Are You Disciplined?

For most people, the word "discipline" has an immediate negative connotation. It implies something imposed from the outside, doesn't it? It means that someone or something is controlling or demanding, neither of which are particularly appealing. When we do think about self-discipline, it, too, often has a negative spin because it is seen as difficult and contributing to failure. Can you think about it differently?

Self-discipline is nothing more than keeping your commitments to yourself. If you say something is important and significant to you, then take this little test:

Does that something that you SAY is important show up a significant number of times in either your calendar, or your checkbook, or both? If it does not,then, where is the demonstration that it is important to you? Do you regularly do what you say has value to you?

I'm sure you understand the picture. I believe behavior, not words. How about you?

So, self-discipline arises from self-esteem and self-esteem is enhanced by self-discipline. Then, it seems natural that you take a look at your self-esteem. Do you believe that you are worth spending the time and/or money on? Do you get the "left-overs" of time and resources rather than filling your own cup? It is not unusual to feel that you are being a "good" person when you are self-sacrificing. That's because our society often tells us this is so. Oh, good thinking! The society says so because everyone else benefits from your self-sacrifice. In fact, "sacrifice" itself is an interesting concept. The dictionary says it means "the act of giving up or destroying one thing for the sake of something else".

Do you really want to be SELF-sacrificing? nnn