Harnessing The Power of Self-Discipline for Happiness and Success
By Dr Kumaran Rajaram
“A disciplined mind leads to happiness and an undisciplined mind leads to suffering.”
– Dalai Lama
The primary challenge to advocate self-discipline is to first convince and make others resonate with and realize the compelling reasons for one to be self-disciplined. I find the best way to go about this is to devise and draw out a plan of goals in terms of short (1-2 years), mid (3-5 years) and long term (5 years) attainment, so this enables one to prioritize what needs to be focused on first and which ones later.
Lack of self-control and self-discipline affects outcomes. As self-discipline and lack of focus spirals downwards, the entire process degrades, hence slows down personal progress. It is imperative to habitualize self-discipline as part of our life. A few examples could start from going to bed on time, waking up early, reaching office early or punctually, and exercising regularly.
Some key strategies that we can adopt to improve self-discipline and gain willpower to live a happier life are:
1. Acknowledge your weakness
For you to operate with confidence and navigate challenging and trying phases, it is vital to acknowledge your shortcomings. By doing so, you are aware of and hence would consciously, without denial, work on these aspects to improve. This action itself is vital to be disciplined in wanting to self-reflect on your own actions and progressively adjust for the betterment. For example, if you are not able to deal effectively with criticisms where you tend to be defensive and react emotionally, you need to adapt this two-pronged approach. Firstly, to acknowledge and put your commitment to work on the improvements through progressive efforts. Secondly, by ensuring that these consistent inputs are done continuously that require commitment and focus.
2. Remove temptations
There is a saying that goes ‘Out of sight, out of mind’ – seems simple but it is powerful. Simply removing the distractions in our life and staying focused in what we are doing allow us to get the tasks at hand done seamlessly. For example, the mobile phone is possibly a distraction.
3. Become a student to unlearn and relearn
The vital aspect to acquire wisdom in any area requires one to master that subject. This very simple but vital step enables one to be open and willing to acquire the essentials to learning. In this instance, you want to master self-discipline. The first step is to strive to read deeply on this topic of self-discipline. In today’s dynamic environment, there are many resources for example, online activities, books, blogs on self- improvement which you should get your hands on to acquire as much as useful information on this topic of self-discipline as possible. By collectively gathering these nuggets of wisdom from diverse sources, it enables you to have a rich and deep comprehension of this self-discipline field.
4. A balanced and integrated lifestyle
With the dynamic and highly demanding academic expectations bestowed on a student in the current context, you need to be disciplined to know how to balance your studies and personal life to develop holistically as an individual. You should create a timetable that allocates time for your revision as well as leisure that depends on your personal interests. For example, these may include jogging, outdoor sports and social activities. The emphasis placed on this habitual trait of self- discipline adopted through an organised ecosystem in your life guides you to be successful.
One of the key aspects of self-discipline is good time management. To manage time well, one must be focused, committed and highly disciplined. The flow chart below allows you to appreciate the connectivity involved through the varying elements in attaining success and happiness.
