The Drivers of Self-Discipline

The concept of self-discipline, or certain concepts of it, can be credited to Sigmund Freud’s pleasure principle.  This theory describes the tendency for people to avoid pain and seek pleasure.  People will go to great lengths to keep things simple if it means avoiding a modicum of discomfort.  Peoples’ perception of pleasure and pain can be the major players in one’s pursuit of self-discipline. 

What does it mean to be self-disciplined, though?  Collins Dictionary describes a person with self-discipline as someone who “has the ability to control themselves and to make themselves work hard or behave in a particular way without needing anyone else to tell them what to do”.  Merriam Webster defines self-discipline as “correction or regulation of oneself for the sake of improvement”.  In psychological literature, self-discipline is used interchangeably with “self-control”.  Thus, self-discipline is our grit (passion + persistence) in our quest for personal growth, while at the same time employing willpower to build healthier habits. 

While willpower plays a big role in self-discipline, it requires more focused practice.  Sadly, because we operate more from the unconscious brain throughout our daily routine, we are not as intentional in practicing discipline.  We run on auto-pilot and function using the same habits that we know are manageable (doable), simple (painless), and satisfying (pleasurable).  The ease of this pattern influences our decision making and impairs our goal for self-discipline. 

Self-discipline, however, can become a learned skill.  By putting in effort to practice set skills or altering certain behaviors, self-discipline can be improved.  Is all this effort worth the energy, though?  What is all the hubbub of developing self-discipline?  

Self-discipline helps to reduce impulses, it allows us to delay gratification for a long-term reward, it is a key factor in success.  Research points to increased physical health, reduced risk of obesity, greater job satisfaction, and having a role in achieving self-actualization. 

Without further delay, below is an outline of skills to practice or behaviors to let go of in trusting oneself to build self-discipline.

1.       Re-think how you think. 

Have your conscious brain take the wheel from the unconscious brain.  Recognize all the passengers on the bus and how they might represent automatic patterns in your mind of how you think, feel, and react.  These passengers on the bus, who have been riding shotgun free of charge, can become saboteurs.  They need to be exposed so that you can rewrite limiting beliefs.  Challenge yourself to believe that you have the power to maintain a continuous supply of self-discipline.  As you give power to this belief, become more attuned to the choices you make every day and understand the motivation behind these choices.

2.       Get intentional.

Intentional living means that we create the life that we want by being deliberate in our actions and choices.  It is by living our values and nurturing a mindset that reflects our deepest desires and leads to an outcome of self-actualization.  It means connecting our heart brain to our head brain so that we can master impulsivity and live in a state of inner harmony. 

3.       Value courage.

Courage is the virtue to do good, especially when it is most difficult.  Plato had an expansive view of courage that included not only resisting pain and fear, but also overcoming pleasure and desire.  Courage, in the opinion of Winston Churchill, is the quality that guarantees all others.  Courage is most valued when combined with knowledge, wisdom, and moral ethics.

4.       Desire ongoing learning and growth.

Lifelong learning, whether formal or informal, is intrinsically motivated.  The process of acquiring knowledge needs to come from a place of passion.  It requires a curiosity that begs to explore and to be critical of ideas, all the while shaping a mindset that values growth.  Through consistency, momentum is gained, and self-discipline practiced. 

5.       Mind your PQ.

PQ is positive intelligence.  Positive intelligence is the difference from when your mind is serving you to when it is sabotaging you.  It goes back to the passengers on the bus.  People invest in physical fitness, but mental fitness often gets relegated to the back seat.  To practice mental fitness, engage in mindful walking, rub your finger and thumb together, take a shower with the lights off, tap into all your senses, break out of auto-pilot mode. 

Let’s use the comment box below to affirm ourselves and empower others.  In the comments below, share how self-discipline can make your life better.