Self Discipline
What an interesting subject
“Self Discipline!”

Most people say that they would like to have more of it. As though it were something that you could purchase and then hold onto and pull it out to use from time to time.

I am always concerned for a student’s growth (and future success) when they state that self discipline is one of the things that they would like to gain from the study of Kung Fu. Or when a parent says that they would like their child to learn/gain self discipline from their kung fu practice, only to let the child quit when the going gets tough, as it will in the practice of any art.

Since most people do not truly know what self discipline is, let me give a brief description: “Self Discipline” is the act of following through on the daily requirements needed to complete one’s goal.

“Self Discipline” is not a thing you have, but rather a thing you do.

Building self discipline is like building any other muscle. Without continuous hard work it will weaken, atrophy and then die!

The key word in my definition of self discipline is “Goals.” The person that works on their Kung fu every day is the person that has a goal that they wish to attain or a level of ability they would like to, at the least, maintain. Without that definite stated goal it would be highly unlikely to find a person that was practicing the act of self discipline.

So, now that I have established that self discipline is not a thing to be held onto, but rather a thing that comes from the establishment of a worthy goal… the statement changes from “I would like my child or myself to gain self discipline through the study of kung fu, to a statement that sounds more like this: “I would like my child or myself to establish an understanding of self discipline by following through on my goal of becoming a black belt. No matter how hard it gets. Whether it is boredom, pain, tears or a nagging lack of enthusiasm, I promise myself that I will not let my child or myself give up until I have accomplished my stated goal of becoming a black belt.”

Now we are on the right track. Self discipline is the wind in the sails that drives us towards our goals. Set the goal (know your destination) and then remind yourself, as often as is practical (usually 3 to 5 times/day), that you will reach your goal no matter how difficult it might get. Promise yourself to never give up, and if possible, share your goal with someone who will encourage you and hold you accountable.

If you want self discipline, then set your goal and crack that whip. There is no limit other than what you set for yourself. Aim high and never give up.

One last note. Without a regular workout schedule your muscles, cardio fitness, flexibility and technique will go away. If you don’t use it, you lose it. Without established focused goals your self discipline goes away.

Set goals and stay committed to following through and you will automatically have self discipline.