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Self-Discipline: An Important Concept, Advantageous to
the Individuals in all Communities
Dr. Radhika Kapur
Abstract
The main objective of all the individuals is to enhance their career prospects and
sustain their living conditions in an efficient manner. In order to attain the desired goals and
objectives, they need to acquire an efficient understanding of the concept of self-discipline.
This concept is regarded to be of utmost significance, which has rendered a significant
contribution in bringing about improvements in their overall quality of lives. Apart from
achieving career goals and promoting better livelihoods opportunities, the individuals are
required to cope with other problems and difficulties as well in their lives. Problems are an
integral part of the lives of all individuals. Through self-discipline, they are able to
understand how to cope with various types of problems. These may take place in terms of
home, family, relationships, work, and so forth. The concept of self-discipline develops the
abilities and competencies among the individuals, so they are able to cope with problems and
challenges in a well-organized manner. Therefore, it is well-understood that self-discipline
enables the individuals to live their lives in a well-ordered manner. The main areas that are
taken into account in this research paper are, meaning and significance of self-discipline,
measures to reinforce self-discipline, and benefits of being self-disciplined.
Keywords: Abilities, Job Duties, Performance, Reinforce, Responsibilities, Self-
discipline, Skills
Self-discipline is referred to the ability to do, what one should be doing. In
augmenting self-discipline, the individuals need to take into consideration various factors.
These are recognizing one’s job duties and responsibilities, possessing the abilities to work
under stress, generating information and understanding in terms of performance of job duties
in an efficacious manner, conducting an analysis in terms of the weaknesses and
implementing ways to overcome them, inculcating the traits of morality and ethics,
maintaining good health, implementing appropriate methods in terms of tasks and activities,
organizing daily routine functions in a systematic manner, forming positive viewpoints in
terms of others and dealing with them in a decent manner and exercising control on the
feelings of anger and frustration and refraining from getting involved in any form of criminal
and violent acts. Therefore, when the individuals are well-aware in terms of all these factors,
they are able to exercise self-discipline in an appropriate and systematic manner.
Self-discipline renders an important contribution in leading to success of the
individuals (Mayot, n.d.). It is apparent that all individuals aspire to be successful in their
lives. Whether they are managing the household chores, or are pursuing educational programs
or are engaged in employment opportunities, they have the major aim of carrying out their
tasks and activities in a well-organized manner, so they contribute effectively and
productively in generating the desired outcomes as well as in pleasing their employers,
supervisors or instructors. Not all individuals are engaged in jobs. In some cases, they need to
manage the household responsibilities and take care of the needs and requirements of their
family members as well. In such cases as well, they need to be self-disciplined. The value of
self-discipline would enable the individuals to recognize their job duties and responsibilities
and please all the other individuals. Therefore, it can be stated, self-discipline is an important
concept, which all individuals need to recognize throughout their lives.
Meaning and Significance of Self-Discipline
Self-discipline is referred to one of the most important and valuable concepts, which
needs to be acknowledged by all the individuals. The individuals are different from each
other in terms of various factors and belong to different communities, categories and
backgrounds. Even when individuals are not educated, are engaged in minority jobs and
belong to deprived, marginalized and economically weaker sections of the society, still they
need to acquire an efficient understanding of the concept of self-discipline and implement it
in their lives. In accordance to the research studies, the individuals are able to acquire an
efficient understanding of this concept through communicating with others as well as through
making use of technologies, books and other reading materials. On the internet, there are
various articles, which make provision of knowledge and understanding among the
individuals in terms of this concept. Therefore, when the individuals will acquire an efficient
understanding in terms of positive points of self-discipline, they are able to benefit in number
of ways. Through understanding benefits, the individuals will be able to acknowledge its
meaning and significance.
Self-discipline is not referred to being strict with oneself and following stringent
practices and beliefs. It is referred to making use of common sense, assigning priorities,
carrying out daily routine activities in a systematic manner and thinking before speaking
(Sasson, 2020). When the individuals are to put into operation this concept in their lives, they
are able to benefit in number of ways. It is comprehensively understood that limitations are
regarded as major impediments within the course of achievement of personal and
professional goals and in bringing about improvements in their overall quality of lives.
Furthermore, it enables the individuals to exercise self-control. The individuals will be able to
make wise decisions and carry out their tasks and functions efficiently. Therefore, the
individuals will be able to acknowledge the meaning and significance of self-discipline, when
they will form positive viewpoints in terms of this concept, they will be able to enrich the
performance of tasks and activities as well.
