365 Days With Self-Discipline: 365 Life-Altering Thoughts on Self-Control, Mental Resilience, and Success

WEEK 4

Day 22: On Self-Discipline as Freedom

Self-discipline  is  a  form  of  freedom.  Freedom  from  laziness  and

lethargy,  freedom  from  the  expectations  and  demands  of  others,  freedom

from weakness and fear or doubt. Self-discipline allows a pitcher to feel his

individuality,  his  inner  strength,  his  talent.  He  is  master  of,  rather  than  a

slave to, his thoughts and emotions.

—H. A. Dorfman

 

22

Changing the way you think about self-discipline can help you become

more  self-disciplined.  If  you  think  about  it  in  terms  of  deprivation  and

suffering, guess what! You’ll never find enjoyment in personal growth, and

most likely will soon give up on your endeavors.

On the other hand, a person who thinks of self-discipline as a form of

freedom will welcome opportunities to practice his or her self-control.

When facing temptations and fighting hard to not let them enslave you,

remember  that  through  letting  go  of  them,  you  aren’t  losing  anything

substantial;  the  freedom  to  be  a  master  of  your  thoughts  and  emotions  is

ultimately  worth  more  than  any  temporary  gratification,  of  which  you’re

depriving yourself.

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