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Importance of Inculcating Discipline
We often make the mistake of assuming motivation or the desire to achieve something as being the most important thing. We talk about employee morale and motivation as if just having the desire would lead us to success. But more often than not that feeling of motivation fades away.
Just like how you read an inspiring quote and are feeling cheery, optimistic, and positive. But about 5 minutes after that you are back to your old ways of thoughts and action because you did not really change anything fundamental when you are inspired.
Motivation can tell you the why behind your action and keep you going, but without discipline that tells you what to do, it is rudder-less.
It takes a consistent effort to change our patterns. Some researchers say doing something for 21 days create a habit, or 40 days or 60 days. But consistency in action is a must to reap long-lasting rewards.
How to Inculcate discipline?
1- Set clear goals and aspirations : A lot of times we fail to set a clear goal post on which direction we want to direct our lives, and this causes ambiguity and confusion. Set clear goals – what is it that you want to achieve? Put measurable numbers and timelines so that you can track your progress.
2- Cultivate delayed gratification : In a world where we want to see quick results, remember that there are no shortcuts or hacks for things that matter in life. You cannot meditate for 15 minutes and suddenly expect to be in control of your mind. You cannot do 10 push-ups and expect flat abs. And this is true for your career aspirations and life goals too. Commit to whatever goals you set for yourself and commit to them in the long run. Make it a way of life instead of looking at it as if they are sprints.
3- Be prepared to deal with setbacks : It is unrealistic to expect any transformation to happen without roadblocks. Pre-empt setbacks, predetermine your course of action for when there is a setback. So when you find yourself derailing from your plans, course-correct immediately without being harsh on yourself.
Be determined to adapt discipline
Remember, that every time you aim to do something different, something beyond what is familiar and comfortable, you will face resistance. Every time you try to break away from old patterns, these old habits will feel all the more attractive so much so that you will not remember why you started in the first place. But do not cave in at that point. Instead, stick around with that feeling of unease and discomfort until it becomes the way of life.
When I first started meditating 2 years ago, I came up with 100 excuses every day on why I cannot do the meditation – A sudden headache, ravaging hunger, there’s so much work pending, and the list is endless. But if it’s a practice you want to inculcate in your lives and want to inculcate for good, then the only way is to acknowledge the resistance and still move forward.
As the saying goes –
“You don’t get what you wish for, you get what you work for.”
Do not be afraid to put in the efforts needed to take you from where you are today to where you want to be. At the end of the day, it is the disciplined mind with its persistent and consistent efforts that help you accomplish what you set yourself up for.