What is self-discipline?
Self-discipline has been defined as the ability to make yourself do what
you know you should do, when you should do it, whether you feel like or
not! A disciplined person knows what has
to be done and does it. They don’t put
it off until tomorrow or allow themselves to be easily taken off track. And, more importantly they prioritize and
focus on being self-disciplined with activities that move them toward their
goals. There’s a big difference between
having self-discipline with tasks that don’t move you toward your goals and
doing very well what need not be done at all.
It’s usually the more challenging activities and tasks that will help
you reach your goals than those of less importance. This concept is easily confused so be careful
which activities you exercise your self-discipline in.
When teaching children self-discipline it is important to
have fun and keep in mind that the idea is to establish routines that are
followed for the entire week without distraction. We want our children to pick up after
themselves, to clean their rooms without being told, to study and do their
homework on their own, and to be responsible for their extra curricular
programs as well. We demand a whole lot
from them!
First explain to them that there are two kinds of
discipline. 1) Mom and Dad discipline. We constantly tell them what they need to do!
2) Self-discipline. They take care of certain things without reminders from
us! Sometime just understanding that can
point them in the right direction! Next
list out all of their responsibilities that have to do with, school, home,
extra curricular, and leisure time. Have
a discussion about all their responsibilities in those areas. Then, with there input, teach them how to
prioritize. In other words make sure they know that homework and studying are
more important than chores. Remember the
self-disciplined person does the more important goal-oriented activity first.
When your child understands what’s important by the goals
you and him have set it will be easy to establish a comfortable routine for
everyone to follow. Your routine should
include all the activities on your list. The more regimented you child becomes
and the more you and him plan time for every responsibility in order of
importance the more discipline he will have.
Just remember to stick to a fun routine so it becomes habit and your
child wants (key word) to be self-disciplined.
Jeff Cvitak
Martial Arts USA
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