We explain what self-discipline is and what types of behavior it generates. Also, how to develop it and what self-control is.
What is self-discipline?
Self-discipline is the type of discipline that a person has towards himself. In other words, It is the ability of a person to commit to their plans and projects, maintaining a desired behavior even when I'd rather do something else.
People who have this ability are called self-disciplined.
It is a concept closely linked to motivation and effort, since it consists of applying reason to determine one's own behavior, that is, doing the things that one wants. must do, even when not we want make them. self-discipline It is key when it comes to maintaining routines, introducing important changes in life or making sustained efforts for long periods of time. In this way, two types of behaviors can arise:
- Virtuous behavior. So called because one's motivations are aligned with the objective to be achieved, it consists of doing a task considered positive and sustaining its execution over time. In other words, it is about the self-discipline necessary to achieve what you want.
- Contingent behavior. So called because one's motivations are against the objective one wishes to achieve, even though said objective is considered good, necessary or ideal. In other words, it is about the self-discipline necessary to do what we know we should do, but do not want to do.
In conclusion, self-discipline can be understood as a particular and individual form of discipline, that is, the rules of conduct and behavior imposed on individuals by institutions, organizations or social agreements.
Importance of self-discipline
Self-discipline is a key trait for life, essential when it comes to achieving the desired goals. Self-discipline is required to do what does not provoke us or that we do not like to do, but that we know is good for us; and also to continue doing something that we may like, but that requires dedication and patience.
Self-disciplined people usually demonstrate a greater commitment to themselves and are usually more tenacious when it comes to achieving what they set out to do. Furthermore, they demonstrate greater self-control and a greater ability to cope with unpleasant situations challenging or extremely distracting. In short, self-control is very important when it comes to fulfilling one's commitments.
How to develop self-discipline?
All people have a certain margin of self-discipline. However, it is possible to develop it further, which requires practice and tenacity. In this sense, the following are behaviors that reinforce self-discipline:
- Know yourself. The first thing to do to build greater self-discipline and self-determination is to be fully aware of your own strengths and weaknesses. In this way, it is possible to avoid exposure to situations in which it will be very difficult to be disciplined, and at the same time you can take note of progressive progress. For example, if you have a social media addiction, it is a good idea to put your phone away and lower the volume (or suspend notifications from social media apps) during the time you want to work, exercise, or carry out activities. any task without distractions.
- Set clear goals. To avoid frustration and discouragement, you must know what exactly you want to achieve, and set rational goals in a clear and achievable way. The ideal is to start with small, short-term goals, and move towards goals that are further away in time and more challenging. For example, if you want to exercise daily, the ideal is to start with a short and easy routine, which will then be extended as the habit becomes established.
- Plan behaviors. A scattered, unstable, or continually varying routine is more prone to procrastination and distraction than a structured routine. That is why segmenting and compartmentalizing the available time is a good plan to achieve the proposed objectives. For example, it is possible to establish a specific time for reading, a time for exercising or for the behavior that you want to maintain over time, and said time must always be the same every day.
- Repeat desired behaviors. The key to obtaining more self-discipline is to establish the desired habit, that is, to do it until it becomes natural, automatic, without the need for great efforts. Thus, behaviors that are repeated daily become easier, while those practiced sporadically always cost more, since the person feels that they are always at the same starting point.
- Manage rewards. Rewards should contribute to self-discipline and not sabotage it. To do this, the ideal is to use them as positive reinforcement, that is, access a reward after having done the pending or desired things. In this way, the habit is associated with the final reward, which acts as a motivating element. For example, if we want to exercise, but we really like to watch TV, we should set our TV time after we have done the exercises, never before.
Self-control
Self-control is a concept very similar to self-discipline, but it specifically refers to situations that tend to mobilize emotions and the affective aspect. This can refer to appetites, intense emotions, desires and any other impulses that are particularly strong in the individual, and therefore require suppression through willpower.
People with a lot of self-control, thus, can restrain your emotions or appetites in situations where other people would succumb to temptation or anger and demonstrate greater mastery of their own behavior, that is, a greater degree of control over their reactions. In this way, they maintain a “cool head,” which allows them to continue thinking rationally despite what they feel.
For example, a person who is on a diet to lose weight and is able to reject a sweet that someone offers him, demonstrates a significant degree of self-control. The same as someone who is insulted in the street and instead of exploding with rage, he weighs what is most convenient for the immediate future and avoids committing actions that he may later regret.
Continue with: Emotional intelligence
References
- “Discipline” on Wikipedia.
- “Character education: self-discipline” (video) at the University of Navarra (Spain).
- “9 Powerful Ways to Cultivate Extreme Self-Discipline” in Forbes.
