When there is something hard that needs doing, it feels like we need to summon up discipline. Because nearly everything we do requires a concerted effort, not a one off. Whether it’s a job search or a promotion, building a business or training a dog, we have to keep with it over a period of time. So often I have heard myself telling a client that the job search (and interviewing) is like building new muscles. That we have to keep working on strengthening. That we have to focus and stay with it. That we have to get through periods when it feels like nothing is happening and trust the process. That there is no sure timeline for getting from where you are now to being in shape to being at the place of getting an offer or bench pressing your weight.
Discipline is a valuable concept because it connects to inner strength. Discipline requires rigor. It requires sharpened attention. It asks us to be upright and focused. Discipline is something that we build. We do not simply have discipline. We develop discipline and with it we become stronger and sharper. The strength we develop on the inside is reflected in how we carry ourselves on the outside.
Discipline is…
Getting up and getting to work.
Staying with it, even though it’s hard.
Staying with it, because that’s the only way to grow, to improve, to reach the goal.
Staying with it, because repetition helps build strength and skill.
Staying with it, because “it” is a discipline. It is the work in and of itself. The discipline of focused attention. The discipline of speaking for a purpose, for example, of making a point rather than talking without pause. The discipline of reviewing all the details of a job description or proposal, taking the time to make sure you have answered every point.
The discipline of putting forth effort, of trying, the discipline of showing up for yourself, for a purpose, for something (goals, achievements, abilities) that take time and effort and attention that cannot be gained unless you build more muscle, more body wisdom or body-mind wisdom, or body-mind muscle memory. Strength and goals that cannot be achieved without concerted, repeated effort, attention, persistence, self-directed motivation and dedication.
Discipline requires dedication.
Discipline is needed when you want to establish a new habit/shift out of a habit that doesn’t serve.
Discipline is establishing the practice and resolve to stay with even and especially when you get discouraged, get rejected, lose steam, have bad days, don’t see the end point.
Discipline can help take away the question of what should I do now to, I know what to do to show up for myself. To- I can find that muscle. I can keep going and connect to my strength.
We need discipline because (new) things can be hard. There are some things that are hard. Period. Dedication, repetition and persistence are the only way to get from here to there. Having discipline helps us feel self-satisfaction, helps build confidence and resilience. Discipline can help with “knowing” what to do.
You stay with your discipline.
You feel and know you are strong on the inside.
Where do you need discipline?
What do you need to support you in being disciplined?
What would happen if you were more disciplined?