Apply your heart to discipline and your ears to words of knowledge. Proverbs 23:12, TLV
6 Tips for Gaining Self-Discipline. It’s interesting that the Tree of Life Version (TLV) scholars used the word, “apply.” What does it mean to apply ourselves? Initially I thought it meant we have a task before us, and we work hard to accomplish it. However it appears it’s more than that.
To apply ourselves is to work until we master something — and that may mean always searching for better ways to master it—to improve our method. This can mean a theoretical approach, but I believe the intent of today’s proverb means that we practically master it. The old “getting our hands dirty” method.
Discipline as it pertains to children is generally about following
rules and an ethical code of behavior. If the rules aren’t followed, then some type of discipline is issued. The idea being we train little pre-adults to be able to function as law-abiding citizens — individuals able to control impulses and conduct.
As adults, we think of discipline as someone who is consistent, organized, perseverant. Someone who sees something through to completion. A person who does what they say they’re going to do. The fruit of discipline is dependability.
We grown-ups need to apply ourselves to discipline as much as children. Alas, we weren’t born disciplined. Just as we teach our children, we must make up for missing lessons from our childhood. Or, maybe, we simply need reminders.
5 Tips for Gaining Self-Discipline
I found a great article in Forbes on the 5 ways for gaining self-discipline.* They are surprisingly simple for young and old. I’ve adapted their suggestions for us as followers of Jesus:
- Remove temptations. We have talked about recognizing the snares and thorns of temptation before we’re pricked. Knowing our weaknesses makes removing temptations much easier.
- Eat healthily and regularly. It has been scientifically proven that poor dietary habits can befuddle our brains and actually drain our energy.
- Don’t wait for it to “feel right.” Motivation and enthusiasm are good emotions. Just know that during a task, these emotions tend to fade. As the Nike ad says: Just Do It.
- Schedule breaks, treat/reward ourselves when hitting milestones. Overworking can cause more problems than the delays for rest. Factor in these times. It keeps us in a place of gratitude, with an appreciation for the journey as much as the destination.
- Forgive ourselves for failures and move forward. I would also add analyzing the failure to learn more about ourselves and/or our venture. If we begin to see a pattern, then it’s time to seek the LORD as to why.
A 6th Tip?
Perhaps there are 6 Tips. I would edit Tip #1 to Seek the LORD. Be sure this undertaking is something He wants us to do. It helps to know if He asks us to do it, He’ll show us how. No matter how insurmountable the task appears.
I find that I am disciplined in some areas, and others not so much. When I think of my life as a journey rather than a series of random projects, I can treat failures as part of my training. And, I know that our Father holds out His hand to guide us through.
May we apply ourselves to discipline, my friends.
Think More About It
Do you have other tips that help you? Please share.
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GOD BLESS YOU, and please continue to pray for Israel’s peace!
