All tagged discipline
How we speak to ourselves is a big deal. Recently, I found myself working on my self-talk, and I thought it could be a helpful topic to dive into.
In how we show up for ourselves, we can either bring a version of support or a version of challenge. Give it a read to learn which side I fall on, and where you might land too.
The way we can attain the spiritual discipline of internal quiet in our lives is through elimination: removing people, noise, and movement – periodically – in order to gain peace, presence, and perspective. This is a life-long journey that serves as a much needed life-line for our souls.
Will you have the courage to try?
Similar to trees, discipline is a structure that produces much fruit. This fruit can be categorically summed up in one word: freedom. We all know and acknowledge that with discipline comes growth, but rarely do we recognize that with it also comes freedom - full freedom in performance and authentic expression.
Freedom is the fruit that discipline produces.
The ultimate goal is to become addicted to the right things, to the things that produce health, joy, and happiness for us and those around us.
If we are to be successful at changing our ways, at becoming addicted to the right things, at developing discipline around our choices and actions, we must begin with a baby step, not some giant leap.
Discipline never happens by chance. We must choose it.
Not only must we choose discipline, we must put in the work needed to validate and affirm that choice. Discipline is something that requires both effort and intention. The intention—the reason why— and the effort —the gritting of our teeth and the clenching of the fists as we brace ourselves for the hard work that awaits.
Emotions are not a great foundation for living, but discipline is. Following the path of our feelings is not a recipe for success, despite what is often sold to us through endless marketing and sales tactics.
Discipline is the necessary foundation for a life well-lived, and we would all benefit from building our lives on the sturdy foundation it creates.
Discipline solidified its place in my life during the years I competed as a professional golfer. Since then, I’ve begun to realize how crucial discipline is for living an honorable life.
In order to get where we want to go, in order to become who we want to be, in order to live as we ought to live, we must step back onto the court and commit to the beautiful practice of discipline.
Noticing is an art.
In our modern world, especially in western society, we are very skilled at noticing what’s wrong, noticing what’s missing, noticing what we don’t like about a person or situation. But finding the good? Noticing what’s positive? Discovering the silver lining? Yeah, that’s something we’re quite weak in.
Change is more consciously present in our world than ever before (in my lifetime at least). The question is: how do we embrace change?
Regardless of how much change we are going through, we can always remain grounded by practicing our daily rhythms or our cornerstone habits that keep our lives in place.
Motivation is one of the elusive elixirs of human flourishing.
Motivation itself is often looked down upon as being the weaker younger sibling to discipline. Yet, we have to have the motivation to take that initial step toward forming the new habit (which eventually becomes a discipline).
Life is all about sacrifices—what we are willing to give up for the greater good, or to gain something down the road. The path of looking the part often sacrifices for personal gain. The path of being the part focuses more on sacrificing for the goal of benefiting others.
Which sacrifice are you willing to make?
Here’s the question: what’s more important? The journey? Or the destination?
I would guess that most of us would agree that the journey is the probable answer, but do our lives and our actions really back up that belief? My guess is: that’s hardly the case.
Hot showers are great. It’s virtually a universal truth - a part of life we can all agree on. There’s just something about the simple pleasure of standing under a stream of warm steamy water that brings us joy and comfort in life.
… Maybe that’s why we like it so much: because it’s so un-like life.
The idea of “Idealism” is a concept discussed by many in a broad swath of cultural spheres and influences, ranging from Forbes to the NY Times to Psychology Today. It is a concept that appears nuanced, but the implications can be seen on multiple levels.
To begin, let’s make this personal…
Success is always a derivative of following the predetermined game plan.
From athletic endeavors, to creative works, to business practices, and more, sticking to the game plan is a strong indicator for the success that follows.
"30 hours ... that's it. You can do this ... Okay, it's going to be tough, but really, you can do this. 'Pain is weakness leaving the body.' 'No pain no gain.'" — Inner dialogue from my brain
Simply put, breathing is the base source of life. Without it, we don’t stand a chance. When we no longer breathe in oxygen, there won’t be enough oxygen in the bloodstream for the vital organs, and the result will ultimately be death.
This is not a trivial part of life, but rather an essential element.
