Discipline.
To a child it means “oops, I’m in trouble.”
To an adult it means “staying on a diet” or “doing what I have to do.”
To both a child and an adult then, discipline has a negative connotation.
Merriam-Webster expands on that narrow definition.
My favorite definition is number 5c; “self control”
- punishment
- obsolete : instruction
- a field of study
- training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character
- control gained by
a. enforcing obedience or order
b. orderly or prescribed conduct or pattern of behavior
c. self-control
6. a rule or system of rules governing conduct or activity
There’s nothing wrong with self control. In fact, I’d say we need a whole lot more of it in this world…;-)
But the funny thing about self control, at least from my perspective, is that it doesn’t necessarily apply across the board.
For example, I have self control when it comes to some things while others are my nemesis.
I don’t think I’m alone in this…but why is that?
Why, for example, do I have no problem, no issue whatsoever with being tempted to cheat on my husband, but on my diet…???
I mean, toss me in a room with a bunch of handsome men? meh…handsome, sure, but so what?
On the other hand, toss me in a room full of cakes, cookies, bread….well, don’t bother coming to get me, I’ll be passed out on the couch in a food coma…
Discipline is not a bad thing…especially when we’re the one doing it…so why can’t I seem to remember that?
Perhaps it’s the long time between the discipline and the result?
What do you think? Have you found a way to change an undisciplined area of your life?
