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SELF-DISCIPLINE
Ruth D. May-os
Self-discipline Definition
In the 1690s, self-discipline was defined as the ability to guide, retrain, and control
oneself. Despite the significant changes that happened during the past centuries, the
meaning of self-disciple remained the same. Self-discipline is currently defined as the
ability to regulate and correct oneself for self-improvement (University of the People,
2022; Collins Dictionary, n.d.; &, Merriam Webster Dictionary, n.d.). It is the ability of
someone to manage and push him/herself to behave and act in a particular manner
without being directed or pushed by other individuals (Collins Dictionary, n.d.; &,
Longman, 2022). Similarly, Cambridge Dictionary (n.d.) defined it as the capability to
motivate or let oneself complete tasks and do responsibilities even if he/she does not
have the desire to do it. It is the ability to control responses to certain stimuli towards
achieving higher goals. An ability that is not developed in one click but is developed
through "conscious effort" (Duckworth & Seligman, 2006, p. 199). Thus, Zimmerman and
Kitsantas (2014) are right when they described self-discipline as a "conscious control" of
one's actions and behavior, including surpassing challenges, hindrances, and
obstructions, towards successful outputs. It is, as well, the ability to break or balance
holistic health issues to obtain the best holistic health that someone could have (Adventist
HealthCare, 2022).
Remez Sasson (2022) classified this as one of the crucial elements of success. It
is an invaluable skill that everyone must learn and maintain throughout their life. Jennifer
Cohen (2014) identified self-discipline as the number one characteristic to achieve a
mission or a goal, which includes managing a healthy lifestyle. It is one of the three self-
control skills that include perseverance and conscientiousness (Moffit, Poulton, & Caspi,
2022). Self-discipline exists when someone can neglect, reconsider, or consider his/her
conscience’ desire in a wise manner (Hope, n.d.). It is when someone has the skill to
control his/her impulses, and feelings. A person who possesses this has the trait to avoid
unhealthy excess or stop negative habits that could lead to negative consequences
(Sasson, 2022). Once a person has this ability, they could neglect an instant or sudden
desire in exchange for greater and more satisfying outputs, even if it requires more effort
and time to accomplish such (Sasson, 2022). This reflects the inner strength of a person
to deal with challenges and achieve goals (Sasson, 2022).
Self-discipline and Success
James Heckman's 2006 paper has predicted or hypothesized that self-control can
be a determining factor of success, may it be in improving one's health, parenting, wealth,
and preventing crime (Moffit, Poulton, & Caspi, 2022). It is a skill that could be developed
and taught. Self-disciple is identified as one of the twenty percent skills that greatly
contribute (80 percent) towards success or goal achievement (Koch, 2014). A longitudinal
study conducted to 1, 568 children found that participants with higher self-discipline obtain
greater occupational and career success during their adulthood than those with poor or
lower self-discipline (Converse et al., as cited by Lonczak, 2019). This result is the same
as the first study that Converse, Pathak, and DePaul et al. (2012) conducted to 249 full-
time employees.
Self-discipline and Learners’ Behavior and Academic Performance
A 40-year study, with 1000 children as participants, revealed that self-control has
a significant role in determining the success of children during their adulthood, despite
their differences in intelligence and economic status. This study was supposed to boost
the Intellectual quotient of the children; however, they unexpectedly traced different factor
that greatly contributes to child development. Although they failed to achieve their main
objective, which is to boost the children’s IQ, they found out that the program or study
lessened the rates of criminal behavior, teen pregnancy, school dropout, and work
absenteeism. It was not their intellectual quotient that was improved but it was their self-
control that was developed. This is similar to the longitudinal study conducted to 164
grade eight learners in which self-discipline was seen as a significant factor in various
education outcomes (Duckworth, & Seligman, 2005 as cited by Lonczak, 2019). Aside
from these, an article in Psychological Science has emphasized the role of self-disciple
to academic success. It also projected that higher self-disciple is more impactful and
powerful determinant in maintaining high academic performance than a higher IQ. This is
supported by studies in which self-disciplined learners turned out to have higher grades,
higher results in standardized achievement test scores, and often complete attendance,
and many of them were admitted to a competitive higher school than those learners that
only have high IQs.
