Understanding Discipline In A Broader Perspective

Arbaz Ahmad

Those well versed in humanities must be knowing that, In the field of humanities, many terms don’t have a precise definition. “Discipline” is one of those terms. While some people associate discipline with cleanliness and appearance, it actually has much scope to be widened as a topic of study. Discipline is about our internal qualities and values as well, and not just our external behaviour.

In this column I have tried to give various dimensions of the discipline. Hope readers find it beneficial, so that we can avail the benefit of discipline to its maximum potential.

Discipline as resistance: Discipline is resistance to negative thoughts. Discipline is like a shield that helps us push away negative thoughts and helps us stay focused on the task at hand. For example, to study for 10 hours a day, a student needs a lot of self-discipline. While performing a task a person must have distractions and thoughts to leave but self discipline can kick away the negative thoughts.

Discipline as behaviour: Discipline as behaviour means having the self-control to do things that are necessary, even when we don’t feel like it. It’s like having a plan and sticking to it, even when it’s tough.

Discipline in actions: Discipline is action means that having discipline that reflects our values and who we are as individuals. It involves right language, right non verbal gesture, right walking style, right usage of words, right answer, respect towards others, integrity, Honesty and so on.

Discipline as health: Discipline as physical health means taking consistent actions to prioritise and maintain our physical well-being. This includes regular exercise, eating nutritious foods, drinking enough water, getting enough sleep, and practicing self-care. By sticking to these habits, we can improve our overall health and feel our best physically.

Psychological discipline: Psychological/ Mental discipline is about training our mind to stay focused, motivated, and resilient. It involves practices like setting goals, managing time effectively, staying organised, and developing positive thinking patterns. Mental discipline also involves no place for negative thoughts in your mind. Pure and quality thinking is the quality of a disciplined mind.

Emotional discipline: Emotional discipline refers to the ability to manage and regulate our emotions effectively. It involves recognising and understanding our feelings, and responding to them in a balanced and constructive way. By practicing emotional discipline, we can make thoughtful decisions, maintain healthy relationships, and navigate challenging situations with resilience and composure. It is only Our emotional discipline that will compel us to leave those unnecessary thoughts that keep hurting us time and again.

Discipline as cleanliness: Discipline as cleanliness means maintaining a clean and organised environment. It involves developing habits such as regularly cleaning and tidying up our living spaces, keeping our personal hygiene in check, and taking care of our surroundings. By practicing discipline in cleanliness, we can create a more pleasant and healthy environment for ourselves and those around us.

Discipline as punctuality: Being punctual means valuing and respecting time by consistently arriving or completing tasks on time. It shows discipline and reliability. It helps build trust, enhances productivity, and fosters positive relationships. Being punctual allows us to make the most of our time and shows respect for others’ time as well.

Discipline in habits: Discipline in habits means consistently practicing and maintaining positive habits that contribute to our well-being and personal growth. It involves setting goals, creating routines, and staying committed to healthy and productive habits. By practicing discipline in our habits, we can build positive momentum, achieve our goals, and lead a more fulfilling life.

Self discipline: Another dimension of discipline is self-discipline. It involves having control over our actions, thoughts, and impulses. Self-discipline helps us stay focused, motivated, and committed to our goals, even when faced with distractions or challenges. It allows us to make conscious choices, resist temptations, and maintain a sense of balance and self-control in various aspects of our lives.

Discipline as appearance: Discipline in appearance means taking care of our physical appearance and presenting ourselves in a way that reflects our personal style and values. It involves practices such as grooming, maintaining good hygiene, and dressing appropriately for different occasions. By practicing discipline in appearance, we can boost our self-confidence, make a positive impression on others, and show respect for ourselves and those around us.

“Discipline is rarely enjoyable, but always profitable”, as this adage goes, the process of developing discipline may require effort and sacrifice, which can be challenging and sometimes uncomfortable. However, the rewards that come from being disciplined, such as achieving goals, personal growth and success, are incredibly fulfilling and sweet.

– The author can be reached at arbazbomai90@gmail.com