Do you think that self-discipline is overrated? Many people believe the myths and misconceptions about self-discipline and don’t bother trying to improve in this area. Often people feel intimidated by those who live their lives with much self-discipline. For example, you might attend a party where a personal trainer is attending. Their body is perfectly fit and muscular. You watch them only eat the veggies and salad with grilled chicken. Suddenly you feel guilty eating a slice of pie, but you think, “I could never live like that, constantly giving up my favorite foods.” But self-discipline doesn’t have to mean giving up everything you love in life. Let’s debunk the three common myths and misconceptions about self-discipline.
Myth #1 – Self-Discipline Is Boring
As humans, we want to do whatever we want, whenever we want, and how we want. As children, we can’t wait to grow up so we can make our own rules or not have to follow any of the rules our parents set for us. We call this “freedom,” but there is a reason our parents set rules and boundaries for us. They knew what was best for us. As adults, we know what is best for us, but we don’t always feel like doing it!
Self-discipline is all about knowing what you should or should not do and setting your intentions to do what is best for you. It’s a choice you make to improve your lifestyle, health, mindset, or anything else you want to improve. It’s taking the freedom you have to do whatever you want and turning that focus into the better life you can create for yourself.
Let’s go back to the party and the slice of pie example. You have the freedom to eat whatever you want. But you also have goals to live a healthier lifestyle to prevent disease as you age. So you have a choice to indulge in a slice of the pie now for two minutes of pleasure, or avoid the pie and make healthy choices so that you can reach your goals of a healthier lifestyle. Which pleasure sounds better to you? Is it boring not to eat pie at a party? Or does it excite you to think about your future and how your own physically fit body will carry you as you go on amazing adventures with your grandkids and don’t have to worry about lack of energy or illness? The choice is always yours, and it doesn’t mean you can never have a slice of the pie ever again. The key to self-discipline is making an informed choice. For some people, that may mean they avoid pie and sugary treats every time because they know it will spiral into a chaotic sugar addiction that is hard to come off of. For others, they are ok eating a slice of pie once in a while and getting right back to their healthy eating immediately after.
Living a life of self-discipline is the opposite of boring. Self-disciplined people do not necessarily live boring lives. They have fun when it’s the right time to do it. They work hard when it’s time to work, and they play when it’s time to play. Even personal trainers allow themselves a cheat day once in a while to indulge in a favorite food they avoid most of the time. People with self-discipline usually have fewer things to do on their to-do list, too. So they can relax and enjoy their time of fun and relaxation without worrying about it. They get up early and get their work done early so they can do what they want later!
Myth #2 – Self-Discipline Is Difficult
Being independent makes many people feel entitled to do whatever they want whenever they want. This freedom makes it seem difficult to stop doing something you know you shouldn’t do because there is nobody there to stop you from doing it. No parent or teacher telling you, “Don’t do that!”. But do you need someone to keep you from doing things that might harm you? Can you rely on yourself to know when you stop? Aside from people who struggle with addictions, the reality is that most people can stop eating when they are full or limit their alcohol intake when they know they have to drive home.
Self-discipline doesn’t have to be difficult at all. It’s all about knowing your responsibilities and taking care of yourself. If you know that having a slice of pie at the party means you will overindulge in everything else and pay the price of feeling sick and bloated later, then the choice is not that difficult. People with dietary restrictions and food allergies are used to avoiding foods that make them sick. Self-discipline in this area comes easier to them because they know that it could harm them to eat something they shouldn’t.
Myth #3 – Self-Discipline Is Not For Everyone
Self-discipline is not genetic that comes naturally to certain people and not others. Self-discipline is always a choice. It’s a practice that comes with good judgment and decision-making. Anyone can practice self-discipline. It just takes practicing self-control. You might be surprised at how much you can achieve with self-discipline and feel motivated when you see the results of your efforts.
Self-discipline carries a lot of misconceptions, but once you understand its importance, it will come easier to you. Being in self-control of your actions is empowering, fun, and rewarding. Anyone can practice it. It just takes one simple decision and dedication to stick with it!