We’ve been led to believe that self-discipline is that one thing that can transform your life for the better. It’s like default wisdom from your parents, friends, and pretty much everybody else when asked about how to achieve success.
It sounds so logical and makes a lot of sense, but are we subscribing to a bunch of myths all this time? Not all myths seem bizarre and inconvenient. Most of them look so convenient and normal that anyone wouldn’t have any doubts following them. And the self-discipline beliefs you’ve been following might be one of them.
Surprised? Good! Because today, we will bust these self-discipline myths that have been halting your self-development:
Myth Number # 1: No Discipline = Laziness and Directionless Life
At first, this common belief makes so much sense. But just like what we’ve said earlier, myths may appear so logical, and this first myth is one of them.
Many people believe that a lack of discipline will lead to laziness. Worse, it will lead to a directionless life.
You look at self-discipline when searching for a starting point to achieve success. And it’s plain wrong. What you don’t realize is that you must start with a purpose and motivation. This leads you to the question, “What do I really want to do?”. Starting with this question ensures that your actions will lead you in the right direction.
Starting with self-discipline will give you a lot of weight to carry on your journey towards success. You’ll surely give up before your 5th step. The right way to start is to look at what lies at the end of the track – your reward. It won’t take any shortcuts to your journey, but it will make every step bearable. Each step will motivate you to take one more – no matter how hard it seems. Nothing can motivate you more than knowing the reward you can get in the end.
Just a little caution: we’re not saying that self-discipline should not be practiced at all. But it must be used correctly to realize its full potential.
Myth Number # 2: Self Discipline is the Only Route to Success
Our second myth follows the blind belief that most people follow in Myth #1. They put so much hope on what self-discipline can do.
Again, self-discipline is just one of the many things you need to have to reach your goals. It’s not the sole solution.
Indeed, achieving a goal involves a lot of setbacks and trials along the way. And the question is, how can you stay on track despite these hardships?
A clearly defined goal and objective are what can motivate you to endure all the hardships. You can advance no matter how hard the road gets. To be consistent with advancing is what will make you achieve success. And self-discipline can’t do that alone.
Myth Number # 3: Self-Discipline Prevents You from Doing What You Want
This myth is the perfect opposite of what self-discipline can really do. Self-discipline actually gives you more freedom to live the life that you want. And it starts with changing your inner settings. If you have developed a series of habits that advance your goals, you would be freed up from the burdens of resisting. These habits would become second nature that you wouldn’t have to spend a lot of physical, emotional or mental energy.
When you are already unburdened on self-discipline, then you can sail smoothly towards the things you want to achieve.
Indeed, the truth will set you free. And with these busted myths, you can now be free from your slow progress on self-development. Now is the time to take a complete turn around and start again.
It’s not too late – unless you spend another day doing the above-mentioned myths.
Also read: How to Get the Best Time Management for Businessman?
