Self-Discipline, a new definition
Lately I've been thinking a lot about "self-discipline." On dictionary.com discipline is defined as:
Wow, isn't this indicative of how we think? Self-discipline is equated in our minds with self-denial - with stopping a bad habit or even doing something we don't enjoy doing in order to improve ourselves.
Using these definitions, I was having a really hard time putting my finger on the instances or places in my life where I am or have been self-disciplined. In fact, I was ready to admit to completely lacking in self-discipline and was in the process of seeking out advice and assistance from other people when another wonderful life coach I know asked me a powerful question. She asked me to think of self-discipline in a new way, a way that works for me and that I can relate to and that really is in alignment with my values and how I live my life.
It's been just over a week but I've found that there are so many ways in while I have been self-disciplined through out my life, much of it getting me to where I am today.
If we reconsider the definition of self-discipline and set it in a more positive and affirming light, we might prefer the following:
With this new definition, I can really see how I have been self-disciplined in so many areas of my life and for as long as I can remember! In fact, I remember how much self-discipline was involved in learning to read my first book (The B Book by Dr. Seuss). And in high school when things at home weren't going very well, I remember doing everything I could in order to get to school each day. And more recently, I remember working very hard, learning as much as I could about running a small business, and taking difficult yet rewarding steps to become self-employed as a life coach. Talk about self-discipline!
When we really want something badly, we will do anything we can to get it. That is self-discipline. And what it might just teach us, is that if something doesn't drive us enough to do what is necessary, then maybe we don't really want it after all.
- self-dis·ci·pline, n.
- Training and control of oneself and one's conduct, usually for personal improvement.
- the trait of practicing self discipline [syn: self-denial]
- the act of denying yourself; controlling your impulses [syn: self-denial, self-control]
Wow, isn't this indicative of how we think? Self-discipline is equated in our minds with self-denial - with stopping a bad habit or even doing something we don't enjoy doing in order to improve ourselves.
Using these definitions, I was having a really hard time putting my finger on the instances or places in my life where I am or have been self-disciplined. In fact, I was ready to admit to completely lacking in self-discipline and was in the process of seeking out advice and assistance from other people when another wonderful life coach I know asked me a powerful question. She asked me to think of self-discipline in a new way, a way that works for me and that I can relate to and that really is in alignment with my values and how I live my life.
It's been just over a week but I've found that there are so many ways in while I have been self-disciplined through out my life, much of it getting me to where I am today.
If we reconsider the definition of self-discipline and set it in a more positive and affirming light, we might prefer the following:
- self-dis·ci·pline, n..
- Creating new and healthy habits in alignment with one's values and goals.
- Repeatedly taking positive actions over time, often involving overcoming obstacles and challenges, in order to create or achieve something important.
With this new definition, I can really see how I have been self-disciplined in so many areas of my life and for as long as I can remember! In fact, I remember how much self-discipline was involved in learning to read my first book (The B Book by Dr. Seuss). And in high school when things at home weren't going very well, I remember doing everything I could in order to get to school each day. And more recently, I remember working very hard, learning as much as I could about running a small business, and taking difficult yet rewarding steps to become self-employed as a life coach. Talk about self-discipline!
When we really want something badly, we will do anything we can to get it. That is self-discipline. And what it might just teach us, is that if something doesn't drive us enough to do what is necessary, then maybe we don't really want it after all.
Labels: Articles
posted by Amy L. Burns at
3:00 PM
0 Comments
