI think it's a cycle. We start out as carefree children, then we work on our education and enter the working world. We think of our future and setting down roots so we find a partner, have children. We realize we have to be serious because of all our responsibilites and we try to improve our economic status by progressing in our work. The mortgage has to be paid and the family needs food on the table. We reward ourselves with a nice summer vacation trip and the occasional weekend away to the country or the beach. The rest of the time we're busy but we occasionally treat ourselves to a massage, a movie, a fancy restaurant meal but not too often since we must also save for our retirement. Years later, the children go off to college and soon the nest is empty, Our responsibilities have diminished and joy, we have extra money left from our paycheck at the end of the month. It is then that we start thinking about ourselves and changing our priorities. We figure we did a good job with the family and it is now time to think of ourselves. That time usually coincide with retirement. That's how I see it, at least, that's how it was for me and I don't think I would change anything if I were to do it again.
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