Measures to Reinforce Self-Discipline
It is comprehensively understood that individuals, belonging to all categories and
backgrounds aim to attain success in lives, perform good deeds and emerge into good human
beings and productive citizens of the country. In order to achieve these aims, they need to be
well-equipped in terms of the concept of self-discipline. It is regarded as the key concept,
which would render an indispensable contribution in emerging into moral, ethical, principled
and productive human beings. The individuals need to be well-aware in terms of measures,
which are needed to reinforce self-discipline. Information in terms of these measures is
acquired within as well as outside the homes. In educational institutions as well as in
employment settings, information is imparted to the individuals in terms of these measures.
But, it is up to the individuals to put them into operation on a regular basis to generate the
desired results. These have been stated as follows:
Forming Daily Routine Activities in a Systematic Manner – The individuals need to
form daily routine activities in a systematic manner. They have the habit of getting up early in
the morning. Some individuals work out or go for morning walks, whereas, other individuals
do not work out or go for morning walks. The individuals have different job duties,
occupations, responsibilities and standards of living. In some cases, they need to go to the
office, or educational institutions, whereas, in other cases, they are homemakers and need to
look after the household responsibilities and the needs and requirements of the family
members. In some cases, changes do take place in the daily routine activities of the
individuals. But these changes are in most cases occasional, particularly, when they go on a
tour or guests come up and so forth. Therefore, it is understood, when the individuals will
form daily routine activities in a systematic manner, they will be able to reinforce self-
discipline.
Recognizing Job Duties and Responsibilities – The individuals need to be well-aware
in terms of their job duties and responsibilities. This is regarded as one of the fundamental
measures of reinforcing self-discipline. In most cases, in India as well as in other countries of
the world, the individuals are required to carry out their job duties and responsibilities within
as well as outside the homes, particularly when they are engaged in employment
opportunities or are pursuing educational programs. When the individuals are well-aware in
terms of their job duties and responsibilities and are putting them into operation in a
methodical and systematic manner, they are able to reinforce self-discipline. Adults are
normally aware of their job duties and responsibilities, but parents are the ones, who need to
guide and direct their children towards recognition of job duties and responsibilities.
Therefore, it can be stated, recognizing job duties and responsibilities is an important
measure of reinforcing self-discipline.
Creating a Balance between Personal and Professional Life – In accordance to the
research studies, the individuals in some cases are overwhelmed by number of job duties,
which they have towards their family and home and they are engaged in full-time jobs. In
order to reinforce self-discipline, the individuals need to create a balance between personal
and professional lives. In creating a balance between personal and professional lives, they
need to ensure, they are able to take out time for all tasks and activities. Hence, the
individuals need to put into operation, time management skills in an effective manner. These
skills will facilitate in making use of time in an efficient and productive manner. The
individuals assign priorities to the tasks. The tasks, which are more important are carried out
first, whereas, the tasks, which are less important are procrastinated. Hence, when the
individuals create a balance between personal and professional lives and take out time for all
tasks and activities, which they are required to perform, they are able to reinforce self-
discipline. Therefore, creating a balance between personal and professional life is regarded as
one of the fundamental measures of reinforcing self-discipline.
Generating Awareness in terms of Various Aspects – In the present existence, with
advancements taking place and with the advent of technologies, modernization and
globalization, the individuals need to generate awareness in terms of various aspects. These
include, making use of technologies in a productive manner, augmenting various skills, i.e.
communication, analytical, time management, problem solving, critical thinking and so forth,
going to public places independently and so forth. The individuals are making use of internet
and technologies to a major extent. These are made use of for leisure and recreation purposes,
communicating and in the implementation of various tasks and activities. When the
individuals need to acquire an efficient understanding of what is meant by self-discipline and
what measures need to be put into operation in reinforcing it, they make use of the internet.
Apart from making use of internet, the individuals make use of books, articles and other
reading materials as well in generating awareness in terms of various aspects. Therefore, it
can be stated, when the individuals make use of various sources in generating awareness in
terms of various aspects, they are able to render a significant contribution in reinforcing self-
discipline.
