“The first and best victory is to conquer self.”— Plato Greek Philosopher
Self-discipline is the ability to make yourself do the thing you should do even if you do not feel like doing it and without anyone making you to do it.
This is an area where most people struggle with, including me. I doubt one can truly say they have mastered the art of self-discipline but I believe this is an ongoing process and we continue to work on it. We gradually build mastery as small victories are attained. I have made it a priority to be a master in self- discipline. Lao Tzu, an ancient Chinese philosopher and poet said while mastering others is strength, mastering yourself is true power. This is the power to accomplish the things one desires to do, which in turn gives the greatest satisfaction.
According to Merrier-Webster dictionary, a master is one having authority over another: ruler, governor; one that conquers. A slave is one held in servitude as the chattel of another; one that is completely subservient to a dominating influence.
How can we work towards being a master at self-discipline? I believe there are 2 major ways to achieving self discipline.
- Make a quality decision to make mastering self-discipline a goal and a priority
- Start somewhere and take baby steps to achieving this goal. Rome was not build in a day.
I was reading a blog recently that made so much sense. I just realized that self discipline is already is at work in many areas of my life (I am sure in yours as well). Self discipline is at work when
- I say no to more food when I am already full
- I put myself on a monthly spending plan and not spend more than what I earn.
- I decide to fast on a regular basis – when I command myself not to eat for a period of time for spiritual purposes
- I say no to a particular food because I have been eating too much of it and somehow lose control of saying no to it. I have recently put myself on a temporary ban on peanuts. I was amazed that even though I had a full bottle of peanuts in the house, I just said no to eating it for 4 days.
- I decide to finally start writing a blog and just sat down, opened my laptop and started writing one word after another.
It finally dawned on me that self discipline is not some grandiose and complicated art. We are already self-disciplined in one or more areas of our lives. It is very possible to continue growing in self discipline. Like a trainer who trains daily for several minutes on a body part daily to build muscle, so it is with self discipline- A little application every day, no matter how small. What is amazing is that it is such an exhilarating experience once you finally get started on the set task.
How have you mastered or not mastered the art of self-discipline in your life?
this is a well written thought provoking article. i can totally identify with this. I plan to stop procrastinating and start to work on areas of my life where I need to be more disciplined
Thanks for reading and sharing your comments! The key is making that quality decision and just get going.
I can’t agree less with you. You are absolutely correct because it does not matter how far the distance of the journey to your destination may be, if you put your mind at it and with one step at a time, you sure will get there. Only get up and shorten the distance with a step, not now but right now.
Self control ought to be one of the most important characteristics of man and if any lacks the minimum level of that human quality, he may be tending towards the lesser animal Kingdom.
Every man should have a level of self control, capacity to say no to do things that sre unacceptable in your society.
Dear George,
Thanks for your comments!
Only get up and shorten the distance with a step, not now but right now… So true!
Nneka,
Inspiring and very practical. Will start taking baby steps in self discipline in quite a few areas.
Look forward to receiving regular articles from you.
Ijeoma,
Thanks for reading and for your comments! Baby steps? You mean giant strides (knowing you you are)?
Great piece, Nneka! Look forward to reading more from you.
Chinyere, Thanks for reading and sharing your comments!
Well done Nneka. The art of self discipline is indeed critical to success. President Obama stopped smoking when he was about to run for Presidency. And I hear how hard it is to stop. Waiting to hear more from you. Very best wishes,
Thanks Yetunde for reading my blog post and sharing your comments. I never knew that about President Obama! Its amazing how much power we have within.
Wow, great words of wisdom indeed. I was really blessed by it and basis that I have purposed to start those baby steps too on some areas of my like where I know I lack discipline. I do believe that it is attainable. Kudos sister and I look forward eagerly to reading more. Ride on. The sky is your stepping point. Lol.
Thanks Georgy-Ann for your comments. I am glad my blog post has encouraged you to take those baby steps towards your achievement of the goals you have set for yourself. All the very best in that!
Interesting and sooo true!
When we have self-mastery in one or more areas, it gives us a stepping stone to try other areas too.
Thanks Nneka
Thanks Veronica. So true!
Well done Nneka.
Absolutely thought provoking.
I am as guilty as the next guy.
Will get off my behind and get doing pronto.
Thank you Marcel. I am glad this post has stirred you to get on to your next mega project. 🙂
Whatever the mind of a man can conceive and believe in….he can achieve. But self disciple is the key. Nice piece.
Great write-up Nneka, this is the crux of the matter to achieving anything in life.
Thanks for sharing.
This is a great write up and it’s like you just woke up from my sleep. After a quick recap I remember that I have dropped some great things which I was doing in the past. Looking back at how I dropped the ball, it makes no sense to me and now with your inspiration, I am on my toe getting back on track.
I know you are hardworking and go-getter, now you have added another step. Looking for more
Good write up.
Insightful and inspiring write-up.
It’s amazing to discover we are already doing so much of ourselves. However, we need to ask “How have you mastered or not mastered the art of self-discipline in your life?”
Thank you Nneka for reminding me to do more and become more.
Looking forward to your next article.
Thanks Nneka, it goes to show that consistent little practical actions goes a long way.
Looking forward to the next write-up
Hi Sis, really an amazing piece. Will start practicing on the wonderful LAW of self discipline. Well put together.
You are right. I believe this is what is weighing me down. My problem is procrastination.
I had better start taking my baby steps more seriously then. Thanks for sharing Ma’am
Nneka thanks for such an inspiration. This is so real life.
Wow this is very true, I have a major issue not just with self discipline but with time management; once i sit with my system to work, i just get pulled in and i tend to procrastinate whatever work i have left to do. I am trying so hard to overcome this as it is already affecting me negatively.
True words. Lovely article. Taking those baby steps to achieving self-discipline in whatever area of our lives is very key. Sow seeds a little at a time and before you know it you will have a forest.
Thank you Nneka for sharing
I am glad I read this piece, I will take action. Thank you.
Good to have this from you. Self discipline has aid my achievement so far. This is because I do budget and account for my spendings on a daily basis. And also I am always ready to pay the price for all I need to achieve in life. Indeed my life becomes more worth living by mastering the power of Self Discipline. Thanks
This is truly motivating and at the right time for me. Right now I have decided to start working on me in those areas and things I already know. Nneka, thanks a million and God Bless U. Francis.