ARE YOU DISCIPLINED?

For most people, the word "discipline" has an immediate negative
connotation. It implies something imposed from the outside,
doesn't it? It means that someone or something is controlling or
demanding, neither of which are particularly appealing. When we
do think about self-discipline, it, too, often has a negative
spin because it is seen as difficult and contributing to
failure. Can you think about it differently?

Self-discipline is nothing more than keeping your commitments to
yourself. If you say something is important and significant to
you, then take this little test:

Does that something that you SAY is important show up a
significant number of times in either your calendar, or your
checkbook, or both? If it does not, then, where is the
demonstration that it is important to you? Do you regularly do
what you say has value to you?

I'm sure you understand the picture. I believe behavior, not
words. How about you?

So, self-discipline arises from self-esteem and self-esteem is
enhanced by self-discipline. Then, it seems natural that you
take a look at your self-esteem. Do you believe that you are
worth spending the time and/or money on? Do you get the
"left-overs" of time and resources rather than filling your own
cup? It is not unusual to feel that you are being a "good"
person when you are self-sacrificing. That's because our society
often tells us this is so. Oh, good thinking! The society says
so because everyone else benefits from your self-sacrifice. In
fact, "sacrifice" itself is an interesting concept. The
dictionary says it means "the act of giving up or destroying one
thing for the sake of something else".

Do you really want to be SELF-sacrificing?