Managing Psychological Problems – In one’s lives, the individuals do experience
situations, which enable them to experience the psychological problems of stress, anger,
frustration, anxiety and depression. These problems have an effect upon the physical as well
as psychological health conditions of the individuals. Furthermore, they are regarded as major
impediments within the course of attainment of desired goals and objectives. These problems
are experienced by the individuals, belonging to various age groups, categories and
backgrounds. But they need to generate awareness in terms of measures and approaches,
which would help in curbing them and preventing them from assuming a major form. When
the individuals will generate awareness in terms of ways of managing psychological
problems, they will be able to reinforce self-discipline. The methods and the procedures that
are necessary in managing psychological problems needs to be put into operation in a
methodical and systematic manner. Therefore, it is comprehensively understood that when the
individuals will contribute efficiently in the management of psychological problems, they
will be able to promote good health and well-being as well as reinforce self-discipline.
Implementing Ways to Maintain Good Health – Maintaining good health is regarded
as one of the indispensable measures to reinforcing self-discipline as well as in enriching
one’s overall quality of lives. When the individuals possess good health, only then they will
be able to contribute effectively in enriching one’s lives. Good health will facilitate
participation in all tasks and activities. The ways that need to be implemented in maintaining
good health are, getting engaged in exercise and physical activities, diet and nutrition,
positive thinking, obtaining medical check-ups on regular basis, forming amiable terms and
relationships with others within as well as outside the homes, maintaining cleanliness, and so
forth. When the individuals are well-aware in terms of ways to maintain good health, they
will render a significant contribution in reinforcing self-discipline. Therefore, it can be stated,
implementing ways to maintain good health is regarded as one of the crucial measures of
reinforcing self-discipline.
Forming Pleasant and Amiable Terms and Relationships with Others – From the stage
of early childhood, the individuals are taught that they need to enhance their socialization
skills and form pleasant and amiable terms and relationships with others. Within as well as
outside the homes, the individuals need to ensure that they communicate and deal with others
in an effective manner and form pleasant and amiable terms and relationships with them.
When the individuals are polite and friendly in nature and in dealing with others, they are
able to acquire appreciation, augment their social circle and reinforce self-discipline. When
the individuals experience any unpleasant situations, which may aggravate them, in such
cases, they need to learn to exercise control on the feelings of anger and frustration.
Therefore, it can be stated, forming pleasant and amiable terms and relationships with others
is regarded as one of the vital measures of reinforcing self-discipline.
Acquiring Empowerment Opportunities – In India, primarily in rural communities,
and among the deprived, marginalized and economically weaker sections of the society, there
have been cases of women, who have experienced discriminatory treatment. This is regarded
as one of the major impediments within the course of their empowerment. When the
individuals will experience problems within the course of acquisition of empowerment
opportunities, they will experience barriers in reinforcing self-discipline. Hence, acquisition
of empowerment opportunities are regarded to be of utmost significance in reinforcing self-
discipline. The empowerment opportunities are referred to the opportunities that are provided
to the individuals, so they are able to bring about improvements in their overall quality of
lives. These include, making own decisions, acquiring good quality education, participating
in social, cultural, religious, economic and political activities, getting engaged in employment
opportunities and so forth. Therefore, when the individuals will acquire empowerment
opportunities, they will be able to reinforce self-discipline as well as bring about
improvements in their living conditions.
Differentiating between Appropriate and Inappropriate – In ones lives, the individuals
come across situations, which enable them to make judgements and take wise decisions.
Making of effective and suitable decisions is regarded as an integral part of the lives of the
individuals. When the individuals are making decisions, they need to differentiate between
appropriate and inappropriate. In addition, they need to conduct an analysis of the alternatives
and make selection of the most suitable one. When the individuals possess the abilities to
differentiate between appropriate and inappropriate, they will be able to render a significant
contribution in reinforcing self-discipline. Life experience is considered as vital that makes
provision of information to the individuals in implementing this measure. Apart from life
experience, the elders and superiors also impart knowledge and understanding to the
individuals regarding differentiating between appropriate and inappropriate. Therefore, it can
be stated, when the individuals will learn to differentiate between appropriate and
inappropriate, they will be able to reinforce self-discipline.
Learning to Forgive Oneself and Others – In some cases, in one’s lives, the
individuals come across situations or circumstances, which enable them to feel guilty and
they regret their behaviour, attitude and participation in such situations. Out of the feelings of
anger and frustration, they may hurt the feelings of others, and regret later on. In such cases,
they need to learn to forgive themselves. When they learn to forgive themselves, they will be
able to reinforce self-discipline. On the other hand, the individuals do experience instances,
when they are hurt and humiliated by others. Experiencing hurt and humiliation usually
arouses the feelings of anger and frustration and enables the individuals to form negative
viewpoints in terms of others. But to reinforce self-discipline, they need to learn to forgive
oneself and others. In these cases, the individuals need to make sure that guilt and anguish
should not become barriers within the course of implementation of their job duties and
responsibilities and in reinforcing self-discipline (10 Key Examples of Self-Discipline, 2019).
