Perhaps this is an end to some of the means listed in the original 8, but I find (great) parenting requires an immense amount of self-discipline. The ability to be present and mindful of your children — their needs, wants, rants, raves — so that you can respond in a nurturing way is the epitome of self-discipline. For me anyway…
I absolutely love how this list begins and ends. The perfect bookends! I started my minimalist adventure about a month ago, and can honestly say that it’s getting easier as I go. I’ve lost all desire to shop and browse. It’s startling how that works – I certainly didn’t expect it to be the case. In fact, I haven’t spent a dime in six days, and not even because I’m attempting a personal challenge -I just don’t need anything. Makes me wonder what I “needed” before.
A great list. I’m sure many of us can relate to it.
The stop smoking can be done. I know ,as I quit after smoking for 30 years. Do some mental and spiritual preparation as well as the physical preparation. You can do it!
Interesting discussion, I must say. I’m sticking with my original position, but I also just realized that – for me – there is actually a place for self-discipline, even if I thoroughly enjoy whatever I’m working on and I have plenty of momentum to keep going:
I need the discipline to stick with a project and not get sidetracked by a new idea. That’s something I’ve been struggling with for a long time.
In a situation where I can work on two projects that interest me equally, a “reason why” might not help in deciding to stick with the one I’m already working on, because this reason may be the same for both projects or at least comparable. But any new ideas usually look bright and shiny, especially when compared to a project where you’re down in the nitty gritty. It takes discipline to hunker down and follow through.
But maybe it all comes down to your personal definition of discipline. Probably anything one attempts will eventually hit some bumps (anything worthwhile does) and you need the mental strength to push through or over those bumps. And that mental strength is discipline, motivation or whatever you like to call it.
I’ve written about this topic before as well. However, unlike Leo I’ve fallen more toward the end of the spectrum that thinks self-discipline is important. I think Jeffrey really summed up my take on the subject pretty well in his comment. Everybody starts a personal project with motivation and excitement. That motivation will only last so long before what was new and exciting becomes the old and familiar. No matter how much I love writing, pushing through the difficult part in my novel where I have no idea what the characters should do next requires self-discipline. Getting through mile 17 of a marathon requires self-discipline. Sure, it’s much easier to have self-discipline when your motivation is strong but I think it’s false to say that self-discipline has no role in a well lived life (I don’t think anyone actually said that, but I’m just paraphrasing at this point).
I think Everett makes a good point about the negative connotation that the word “discipline” gets. I have fairly successfully rewired my brain to think of discipline as an overwhelmingly positive thing. When you have self discipline anything is possible, even if your motivation falters for awhile. Having that self-discipline will get you through that “dip” until you are able to find or refocus your motivation again.
We’ve been raised in a word with the doctrine that improving your life standard is adding more stuff to your closet. I think that for most people minimalism almost seems counter intuitive. It’s only after breaking that doctrine that self discipline becomes motivation.
its very true. nice and simple list.
9. being a (great) parent
Perhaps this is an end to some of the means listed in the original 8, but I find (great) parenting requires an immense amount of self-discipline. The ability to be present and mindful of your children — their needs, wants, rants, raves — so that you can respond in a nurturing way is the epitome of self-discipline. For me anyway…
When it comes to raising kids, you can’t go back.
I absolutely love how this list begins and ends. The perfect bookends! I started my minimalist adventure about a month ago, and can honestly say that it’s getting easier as I go. I’ve lost all desire to shop and browse. It’s startling how that works – I certainly didn’t expect it to be the case. In fact, I haven’t spent a dime in six days, and not even because I’m attempting a personal challenge -I just don’t need anything. Makes me wonder what I “needed” before.
If you take an accurate assessment of your belongings, you’d realize you may already have what you need.
You can go without many things without jeopardizing your well-being.
Every time you purchase, you throw away a piece of your future.
A great list. I’m sure many of us can relate to it.
The stop smoking can be done. I know ,as I quit after smoking for 30 years. Do some mental and spiritual preparation as well as the physical preparation. You can do it!
Interesting discussion, I must say. I’m sticking with my original position, but I also just realized that – for me – there is actually a place for self-discipline, even if I thoroughly enjoy whatever I’m working on and I have plenty of momentum to keep going:
I need the discipline to stick with a project and not get sidetracked by a new idea. That’s something I’ve been struggling with for a long time.
In a situation where I can work on two projects that interest me equally, a “reason why” might not help in deciding to stick with the one I’m already working on, because this reason may be the same for both projects or at least comparable. But any new ideas usually look bright and shiny, especially when compared to a project where you’re down in the nitty gritty. It takes discipline to hunker down and follow through.
But maybe it all comes down to your personal definition of discipline. Probably anything one attempts will eventually hit some bumps (anything worthwhile does) and you need the mental strength to push through or over those bumps. And that mental strength is discipline, motivation or whatever you like to call it.
If it’s a personal project, without a deadline, it’s okay to put it away until your inspired once again.
Enforcing discipline, when it is not really needed, may not have the best results.
Well, at least I don’t have to stop smoking. *sigh*
I’ve written about this topic before as well. However, unlike Leo I’ve fallen more toward the end of the spectrum that thinks self-discipline is important. I think Jeffrey really summed up my take on the subject pretty well in his comment. Everybody starts a personal project with motivation and excitement. That motivation will only last so long before what was new and exciting becomes the old and familiar. No matter how much I love writing, pushing through the difficult part in my novel where I have no idea what the characters should do next requires self-discipline. Getting through mile 17 of a marathon requires self-discipline. Sure, it’s much easier to have self-discipline when your motivation is strong but I think it’s false to say that self-discipline has no role in a well lived life (I don’t think anyone actually said that, but I’m just paraphrasing at this point).
I think Everett makes a good point about the negative connotation that the word “discipline” gets. I have fairly successfully rewired my brain to think of discipline as an overwhelmingly positive thing. When you have self discipline anything is possible, even if your motivation falters for awhile. Having that self-discipline will get you through that “dip” until you are able to find or refocus your motivation again.
Great conversation here. Glad I stopped by.
It takes a lot of discipline to raise a family by yourself with one small income and never accumulate debt.
Motivation is the why – as someone mentioned above. Self-discipline is continually honoring the “why” as it waxes and wanes.
“Why” is subjective.
We’ve been raised in a word with the doctrine that improving your life standard is adding more stuff to your closet. I think that for most people minimalism almost seems counter intuitive. It’s only after breaking that doctrine that self discipline becomes motivation.
It also requires discipline to maintain a job and become wealthy.