Discipline a key factor for growth in life

Every morning , wake up time is a difficult time for me when that alarm goes off! I have stopped it so many times ,went back to sleep thinking I could sleep for five more minutes and, gotten late at the bus stop to pick up my daughter, missed the Metro or other important appointments. I know some of you can relate . I am still in the process of completely mastering the importance of discipline therefore writing this blog will certainly speak to me for the scripture says: “Then the Lord answered me and said, “Write the vision and engrave it plainly on [clay] tablets So that the one who reads it will run. For the vision is yet for the appointed [future] time It hurries toward the goal [of fulfillment]; it will not fail. Even though it delays, wait [patiently] for it, Because it will certainly come; it will not delay.”
‭‭Habakkuk‬ ‭2‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭AMP

Discipline is a key factor for growth in any aspect.

Usually when we hear about this word we immediately envision punishment , correction, rebuke, restraint, constraint and even lack of freedom. According to the Oxford dictionary discipline is the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior, using punishment to correct disobedience. This definition emphasizes the idea to reject discipline. Wikipedia gives us another general definition . It refers to any training intended to produce a specific character or pattern of behavior. Meaning, depending on where you are heading or what you would want to accomplish, there is a pattern of behavior that is not inborn you will want to create as the best course of action if you want to see positive results.
Everyone of us has been subject to discipline in their lifetime. The most common one is the discipline to get out of bed, though it seems small, it can translate to more significant decisions in life. Here is what Discipline brings to one’s life.

1- Living an effective and efficient life
There is a syndrome called :” I don’t feel like it”. This Syndrome can cause you to follow your emotions, be lazy and just not do it. It can cause you to procrastinate and even abandon your dreams and passions.
How often do you face the prospect of finishing a project, calling someone , writing a book, taking a new class, only to give up and say, “I just don’t feel like it “
Believe me this feeling of de-motivation is common to all of us , even the person you admire the most has felt that way before. The difference between individuals when they are “Not feeling like it” is the option they abide to. There are only two options and your choice will make the difference. Either you do it or you don’t do it. Discipline requires that you do it regardless of your desires not to do it. It requires mental toughness – to get yourself out of those de-motivating feelings. In life Discipline provides you with rules that contribute tremendously to efficiency and effectiveness .

A person who is disciplined sees ahead and makes sacrifices today for tomorrow and the future.
For example sacrificing to develop yourself by investing in your personal growth today will cost your time ,money and relationships. But the sacrifices you make today will land you a good job, set you in better relationships, and help you use your time for other important things later.
Discipline creates habits, routines, that mold you and shape you. It becomes who you are.” Discipline is like a muscle, it can be trained. The more you work on your discipline the stronger it becomes. You see this in sports. This discipline was developed through hours of training, holding one another accountable, and doing things that others aren’t willing to do.

2- Compound interest

Some weeks ago I attended a graduation party, a young lady was celebrating her Bachelor’s degree. It was time for guests to speak to the graduate and one guest caught my attention when she spoke about compound interest. I have heard people talk about it in investing in real estate and other money investment, but never thought about compound interest when it comes to any effort you put in anything. A dollar today can worth $20 or more after several years from today especially when you look at the inflation. What you sow today can worth ten , twenty, fifty times later in life. Every seed you sow today grows into a magnificent tree and maybe a forest tomorrow or in the future. When reading these lines You can no longer trade greatness for mediocrity today. Be excellent today for greatness and beauty tomorrow. That’s a sacrifice. When you sacrifice today for a better tomorrow, you feel fulfilled.

3- You Will be Prouder That You Sacrificed Today
Have you ever waited for something? Have you ever had to be patient in getting a reward? Didn’t that reward feel great! A reward that is given to you in a golden plate can be lost easily. You did not work for it! There are chances you don’t know it’s real value . You will aways appreciate and enjoy the benefits of a reward you sacrificed for. It makes you not want to lose it ever.
You didn’t give in to your urges but rather controlled yourself. You didn’t let your emotions get the better of you and win. You controlled yourself and now you are benefiting from a great relationship.
So now that you’re convinced why you should sacrifice today for a better tomorrow, let’s get into how to go about it.

i – Stop Practicing Excessive Consumerism
Whatever you picked up at the store, ask yourself if you actually need it. 90% of the time, you don’t. If you don’t, then it’s time to put that thing right back onto the shelf. You don’t need it today as much as you think you do. Don’t get sucked into the classic sales tactics.

ii – Manage your time well.
We are only allotted 24 hours a day. What you do with your time will determine your level of growth. DO you use your spare time to watch TV , Netflix movies, or do you educate yourself. You can learn something new. You can read or write a book. You can take a class , you can visit a friend and build relationships. There are many valuable things you can do instead of just wasting it in watching movies; not that movies are bad, but if that’s all you do, then you lack discipline.
There are many other things you can work on when it comes to discipline and growth, but let’s stop here for today!