Discipline – What does it mean to you?
According to the Cambridge dictionary, it means “the practice of training people to obey to rules or a code of behaviour, using punishment to correct disobedience.”
That’s a bit harsh, in my opinion. So let’s use the word self-discipline to be more precise.
Self-discipline is the ability, the power and the strength to make yourself do things when you should, even when you least want to do it. It is the power that keeps you going towards your goals. I am going to break this into two parts. One for the Ayurvedic Health Coach in me and one for the Life Coach in me.
Self-discipline is discussed thoroughly in the Vedic and Ayurvedic wisdom. It is about establishing healthy habits that serves us. To build healthy habits, we have to be in balance in our mind and body. Else the discipline that we are seeking is based on our imbalanced self, which isn’t our true Self. Where the discipline we are building isn’t from our core value, as an imbalanced Self tends to forget how they truly are.
In an Ayurvedic plan, discipline would be to live a satvic lifestyle. It can help you cultivate a peaceful and content mind. For this, Ayurveda emphasizes on routine in our day to day. Discipline can make the imbalanced mind rebellious, as we are used to a moving world or the hustle lifestyle. However daily routine brings calmness to the mind and the nervous system, as the mind feels in control and knows what to expect next.
What do you do that makes you feel fulfilled?
Is this something that you do everyday?
Your future lies in your daily routine. Your daily action shows the values that you are embodying.
Are your daily actions embodying the values that you want to represent?
“We should discipline ourselves in small things, and from these progress to things of greater value.” Something my clients will hear me say a lot, “Small steps, big dreams.”
Start with a small habit that will make you feel loved and fulfilled.
Write it down (including what time you are going to do this, how many times,..)
Give yourself 3 reasons why you need to be disciplined with this habit.
If you can, do it in the morning. Build your routine.
If one day you miss, it is okay. Don’t be harsh on yourself, try again tomorrow.
Epictetus – “every habit and capability is confirmed and grows in its corresponding actions, walking by walking, and running by running… therefore, if you want to do something make a habit of it. If you don’t want to do something make a habit of doing the opposite.”
Now I want you to be honest about what’s not working for you in your day-to-day.
How can you change that?
What can you add in your routine to remove those habits from your life?
And be true to yourself, if an action plans isn’t working out. Re-adapt and replace with habits in line with you. Make it simpler or re-evaluate your motivation for it. Being disciplined for something you are not in line with would be silly.
Be discipline to have regular check-in with yourself on how you are doing (just like you have check in with your loved ones or team). Self-discipline takes time to build, be patient with you on this journey. There is no need to be harsh, take gentle steps towards your goals.
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