Self Discipline
Self discipline is the lacking topic in all self improvement texts.
We know how to become more intelligent; Learn. We know how to become stronger and fitter; Exercise. We know how to increase compassion; Listen. We know how to develop trust and become rich; Love. We know how to attract others; Do all the above. So with all the answers, discipline i.e. actually doing these things is the missing key ingredient between us and our goals.
Self discipline is taught by yourself, to yourself. You are the master and the student. It therefore takes time and you must be aware of it. Unlike learning, exercising, listening or loving, discipline is constant. For as long as a goal is being chased, you may never stop. It exists the moment the alarm beeps, in the food you prepare or order, in the books waiting to be read, in the seconds counting down an exercise, in your posture, speech and sex.
This omnipresence and constant struggle is why self discipline is the hardest thing to master. For as long as you don't master it, you'll be continually searching for quick fixes; new self improvement techniques, new instant gratifications, new hobbies, new passions and new goals. Everyone screws up, but don't get angry about it.
Earlier this week, I was starving having registered at the British Library and studied all day. Where I wanted to eat was busy, and the next place only accepted cash of which I did not have. I ended up in Mc Donald's, and having taken the first bite realised I had just undone all my self discipline work (of going to the Library) by eating this shitty foodstuffs. There's no point in wasting money, so I ate it but have learned that the physical needs of your body will tempt you to get the quick fix. Next time, I'll be staying hungry and walking that extra mile for a healthy meal.
Self discipline takes time. It is achieved one small chunk at a time. Every time you say no to a quick gander on Facebook whilst working, saying no to distractions and eventually not even acknowledging them. There's a lot of saying 'yes' too. Yes to a run, yes to learning something new, yes to a new experience, yes to a 'catch-up' coffee, yes to love and yes to life!
Indeed, the term self discipline sounds boring, dull to bear and brings imagery of an academic, hunched over a stack of incomprehensible texts. Nah, nope, nada. Who says you can't discipline yourself to be more creative? To be more spontaneous? To draw, sketch, photograph, strip, jump, dance, laugh, eat, produce and shag when you want it? If they are not in conflict with any goals, and are not a lie to yourself in that you have work to finish then it's great!
This year, 2010 my new year resolution was simply to do more ART. Bought a camera, have started using photos in my work (which received a great reception), and have covered one of my walls in blank paper on which I'm drawing a massive sketch of London. I've started a small blog to learn how to write; the rhythm of sentences, humor and developing emotion in the reader. Using Spotify I'm constantly listening to new artists (often foreign) and reading what actually interests me. Do these things sound like what self discipline normally conveys?
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I'm currently finishing off a list of goals, and I'm taking my time with them, instead of rushing in and giving up. 
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