Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Habits + Discipline

It takes 21 days to form a new habit - that's what we are told when we want to incorporate new behaviors in to our routine.

It takes no time to form a bad habit, but if it is something beneficial we have to work at it.

It takes time to unlearn bad behaviors.

What does it take to maintain a good habit? Discipline.

Discipline allows you to be repetitive for the long term.
Discipline says I'll do it even if I don't feel like it.
Discipline will get you through when the going gets tough.
Discipline produces a proven result; with discipline you have a guaranteed outcome.

Good habits without discipline is a set up for failure. Everyone needs discipline.

Discipline is  training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character (Merriam-webster.com)

To acquire discipline:
  • Have a desire
  • Commit to certain steps
  • Strive to be consistent
  • Have an accountability partner
In my own life I have seen the benefits of self discipline. For example, I always wanted good grades in school therefore I took my school work seriously - this was easy as youngster but became more challenging in college. When I joined the track team in HS, I didn't realize the rewards I would reap. One of the best things that came out of my track life (besides medals) was a new appreciation for discipline and how to apply it to every aspect of my life. I took the lessons of discipline that I learned and applied it to my:

Spiritual life - I start every day with pray and devotions
Work life - when dealing with difficult situations I realized that I had with in me to persevere
Physical life - labor and delivery; pushing myself to keep a home running; not complaining about fatigue
Life in general - pressing on when we don't always know what lies ahead


The only way to maintain good habits is through discipline. BTW – you can always tell a person that lacks discipline as they have no self control. 

The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat. Proverbs 13:4

Are you aware of your need for discipline? How do you exercise discipline in your life? Does this become easier as we get older?


1 comment:

  1. Discipline is something that my parents instilled from a very early age. I've found that as I've gotten older, it's much easier for me to spot those who don't have it. I crave order and hate chaos. I think that has helped me in the time since my husband's death. I'm raising our son in the same way - we end each day with prayer, etc. ((Hugs Big Sis))

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