Self-Discipline - Or why Happiness is hard but rewarding work

Happiness is a universal aspiration that lies at the core of human existence. It is the pursuit of contentment, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose. There are many types of happiness, each influenced by various external and internal factors, such as relationships, achievements, and material possessions. Now, there is one internal trait that plays a fundamental role in attaining and sustaining true happiness: self-discipline. It serves as the foundation upon which a life of purpose, personal growth, and happiness is built. In this article, we delve into the significance of self-discipline and how it contributes to a genuinely joyful and fulfilling life.

I know that the word still instills a feeling of despair since many of us have linked discipline to a form of punishment rather than a means of self-cultivation. Discipline is in fact a skill that can be learned.

But what is self-discipline really? The word discipline stems from the latin word disciplina and refers to teaching, education and instruction. Somewhere between ancient Rome and today it mistakenly became linked in our heads with punishment (to discipline someone). Curious, for in ancient Rome there was no greater pleasure than that to think and study. Those were the luxuries reserved to but a few, enabling them to broaden their minds and generating new opportunities for themselves and society. To discipline oneself is the ability to control one's thoughts, emotions, and actions to align them with long-term goals and values. It encompasses the power to overcome momentary impulses, distractions, and instant gratification in favor of what truly matters in the grand scheme of life. Self-discipline is not about suppressing desires or living a rigid, joyless existence; rather, it is about making conscious choices and consistently taking actions that contribute to personal growth and happiness. It is the exercise of weighing up price and benefit and then making a very conscious choice on whether or not you are walking down the right road. In other words; you can still skip that run but just make sure you weigh up your longer term goal of being healthy and balanced and then decide. It is the infamous overcoming your inner beast…

But how, you ask… Through the Power of Delayed Gratification:

Self-discipline and delayed gratification go hand in hand. Research has repeatedly shown that individuals who exhibit self-discipline are more likely to delay immediate pleasure in pursuit of greater rewards in the future. By resisting instant gratification, whether it be succumbing to unhealthy habits or impulsive actions, we cultivate the ability to make choices that are in line with our long-term well-being and happiness. The ability to delay gratification allows us to achieve significant accomplishments, build healthier relationships, and live a more balanced life. So, you might go for that run after all.

To the result of…. Achieving Goals and Personal Growth:

Self-discipline in conjunction with feeling motivated by the idea of a better, brighter future in which one grows into his / her best version, is the driving force behind goal achievement and personal growth. Setting goals is an essential aspect of happiness, as it gives us a sense of purpose and direction. However, without self-discipline, goals remain mere dreams. It is self-discipline that empowers us to take consistent action towards our goals, even when faced with obstacles and setbacks. Whether it is committing to a regular exercise routine, pursuing an education, or honing a skill, self-discipline is the key to staying focused, motivated, and resilient on our journey of personal growth.

In day to day life this means…. Developing Healthy Habits:

Our daily habits have a profound impact on our well-being and overall happiness. Self-discipline enables us to develop and maintain healthy habits that support our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Whether it is practicing mindfulness, maintaining a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, or engaging in regular exercise, self-discipline helps us make conscious choices that promote optimal health. These habits not only enhance our physical vitality but also contribute to a greater sense of fulfillment and happiness in our lives.

And most of all… It enhances our Emotional Well-being, the way we interpret the world

Self-discipline plays a crucial role in managing our emotions and cultivating emotional resilience. It empowers us to choose our responses to challenging situations rather than being driven by impulsive reactions. Through self-discipline, we develop emotional intelligence, which allows us to understand and regulate our emotions effectively. This enables us to navigate life's ups and downs with grace, maintain healthier relationships, and experience greater emotional well-being. By practicing self-discipline, we gain control over our emotional states, fostering a more positive and joyful outlook on life.

This means… You can Become who you want to be if you are willing to put in the works

In the pursuit of lasting happiness, self-discipline emerges as a foundational virtue. It provides the necessary tools to overcome immediate gratification, achieve long-term goals, develop healthy habits, and enhance emotional well-being. By harnessing the power of self-discipline, we become architects of our own happiness, capable of making choices that align with our values and aspirations. As we cultivate self-discipline, we unlock the true potential for personal growth, contentment, and fulfillment in all aspects of our lives. We put the responsibility back in our very own hands, grab the bull by the horns and GO!

Let’s get to it!