Discipline

Discipline is a word that carries with it all sorts of meaning and baggage for most people. To some, the word conjures up the idea of punishment. Have you ever heard, "Just wait until your Father comes home..."? To others, they think of the military and boot camp. Some people think of it as practice or training.


I once thought that I was relatively well disciplined, but after dwelling on the subject for the last week, I'm not so sure. I've come to recognize that discipline in my life has been hindered in recent times by procrastination. I guess I've been thinking about this because my summer is now packed with things that need to be done.

Some people think they are disciplined because they have taken the time to develop skills in the areas in life they like or are good at. But, is that really what the word means? It's not hard for me to practice things that I am good at or enjoy; after all, it's what makes me feel good.


But what about the things I'm not good at, or am afraid of, or seem insurmountable? Those are the areas that require discipline from me and they are also the areas that make me want to run. The problem with running and avoidance is that the pressure to face those things becomes oppresive and unbearable. The pressure is also usually accompanied by becoming easily frustrated and easily annoyed by everyone and everything. The answer to alleviating the pressure is discipline. There has been nothing like the relief that has come from stopping, turning around, and facing the dragons in my life.

So, I'm having to ask myself what discipline is going to look like in my life this summer. It won't be self-flagulation, I've tried that and it doesn't work. A trial of self-flagulation makes one feel like they are doing something to punish themselves, but rarely brings about measurable change. Procrastination isn't working and it has a paralytic effect on progress. Trying to get others to do this stuff for me won't work either...no one else can take my board exam for me, rehab my injuries, or build valuable and lasting relationships for me.

I'm left with the realization that discipline is what it takes for me to get from where I am today, to where I want and need to be. It's the decisive and progressive journey that one embarks on to move on to a goal. It's not punishment, but without discipline in my life, it can lead to negative and undesireable consequences. So, it's time to intentionally carve out time to study for my exam, give up some of my time spent staring off into space, get on the floor and strengthen & stretch and finally, invest time in relationships. The most important relationships in my life deserve priority and time....even if it's a scary to let others get a little close.