I Stopped Believing “Self-Discipline” Exists
There is no such thing as “self-discipline” only decisions.
I no longer believe in the concept of self-discipline (or motivation for that matter — but that’s a different conversation). People don’t “self-discipline themselves,” they make a choice to act. Our power is in that ability to make that choice. We either choose to do something, or we choose to not do something.
We use motivation and self-discipline to absolve us from accountability or responsibility for doing or not doing something. How many times have you said “I don’t have the motivation” or “I just need self-discipline” as your reason for not doing something?
“The ability to control one’s feelings and overcome one’s weaknesses; the ability to pursue what one thinks is right despite temptations to abandon it.” The Oxford Dictionary meaning of self-discipline. Self-discipline is the ability to control — the ability to make a choice. That’s it.
Gary John Bishop stated a bit more eloquently. “A big part of living the life you want is taking ownership of your choices.” Stop Doing That Sh*t: End Self-Sabotage and Demand Your Life Back (Unfu*k Yourself series). That’s the core of a lot of our life — the choices we make.
