Copley-Fairlawn Middle School Guidance Resources
Self-Discipline

 

What Is Self-Discipline?

Discipline means control.  Self-discipline is self-control.  It means getting yourself to do what you really want to do rather than being a leaf in the wind of your thoughts or feelings.  Self-discipline means choosing to do what you feel is right.  It is bringing order and efficiency into your life.

With self-discipline you can be moderate.  You don’t overdo things or let yourself become too lazy.  You get things done.  Feelings and thoughts come and go.  You may not be able to control your thoughts and feelings, but you can control what you do with them.  You don’t lose control of yourself when you are hurt or angry but decide how you are going to talk and what you are going to do.

When you are self-disciplined, you create structure in your life, like practicing the trumpet or brushing your teeth every single night.  You don’t procrastinate.  With self-discipline you take charge of yourself.

Why Practice Self-Discipline?

When you have self-discipline, you are controlling your own behavior so others don’t have to.  Self-discipline brings you freedom.  You get things done efficiently, so you don’ have to scramble at the last minute or feel burdened by all the tasks that are waiting.  Procrastination (putting things off until the last minute) is a very heavy burden. 

When people lack self-discipline, they lose control of their emotions.  Other people get hurt or upset, and the undisciplined person gets into trouble.  Without self-discipline life is helter-skelter.  You never know what you will do next. 

When you practice self-discipline, no one has to watch you or control you, because you are watching yourself and exercising self-control.  You get to decide what you will do rather than waiting for people to make you do it.

 

How Do You Practice It?

Detachment is a big help when you want to practice self-discipline.  You watch yourself, think about things and choose how you are going to behave.  For example, if you get angry, you always have a choice.  You can yell, hit someone, or do something else which will hurt others and yourself.  Or you can choose to feel your anger, then use your quiet voice to tell someone you are angry and why.  They are much more likely to want to make things better than if you lost your temper. 

You practice self-discipline by creating routines for yourself.  You put limits on yourself such as the amount of television you watch or the cookies you eat, so you have enough but not too much. 

When you have self-discipline, you choose to follow the rules of your family and school and can actually enjoy it.

Signs of Success

Congratulations!  You are practicing self-discipline when you…

  • Use detachment so your emotions won’t control you

  • Speak and act calmly when you are hurt or angry

  • Get things done in an orderly and efficient way

  • Create structure in your life

  • Do what is expected without people having to watch you

  • Do things on time

Keep trying!  You need more practice when you …  

  • Lose your temper or get carried away by your emotions

  • Have no plan for how to do things

  • Do whatever you feel like doing

  • Behave well only when you are being watched

  • Disregard the rules

  • Usually procrastinate

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