Therefore, it can be stated that learning to forgive oneself and others is an important measure
of reinforcing self-discipline.
Benefits of being Self-Disciplined
The concept of self-discipline is recognized by the individuals, when they aim to
bring about improvements in their overall quality of lives. The benefits of self-discipline have
proven to be efficacious and worthwhile to the individuals in their personal and professional
lives. Self-disciplined individuals are well-aware of methods and approaches to promote
well-being of themselves, their families as well as communities on the whole. When the
individuals have generated awareness and augmented their understanding in terms of benefits
of self-discipline, they need to reinforce the benefits. These are, one is able to gain self-
reliance, bring about improvements in terms and relationships with others, bring about
improvements in skills and abilities, take out time for leisure and relaxation activities,
generate the feelings of pleasure and contentment and reinforce one’s future plans and form
new goals. These have been stated as follows:
One is able to gain Self-Reliance
Self-reliance is the ability to do things and make decisions on one’s own (Soh, 2017).
When the individuals gain self-reliance, they are able to make their own decisions and put
into operation the ways and approaches to enrich one’s lives in a productive manner. They do
not have to take help and support from others. Through the concept of self-discipline, the
individuals are able to augment their understanding in terms of the concept of self-reliance.
When the individuals are young, they are guided and assisted by their parents, siblings,
grandparents, teachers, friends, etc. in making of wise decisions and in terms of ways of
bringing about improvements in their lives. But when they grow up and attain the stage of
adulthood, they are able to gain self-reliance, if they acknowledge the concept of self-
discipline. During the adulthood stage, when individuals are pursuing education or are
engaged in employment opportunities, in some cases, they are living separately from their
homes and families. In such cases, they need to be independent. They need to pursue their
career goals as well as take care of the needs and requirements of their homes as well as
family members. Hence, in order to facilitate the implementation of tasks and functions, they
need to gain self-reliance. Therefore, assisting the individuals in gaining self-reliance is
regarded as one of the important benefits of self-discipline.
Bring about Improvements in Terms and Relationships with Others
In order to enhance one’s living conditions in an effective manner and achieve desired
goals and objectives, the individuals need to form amiable and sociable terms and
relationships with others within as well as outside the homes. In some cases, when there are
occurrence of conflicting situations and disagreements, they need to make sure that they are
resolved in a peaceful manner and prevented from assuming a major form. Self-discipline is a
concept that generates awareness among individuals that with family members, friends,
instructors, fellow students, colleagues, supervisors, employers and so forth, they need to
form pleasant and sociable terms and relationships. When terms and relationships will be
improved with these individuals, one will be able to render a significant contribution in
bringing about improvements in one’s overall lives. Through implementation of self-
discipline, the individuals generate awareness in terms of the ways to bring about
improvements in terms and relationships with others. Therefore, it is one of the crucial
benefits of self-discipline that it helps in bringing about improvements in terms and
relationships with others.
Bring about Improvements in Skills and Abilities
The individuals need to bring about improvements in their skills and abilities
throughout their lives. The various types of skills, which need to be acquired are,
communication skills, analytical skills, technical skills, critical thinking skills, problem
solving skills, decision making skills, presentation skills, work ethics, personal skills and
professional skills. Achievement of personal as well as professional goals require skills and
abilities, which need to be focused upon by all individuals. Skills and abilities are the factors,
which are put into operation in the implementation of all types of tasks and activities. Some
skills are possessed by the individuals, whereas, other types of skills need to be acquired. For
example, verbal communication is a skill, which is implemented by the individuals, when
they begin to speak. Whereas, analytical skills are the skills, which need to be acquired by the
individuals. When the individuals acknowledge the concept of self-discipline, they are able to
bring about improvements in their skills and abilities. In bringing about improvements in
skills and abilities, the individuals need to be well-equipped in terms of the ways and
approaches. The strategies and approaches need to be put into practice in a methodical and
systematic manner. Therefore, it is one of the vital benefits of self-discipline that it
contributes in bringing about improvements in skills and abilities.
