DYNAMITE DISCIPLINE | LIFE SKILL THAT IS AN ESSENTIAL BUILDING BLOCK TO SUCCESS
Some days, it’s tough to get out of bed. Some days it’s tough to focus on school, training, progress on that homework project or on completing chores at home.
That’s when discipline comes in.
Discipline is one of the life skills we emphasize in the ATA Leadership and Legacy programs, and is a vital component of success, whether in school, in competition, on the job or when pursuing your goals.
“Discipline is the mechanism that breeds success,” said Chief Master Tony Isaacs, 8th Degree Black Belt and ATA Hall of Famer with Integrity Martial Arts in south Florida. “For My life personally, I can honestly say discipline has been a steady force. My temperament is easygoing, slow and steady so it may seem different than those who are not, but without discipline, success would not have taken place at all.”
No matter one’s age, social status or rank, every individual is responsible for his or her own actions, whether they admit it or not. To make sure those actions are positive, discipline, especially self-discipline, should play an important role, and it works best when learned and practiced at a young age.
“Without discipline, a young martial artist will never achieve the balance needed to be a black belt, world champion or Master of future leaders,” Isaacs said.
Discipline begins with obedience- listening to our parents, instructors, positive role models, and law enforcement- the people who desire to keep us on the right path. For children, it’s as simple as brushing your teeth at night, because your parents care about your health and enforce this is as a habit.
As we get older, we rely more and more on self-discipline, when we no longer need to be told to what we are told all of the time because we’ve developed a sense of right and wrong. Soon you learn to brush your teeth on your own, without being told, because you understand it’s the right thing to do and because you respect the wishes of your parents.
Self-control is established when we are able to control our actions rather than have our emotions control us. Taking a deep breath and using positive self talk when you are frustrated about not breaking a board is a good example of self-control.
Self-awareness is the highest form of discipline. When this is achieved we are no longer just obeying our conscience or controlling our actions, but understanding our purpose and values.
We realize our every word and action has an impact on others and that we sometimes have to take on tasks that are unpleasant because those tasks help achieve a greater good.
THE 11 COMPONENTS OF DISCIPLINE
- Commitment. Commitment is when we make a decision and follow through understanding the consequences. Without commitment, we cannot have discipline and without discipline we cannot have commitment.
- Punctuality. Punctuality is being on time. Disciplined people are always on time and have the ability to use time to their advantage.
- Goals. To have a goal is to want something and be willing to work hard for it. Disciplined people are motivated by their goals.
- Focus. Focus is when we direct all of our senses and energy to something specific. People with discipline are able to maintain their focus on what is important.
- Persistence. Persistence is to continue to attempt to succeed in our goals no matter what. Disciplined people have the persistence to try again and again—a million times if necessary, until their goal is met.
- Determination. Determination is having the belief that we will somehow accomplish what we want. Disciplined people show determination when working toward their goals.
- Responsibility. Responsibility is to hold ourselves accountable for our actions and our results. People with discipline always take responsibility for what they do and are able to find the best way to respond to their circumstances.
- Courage. Courage is having the strength to face our fears. Disciplined people have the courage to face any situation and never give up.
- Fitness. Fitness is taking care of our bodies and staying in shape. Disciplined people take care of their bodies, understanding that being fit will help in various situations.
- Vision. Having vision is having the ability to see in our minds what we are working to achieve. Disciplined people are able to focus on their vision.
- Passion. Passion is an incredibly strong feeling about something. People with discipline have great passion for reaching their goals.
Written by Todd Traub. Originally published in Vol. 22 no. 4 of the ATA World Magazine.