I’ve been thinking about self-discipline a lot lately.
I’ve been thinking about the power of self-discipline, how a lack of discipline can negatively affect our lives and most importantly how to have more of it.
While I have talked about the importance of motivation on this blog, what’s really sinking in is the pure force of self-discipline.
I realized recently that the one major obstacle sabotaging my attempt to run a successful, profitable business is self-discipline. As a business owner or budding entrepreneur an extremely high level of self-discipline is a must.
Self-discipline can easily mean the difference between having a boss and being the boss. It can be the difference between having a mediocre life or having an exceptional one!
This wonderful post written by my friend Farnoosh Brock over at Prolific Living discusses the ebb and flow of self-discipline. This post lit a fire under me. Have a read here for yourself.
In Farnoosh’s post she talks about settling and complacency. While I have been determined not to settle when it comes to a personal relationship, reading this post made me understand that I have settled for average outcomes in other areas of my life (which is not a position I’m comfortable with).
When I started analyzing my own levels of self-discipline, I jumped to the conclusion that they were quite low. After further consideration, I realized that was far from the truth. I am incredibly disciplined in some areas and seriously lacking in others.
Take travelling for example. When I make the decision to take a big trip, I make it happen. I go without, I sacrifice, I do the required research, I save money, I do whatever it takes to achieve my travel goals. I use self-discipline to make it happen.
How comfortable are you with the level of self-discipline in your life?
Are you brilliant in some areas and struggling with others or are you a self-discipline powerhouse?
Take a moment to think about which areas of your life (start with work, health, money and relationships) that would benefit from an increased level of self-discipline.
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Thea, I’m not sure if it’s actually a lack or low level of self-discipline that negatively impacts our lives. As you said in the post, we’ve got areas where we have high levels of self-discipline and others where we don’t. This has made me think the reason isn’t a lack of discipline but the lack of value we place on an activity that doesn’t get completed. In fact, I wrote a blog post about it – http://www.jmlalonde.com/you-dont-need-more-of-this/
What do you think?
Hi Joe
Thank you so much for this great comment and also for the link to your post which I read and really enjoyed.
This whole self-discipline topic has me totally fascinated. I am looking forward to diving into it more. I think you are right about the lack of value we place on certain tasks. I can’t help but wonder if some of the everyday things we do in our lives are self-discipline based or more habit and in particular structure based. Our reason for doing things or more importantly not doing them is always interesting and varies from person to person. It is often linked to what drives us, motivates us and our core values that we believe in. Of course our values can change over time too, which adds another interesting element to the mix.
Like I said fascinating stuff and it is always wonderful to hear someone else’s take on things.
As always Joe, great to hear from you and thanks again for your excellent comment. I look forward to talking again soon.
Cheers
Thea
PS I will definitely pop over and read more of your blog. Looking forward to it!
Thank you for your inspiring thoughts on self discipline.
I’m from Ireland and there’s a wonderful Irish word for discipline called Smacht. In addition to discipline it also means to have ‘manners, shape and control’.
Irrespective of what you call it, it dies make a difference in our lives.
Continue to inspire
Hi Padraic
Thank you for your comment. Great to have you here. Manners, shape and control – I like it. I am definitely working on this part of my life and am looking forward to writing about it more. I agree with you self-discipline makes a massive difference in our lives.
Which part of Ireland are you from? I went there several years ago and totally loved it, such a beautiful country. I was only there for a quick visit, I did a quick 8 day tour from memory. Next time I will definitely have to stay longer.
Again thank you for your lovely comment and I hope to chat to you again soon.
Cheers
Thea