What Is Self-Discipline?
Self-discipline is the ability to get yourself to take action regardless of your emotional state. Self-discipline is one of many personal development tools available to you. Nevertheless, the problems which self-discipline can solve are important, and while there are other ways to solve these problems. Self-discipline can empower you to overcome any addiction or lose any amount of weight. It can wipe out procrastination, disorder, and ignorance.
The Five Pillars of Self-Discipline
Self-Discipline: Acceptance
The first of the five pillars of self-discipline is acceptance. Acceptance means that you perceive reality accurately and consciously acknowledge what you perceive.
This may sound simple and obvious, but in practice it’s extremely difficult. If you experience chronic difficulties in a particular area of your life, there’s a strong chance that the root of the problem is a failure to accept reality as it is.
Self-Discipline: Willpower
Willpower provides an intensely powerful yet temporary boost. Think of it as a one-shot thruster. It burns out quickly, but if directed intelligently, it can provide the burst you need to overcome inertia and create momentum.
Self-Discipline: Hard Work
My definition of hard work is that which challenges you. And why is challenge important? Why not just do what’s easiest? Most people will do what’s easiest and avoid hard work — and that’s precisely why you should do the opposite. The superficial opportunities of life will be attacked by hordes of people seeking what’s easy. The much tougher challenges will usually see a lot less competition and a lot more opportunity.
Self-Discipline: Industry
Industry is working hard. In contrast to hard work, being industrious doesn’t necessarily mean doing work that’s challenging or difficult. It simply means putting in the time. You can be industrious doing easy work or hard work.
Self-Discipline: Persistence
Persistence is the ability to maintain action regardless of your feelings. Persistence will ultimately provide its own motivation. If you simply keep taking action, you’ll eventually get results, and results can be very motivating.