Since time immemorial, possessing the virtue of self discipline has been greatly spurred on. The virtue has been instilled by motivational talks to the young at their early age.

Discipline is an enforced compliance or control. It aims at the removal of bad habits and the substitution of good ones, especially those of order and obedience.

The scripture also strongly recommends one to be disciplined, (NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION), Hebrews 12.7- ” Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as His children. Why are children not disciplined by their father?”

Mental discipline entwines intellectual processes relating to the mind with a state of order based on submission to authority.

Quoting the greatly renowned Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba “No matter how educated and rich you are, if you do not have the gift of discipline; you’re a danger to society.” The Kenyan lawyer impels on having good mental discipline in order to fit in the society as a good citizen. Mental discipline refers to how disciplined you are to consistently engage in the kind of mental practices that get you to where you want.

” Mental discipline is not about motivating yourself excitedly once a month about what you are optimistic to do. It is about making daily committed decisions as to what you are going to pay attention to and how you are going to think.”

                                      Author Joe Mwangi

Aspects of mental discipline

There are two aspects of mental discipline: what we put in and what we do or think. If you crave for being more mentally strong, it is a good idea to open yourself to a mixture of information. Mental discipline is not about motivating yourself excitedly once a month about what you are optimistic to do.

It is about making daily committed decisions as to what you are going to pay attention to and how you are going to think. It’s a committed effort to keep using what you learn, to maintain a healthy attitude and build the kind of emotions that serve you well.

Ways to improve your mental discipline

• Countdown, then take action. This helps you shift into the right mental space you get motivated.
•  Put your goal where you can see them everyday.
• Remind yourself why you started and keep the end- goal in mind.
• set small goals first. Try not to overwhelm yourself by setting the bar too high.
•  Practice prioritizing the tasks that are worth dedicating more effort.
• Know your weaknesses then proactively combat them.
• Get friends to hold you accountable. You are less  likely to cheat on your goals if someone you admire is watching.

” The ability to discipline yourself to delay gratification in the short term in order to enjoy greater rewards in the long term is the indispensable prerequisite for success.” Brian Tracy.

 

Bluestar Insider

By JOE MWANGI