Self-Discipline
Possibly the most difficult skill to master. Perhaps because of the challenge in our path to attain it.
self-dis·ci·pline
/ˈˌself ˈdisiplin/
noun
the ability to control one's feelings and overcome one's weaknesses; the ability to pursue what one thinks is right despite temptations to abandon it.
By definition, there is an overwhelming number of natural enemies in our way. There are three components:
Controlling your feelings
Overcoming your weaknesses
Pursuing one’s view of righteousness
That’s a tall task! Let’s pause for a moment and forget about the mountain-sized challenges that are apparent in our individual day-to-day lives. Let’s start with one, that is ever-present in many of our lives and some are so blissfully unaware of.
Chocolate…
Imagine the final task of your Self-Discipline training is to carry your favorite candy bar on your person at all times for 30 days without eating it. This would be just one of many temptations that you would face just within a month. Of course, you wouldn’t want to carry temptation in your pocket. Although overcoming our weakness (to chocolate) is one of the components. All three components of Self-Discipline are internal. By that logic, if you were to fail the final test then you are carrying temptation in your pocket.
Just like any other skill, one has to commit to investing in it to perfect it. As the cliche goes, only practice makes perfect.
You want things to be as perfect as they can be. Understanding that nothing is ever perfect.
Don’t make perfect the enemy of good. To master Self-Discipline, it is best to identify what opposes you and how to combat it. It’s easy to refer to the Seven Deadly Sins and the Seven Heavenly Virtues.
Sin vs Virtue
Lust (excessive sexual appetites) vs Chastity (purity)
Gluttony (over-indulgence) vs Temperance (self-restraint)
Greed (avarice) vs Charity (giving)
Sloth (laziness/idleness) vs Diligence (zeal/integrity/Labor)
Wrath (anger) vs Forgiveness (composure)
Envy (jealousy) vs Kindness (admiration)
Pride (vanity) vs Humility (humbleness)
In this side-by-side comparison, it’s easier to see how controlling our feelings, overcoming our weaknesses, and pursuing righteousness are the pillars of Self-Discipline. If we master any of the three, as they’re co-dependent, we can resist the temptations coming from any of the Seven Deadly Sins.
Now, remember don’t make perfect the enemy of good! Growth is like a tree. Although you plant the seed, you must continue to water it and surround it with the best conditions. Patience is key though. Have you ever watched a tree grow? You have to count the small victories.
pa·tience
/ˈpāSHəns/
noun
1.
the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.
"you can find bargains if you have the patience to sift through the dross"
Practicing what I preach is important, but preaching may be equally so. As I am still traveling down this road, I am learning that experience is the best teacher. Any and all experiences. The world begins to become a library of lessons. Every day is a new book to read. Take your time while flipping through the pages. Then the words become more clear.