Self-discipline and Healthy Lifestyle
A survey to 17, 000 Australians about their level of self-control projected the
direct relationship between self-control and life outcomes, as well as satisfaction and
health (Botha S., & Dahmann, F., 2021). Various studies have also found a direct
relationship between self-discipline and healthy lifestyle changes. Individuals with a
higher level of self-control are more successful in completing health lifestyle program
goals. In the study of Crescioni, Ehrlinger, & Alquist et al. (2011), they found out that
participants with higher self-control can eat and maintain a fewer-calory diet, lesser fat,
and can loss greater weight than those with lower self-control. Other than this, higher self-
regulation, which is under self-discipline, was detected to have a direct relationship to
children's BMI. A longitudinal study, conducted by Francis and Susman (2009) to 1061
children aged from 3 to 12 years and residing within ten United States sites, evaluated
that those children with higher BMI have lower self-regulation while those with BMI at the
baseline have higher self-regulatory skills. Furthermore, a three-year study conducted on
fifth graders presented that those with higher self-control have had a significant decrease
in BMI for the past three years (Duckworth, Tsukayama, & Geier, 2010). Also, a
longitudinal study conducted by Tsukayama, Toomey, & Faith et al. (2010) concluded
that children with higher self-control were less likely to be overweight at the age of 15.
This relationship is not only coming out from longitudinal studies but also from surveys on
the perceptions of people. An America Survey about Stress in 2011 showed that 27% of
the participants considered lack of willpower or self-disciple as one major obstacle to
improving or changing one's healthy lifestyle. This result is the same as the study of
Kinnunen, Suihko, and Hankonen et al. (2012) that was conducted on young male
participants.
Conclusion:
Based on the collected literature, self-disciple has a direct relationship with one’s
success; learners’ behavior and academic performance; and, healthy lifestyle.
References:
Online Etymology Dictionary.( 2022 ). Self-Discipline.
https://www.etymonline.com/word/self-
discipline#:~:text=self%2Ddiscipline%20(n.),%2B%20discipline%20(n.).
Merriam Dictionary .( 2022 ). Self-Discipline . https://www.merriam-
webster.com/dictionary/self-discipline
Longman .( 2022 ). Self-Discipline . https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/self-
discipline
Sasson, R .( 2022 ). What Is Self-Discipline – Definitions and Meaning .
https://www.successconsciousness.com/blog/inner-strength/what-is-self-discipline/
CambridgeDictionary .( 2022 ). Self-Discipline .
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/self-discipline
Botha, and Dahmann .( 2021 ). The University of Melbourne . .
https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/what-s-the-impact-of-self-control-on-our-lives
Koch, R .( 2014 ). The 80/20 View of Self-discipline . Halfpost .
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-8020-view-of-self-dis_b_5546928
Moffitt T., Poulton R, and, Caspi, A .( 2022 ). Lifelong Impact of Early Self-Control .
American Scientist . https://www.americanscientist.org/article/lifelong-impact-of-
early-self-control
Lonczak,H .( 2019 ). 40+ Benefits of Self-Control and Self-Discipline .
https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-self-control-discipline/
Collins' Dictionary .( 2022 ). Self-Discipline .
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/self-discipline
Cohen, J .( 2014 ). Five proven Methods for gaining Self-discipline . Forbes .
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jennifercohen/2014/06/18/5-proven-methods-for-
gaining-self-discipline/?sh=5b5ae7013c9f
AdventistHealthCare .( 2013 ). The Importance of Self-Discipline .
https://www.adventisthealthcare.com/living-well/the-importance-of-self-discipline/
Morin, A .( 2017 ). 6 Ways to Develop the Self-Discipline You Need to Reach Your
Goals . Inc. . https://www.inc.com/amy-morin/6-ways-to-develop-the-self-discipline-
you-need-to-reach-your-goals.html
