5 Tips for Self Discipline

“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishments.” – Jim Rohn

When you hear the word “self discipline” what is your gut reaction?

For many, discipline has a negative connotation. It may mean that we are forcing our selves to do what we don’t want to do, because it is for our own good. Others may view it as control or punishment. We may associate it with our childhood — when parents, teachers and authority figures imposed limitations on our unfettered ids. For others, discipline is positive. Obama, Tiger Woods, Oprah, Bruce Lee and others who achieve excellence all are characteristically disciplined. Discipline is associated with skill and also with success.

No matter who we are, or what our goals may be, we can all use discipline in some areas of our lives. Obama, who has accomplished many goals, talks openly about his need to discipline himself to stop smoking. What areas in your life could use some discipline? Do you need to exercise, stop smoking, improve your diet or eliminate any other bad habit? Most of us know we need to, the challenge is knowing where to start. How do we do it?

Secrets of  Martial Arts Discipline

Martial artists who practice aikido, karate, jujitsu, capoeira and kung fu engage in arduous training.  Shaolin monks, absorbed in meditation, have a lifestyle of mental and physical discipline pursuing strength, skill, courage and spirit. What’s the secret they all have in common? They all welcome self discipline. They embrace the pain, blood, tears and sacrifice integral to the path of the warrior.

True discipline consists not in external compulsion but a mental attitude that naturally leads us to creating new, desirable habits. We must cultivate new attitudes about discipline and what it means to us. To get you on the path, here are a few tips:

Five Tips for Self Discipline

1. Think it! Make a clear mental inventory of “why” you want to discipline your self. ” Exercise will increase my vitality, reduce stress and decrease disease.”

2. Feel it! Make emotional assessment on how you will feel, when you successfully meet a goal. Visualize yourself there. ” I will feel happier about myself and feel more confident when I become physically fit.”

3. Do it! Decide and plan what must be done. Then act on it. The warrior’s way is the energy of action.

4. Be gradual and consistent. Create a new habit. It is said that a new habit can be created in three weeks if you seriously focus on reconditioning yourself.

5. Go the distance. Be realistic. Allow yourself setbacks. Don’t use the human tendency to fall off the wagon as an excuse to give up.

“Self-respect is the fruit of discipline; the sense of dignity grows with the ability to say no to oneself.” -Rabbi Heschel

Lawrence Tan