Take out Time for Leisure and Relaxation Activities
There is a saying that ‘all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy’. This means that
apart from work, the individuals need to get engaged in leisure and relaxation activities as
well. For these activities, they need to ensure, they form their daily schedule and devote time
for all tasks and activities. Normally, when morning hours are devoted towards the work
duties, in the evening, the individuals take out time for leisure and relaxation activities. Self-
discipline generates awareness among individuals that they need to find out which leisure and
relaxation activities are suitable for them. For example, in most cases, individuals take
pleasure in watching television shows, and listening to music. Whereas, in other cases, they
get engaged in physical activities and various types of sports as well. The other leisure and
relaxation activities that individuals get engaged in are, socializing, preparing favourite food
items, making a drawing or handicraft and so forth. These usually depend upon the interests
and needs and requirements of the individuals. The leisure and relaxation activities should be
soothing and useful to the individuals. Therefore, it can be stated, taking out time for leisure
and relaxation activities is one of the indispensable benefits of self-discipline.
Generate the feelings of Pleasure and Contentment
It is apparent that all individuals need to be aware in terms of ways of overcoming
psychological problems of anger, stress and frustration and need to feel pleasure and
contentment. Even when they experience unfavourable and unpleasant situations, they need
to learn to cope up with all the detrimental effects that are associated with them. The concept
of self-discipline imparts understanding among the individuals that they need to focus upon
the generation of the feelings of pleasure and contentment. There are number of sources,
which generates the feelings of pleasure and contentment among individuals. These are,
getting engaged in various types of leisure and recreational activities, watching movies,
playing indoor games, listening to music, socializing with others, getting engaged in physical
activities, going for an outing and so forth (Trimble, 2018). These feelings will prove to be
beneficial to the individuals in forming cordial terms and relationships with others, in
achievement of personal and professional goals, promoting good health and well-being and in
enriching their overall quality of lives. Hence, one needs to focus upon enhancing these
feelings throughout their lives. Therefore, an important benefit of self-discipline is, it renders
a significant contribution and generates awareness among individuals in terms of feelings of
pleasure and contentment.
Reinforce one’s Future Plans and form new Goals
Within the lives of all the individuals, it is necessary that they need to be well-aware
in terms of the fact that changes are crucial and one needs to introduce them in their lives on
a regular basis. Reinforcing one’s future plans and forming new goals is one of the important
benefits of being self-disciplined. Throughout the lives of the individuals, they form goals
and objectives. When they have completed one goal, they need to form new goals. For
example, acquiring good quality education is one of the indispensable goals of all individuals.
Upon completion of their education, they aspire to obtain well-paid employment
opportunities, so they are able to sustain their living conditions in a well-organized and
satisfactory manner. When the individuals are self-disciplined, they are able to render a
significant contribution in reinforcing one’s future plans and forming new goals. When the
individuals are forming new goals, they need to ensure, they possess the competencies and
aptitude of achieving them in a manageable manner. Therefore, it can be stated, reinforcing
one’s future plans and forming new goals is one of the important benefits of being self-
disciplined.
Conclusion
Self-discipline is referred to the ability to do, what one aspires to do. In other words, it
is recognizing one’s job duties and responsibilities. In augmenting self-discipline, the
individuals need to take into consideration various factors. These are recognizing one’s job
duties and responsibilities, possessing the abilities to work under stress, generating
information regarding performance of job duties, recognizing weaknesses and implementing
ways to overcome them. The measures to reinforce self-discipline are, forming daily routine
activities in a systematic manner, recognizing job duties and responsibilities, creating a
balance between personal and professional life, generating awareness in terms of various
aspects, managing psychological problems, implementing ways to maintain good health,
forming pleasant and amiable terms and relationships with others, acquiring empowerment
opportunities, differentiating between appropriate and inappropriate and learning to forgive
oneself and others. The benefits of being self-disciplined are, one is able to gain self-reliance,
bring about improvements in terms and relationships with others, bring about improvements
in skills and abilities, take out time for leisure and relaxation activities, generate the feelings
of pleasure and contentment and reinforce one’s future plans and form new goals. Finally, it
can be stated, implementing self-discipline will contribute effectually in enriching the lives of
the individuals.
Bibliography
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Sasson, R. (2020). Self-Discipline Benefits and Importance. Retrieved July 19, 2020 from
successconsciousness.com
Soh, R. (2017). 10 Benefits of Self-Discipline. Retrieved July 18, 2020 from seekfive.org
Trimble, H. (2018). 4 Differences between Pleasure and Contentment. Retrieved July 19,
2020 from theodysseyonline.com