Srinivas Column : Self-discipline is vital for success in life

Many people have amazing talents, but they fail to achieve their goals. Innate talents and intelligence are not enough to climb life ladder. To achieve personal and professional success, they also need self-discipline and it is an important trait to be successful at workplace. Everyday we deal with distractions, struggle to focus on work, and endeavour to perform flawless but not to procrastinate. Self-discipline is all about gaining a productive mindset, even when there are huge by distractions. It implies the ability to regulate one’s emotions and actions, to work hard at something, to persevere, and not give up despite mistakes, and failures.

Self-discipline positively impacts a person’s performance. Personal and professional success cannot be achieved without self-discipline and it is learned behaviour. Having self-discipline helps people to overcome lethargy and procrastination and prevents them from taking things for granted. Theodore, Roosevelt once said, ‘With self-discipline, almost anything is possible.’ Self-discipline is, indeed, regarded as one of the keys to success. Many people attribute self-discipline as having determination and fortitude A self-disciplined person is more punctual than other people, possesses the habit of persistence, and is more likely to take control for his or her life. Such a person can set goals and take right steps to achieve them. Developing self-discipline often involves controlling impulses and emotions. Self-discipline is an ability to resist one’s desires, regulate emotions, control thoughts and adjust their behaviour according to their long-term goals. Achieving self-discipline is important order to lead a healthy personal and professional life. Research studies say that numerous factors contribute to the personal and professional success, but success would be impossible without self-discipline. Several studies have revealed that there is a positive correlation between self-discipline and success.

One of the most popular studies titled ‘The strength model of self-control’, by three eminent professors from Florida State University and University of Minnesota, was published in 2007. The study concluded that ‘Self-control is a central function of the self and an important key to success in life’.

Self-discipline is the bridge between goals defined and goals achieve.  It is the single most important attribute to achieve personal excellence in chosen line of field. Self-discipline allows people to overcome challenges and gives the ability to focus on goal and achieving it within the stipulated time. A self-disciplined person makes optimum use of the time. It is a trait that produces sustainable success over time. Self-discipline is indispensable because it gives the opportunity to excel in personal and professional life.Self-discipline directly or indirectly affects certain aspects of human life such as daily routines, academic achievement, career development, financial independence, health behaviour, addictions etc.

It helps establish vivid work routine and holds accountable to pursue goals. Human beings come to the world with both impulses and skills that can be resisted. Self-discipline is an inner power that distinguishes humans from other creatures. It is the capacity that serves human adaptation.

Self-discipline is the main component that contributes directly or indirectly to well-being. Renowned counselling psychologist and life coach Saras Bhaskar says, ‘Self-discipline is about training and controlling one’s conduct, usually for personal growth and self-development. It appears in various forms such as endurance, perseverance, and restraint.’

Self-discipline is the ability to make the decisions, take actions, and execute game plan regardless of the obstacles, discomfort, or difficulties. Self-disciplined does not mean living a limiting or a restrictive lifestyle.It enables how to focus the mind and energies on goals and persevere until they are accomplished. Self-discipline allows to reach goals in a reasonable time frame and to live a more orderly and satisfying life.

Self-discipline helps overcome the bad habits and gives the ability not to give up after failure. It infuses professionals positive habits that contribute to successful career.Regardless of job or industry, people need self-discipline to carry out daily tasks efficiently. Practicing self-discipline is vital to accomplish goals and continue move forward in career.

Self-discipline allows visualising professional goals and action plans to accomplish them. At workplace, obviously, team leaders shall notice commitment, sincerity and performance of employees.  

This will eventually lead to promote or assign more important projects. Self-discipline is something difficult to achieve, since it really requires one to battle with one’s own self in making the right choice.

(The writer is Assistant Professor  Department of Commerce 
PB Siddhartha College of Arts & Science, Vijayawada)