BLOG05d-SelfDiscipline TAKE STOCK
To a martial artist, or any other individual who wishes to excel at a particular aptitude, self discipline is one of those "given" elements. If it's musicianship, it is evident in the outcome that the practice was maintained to such a degree that it exudes a certain energy to all who witness that musician's performance. If it's business, the time spent in preparation is positively proven in the way business transpires.
We have discussed several of elements that comprise "self-discipline", in one way or another, including Savoring, Taking Action & Organization. And in a previous blog, I even wrote about 4 Simple Steps that help you gain some appreciation during your journey to success. Today, I will revisit that blog, but with some discussion on its correlation to Self-Discipline. I am speaking, of course, of the importance of taking stock.
As a professional photographer, one of the factors that makes the biggest difference in my understanding and appreciation of my craft is the finished product: the photos. Among the ways any good photographer uses to improve, the most obvious one is to look at the camera's LCD screen to determine if lighting needs to be adjusted. This is pretty much the same for life, in general: You learn best by experiencing or immersing yourself in a subject. As you do this, you begin to gauge yourself against the "ideal" outcome, and you adjust your depth of activity until you reach that outcome.
As a martial arts instructor, this is a very important part of making sure the students are able to grasp the lessons being taught. As I am teaching a student, I am also taking stock of where he is along my prescribed path for him or her. And I must teach them to also take stock of their own growth process, which can be done using several mechanisms, including (but not limited to) the ranking system, the awards and by complimenting them on their growth.
In your daily life, what things are you doing that you were not doing before? Are they making you feel better about yourself or your goals? If not, are you making mental notes and adjustments to get you back on track for your personal success? Are you rewarding or complimenting yourself as you see your apparent growth, in a certain area?
This is all a part of the process of learning self-discipline, and very important to your having the very best experience of Life. Besides, if you fail to take stock of your own experience, you will have to rely on the assessments that others place upon your worth (and this is always happening in society, at work, play, etc.), and this is destined to be not-so-good for you. And I will finish with the obvious: who do you think is going to be more lenient in your discipline: you or someone who cannot see your worth?
That was kind of a trick question. You see, if you are self-disciplined, then you may also be your own worst critic. On the other hand, the best a seed ever has to offer is already within that seed. All the water (external forces) in the world won't turn an acorn seed into a banana tree.
Well, that concludes this discussion of Self-Discipline, and I hope that it has been thought-provoking, at least. I will see you, next week. Try not to eat the entire box of chocolate, all at once. (Exercise some self-discipline, for goodness sake!)
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