“Discipline provides a constancy which is independent of what kind of day you had yesterday and what kind of day you anticipate today. “ – Jon Kabat-Zinn
Everywhere you go, you see people trying to get motivated to do something or to make a change. They read an article on a new diet, or work out a new way to get rich or attend a seminar on positive thinking or watch a show that moves them.
The trouble is that although we come away from these situations highly motivated, it often doesn’t move us into action or the discipline we need to complete our goals.
Discipline doesn’t just “happen.” It’s an intentional act and it needs to be repeated every single day.
There are several stages of discipline, the first being to accept that change is needed in some area of our life. We then need to make the decision to take action and commit to a program that will keep us focused towards our goals.
“Self-discipline is the ability to get yourself to take action regardless of your emotional state”.
It is the assertion of willpower over more basic desires and the ability to push through each day with self-control, that will help you to have discipline. Each of us has different levels of self-discipline, depending on our personality and our upbringing. Once you know what it is that needs change, you need to work on getting out of your comfort zone and become responsible in your choices each day.
Change is difficult but as you move through the initial stages of discomfort, you will begin to see progress and this will increase your feelings of self-worth and confidence.
Being disciplined gives you the strength to withstand hardships and difficulties, whether physical, emotional or mental. It allows forgoing immediate satisfaction, in order to gain something bigger and better, but which will require effort, time and patience.
The positive effects of discipline will always out-way the lessons we face. As you work through each phase of your journey, take small steps. At first, our goals may seem overwhelming and not possible to complete and so we need to approach each day as a new beginning.
Allow time for stillness, meditation and yoga as part of your daily discipline, as this will keep you focused and remind you why you started.
Be patient for change and give yourself permission to take time out and nurture yourself when needed. The journey is long and yet we only have this moment, so embrace your life and be thankful for all that you have and are able to achieve today.
“Self-respect is the root of discipline: The sense of dignity grows with the ability to say no to oneself.” – Abraham Joshua Heschel
LIVING IN THIS MOMENT 