© Rhoberta Shaler, PhD
For most people, the word "discipline" has an immediate negative
connotation. It
implies something imposed from the outside, doesn't it? It means that
someone or
something is controlling or demanding, neither of which are particularly
appealing. When we do think about self-discipline, it, too, often has a
negative
spin because it is seen as difficult and contributing to failure. Can you think
about it differently?
Self-discipline is nothing more than keeping your commitments to yourself.
If you
say something is important and significant to you, then take this little test
Does that something that you SAY is important show up a significant number of
times in either your calendar, or your checkbook, or both? If it does not,
then,
where is the demonstration that it is important to you? Do you regularly do
what
you say has value to you?
I'm sure you understand the picture. I believe behavior, not words. How
about you?
So, self-discipline arises from self-esteem and self-esteem is enhanced by
self-discipline. Then, it seems natural that you take a look at your
self-esteem.
Do you believe that you are worth spending the time and/or money on? Do you get
the "left-overs" of time and resources rather than filling your own cup? It is
not unusual to feel that you are being a "good" person when you are
self-sacrificing. That's because our society often tells us this is so. Oh,
good
thinking! The society says so because everyone else benefits from your
self-sacrifice. In fact, "sacrifice" itself is an interesting concept. The
dictionary says it means "the act of giving up or destroying one thing for the
sake of something else". Do you really want to be SELF-sacrificing?
© Rhoberta Shaler, PhD All rights reserved.
No comments:
Post a Comment