 experiences that impact our adult lives and then help us connect. Your dad sounds like my mom. I like that phrase, “ears turned off” because that’s exactly how it feels to me when I’m focused.
Well, that’s strange. I wonder why you couldn’t comment. I’m happy to hear you did some reflection and figured out what’s best for you. I think that’s something else we don’t learn. I agree about teaching children some form of discipline. It might not be how I’ve describe it here, but I think it’s a valuable lesson that shows you how to complete a task.
Self-discipline is something that I definitely need to work on. When I get into the flow, I’m fine. It’s what happens when that flow is disrupted and I attempt to find my way back. Thank you for sharing this! It was a good reminder of how I need to jump back on it and make the decision to have more self-discipline practices in my life.
You’re welcome and thanks for reading. I agree that it’s the disruption that we all have issue with. A lot of times “disruptions” are things that we feel obligated to participate in, or that others have deemed more important than what we’re doing at the time.
Hahahaha, so recognizable again…I have a terrible handwriting (hallelujah for the invention of computers), so yep…hours and hours of re-writing too. I am an, as they call it, average learner, so took loads of discipline to keep on studying to grasp what I was learning..while listening my friends play outside, or later on had to cancel appointments to go out and dance. Like you, I now can focus when needed…only difference, I need some sound (music preferably ) on the background. Now I think of it, maybe as an substitute for the noises of friends back then? Hmm..
Exactly twin 😉 We’ve carried this habit into adulthood.
I think I achieved discipline through the fear of failure, which is probably not the best way to acquire that characteristic, but in the end, it made me a more responsible, organized and productive person. I am in awe of your dedication to writing by the way. Also your mother’s quote I have a feeling will be stuck in my head on future rough drafts.
I’m pretty disciplined too. Yoga has helped me tremendously over the years with this. I’ve also stopped multitasking and learned to focus my mind on one task at a time.
Thanks for adding that Reena. Yoga is a great way to learn discipline of one’s self and one’s thoughts.
Hmm…discipline; a very important word. Without nothing much can be achieved.
“In 1983, children simply sat there and seethed with anger and did what they were told.” — I have tried to explain this to my daughter when she asks what I would do in her shoes (me: “I would have just done what my parents said”), and she just cannot fathom/comprehend it.
Listen. They don’t know the struggle Akilah lol Sitting there saying all kinds of stuff IN YOUR HEAD. And you better not look like you wanted to say something back lol I parent the total opposite because of this, and yeah…I get lots of shared thoughts, instead of just doing what I asked.
Same. Same same same same same. And sometimes I regret that decision because JUST DO WHAT I SAY ALREADY.
My eyes teared up with this read, Doc. Our mothers, aha. How they hurt our feelings the worst, yet implore us with the finest rules of life that gird us for our purposes. #discipline. I have to get back to it. Thank you the write, for the reminder, for the love.
Oh Kathy this is inspirational. Your mom sounds like quite a powerhouse. 💜💜 I love how you see this as a lesson that supported you in your life. So so touching! Thank you for sharing your heart and the blessing of your mom.
Thank you Debbie! She was a very inspirational person, herself. Having compassion and caring is something I value, so I think that’s a great thing, especially the part about whether you know them or not. Hugs to you because I know how trauma can replay itself around annual times of remembrance.
Discipline is such an important lesson. Discipline and perseverance. We have to instill both values as much as possible in the lives we touch along the way.
Perseverance (took me three tries to spell this right) is definitely another thing I highly value. To stick with something is a great trait.
We’re the same age and seemed to be raised by very similar women. I’m not sure if I would say that I’m disciplined. Rather, I know what needs to be done, how it needs to be done, and I do it. My strength seems to be more in prioritizing.
Prioritizing is quite important too; otherwise, the IMPORTANT things don’t get done.
I think you’re right. Discipline is a key to a worthy life. Unfortunately. some people who are disciplined are also uncaring and worse. But that’s the way of the world.
Well, yeah lol there’s that part. Some are disciplined to do harm in some way.
SCREAM. First of all, I cannot take my eyes off that red typewriter!!!! I LOOOOOVE IT!😍 Red is my favorite color and after some seeking and searching, I found a red laptop! I had no idea if it existed or even how much it would cost. Then, when I least expected it, I found it. Patience, my dear Watson. Patience. Lol Now I’m on a mission for a red typewriter!!!!!!😄 Ok. Ok. I digress.
When I decided to go to grad school, I had to figure out which was the best way for me to complete assignments and work full time. I was overwhelmed. Nonetheless, I pushed forward. I came up with a timeline. I went to my employer, asked to work a set shift. They agreed. So, I worked until 4pm, and grad school twice a week in the evening. The other days were studying time. Fast forward a couple of years, December 1, 2003 to be exact, I had completed my thesis and ready for graduation. I went to work, passed out Christmas gifts to my coworkers with a permanent smile all day. However, that smile quickly turned upside down when I returned home to find my apartment broken into. Not money, furniture or jewelry. Just what was easy to walk out without suspicion, my laptop, bag and accessories. I was devastated! What was I going to do?! Family was hounding me to move and all I could think of was my thesis. After days of throwing up and crying, I pulled myself together and pushed forward. For the next five months, I went to work, the library, sleep and repeat. Saturdays I was at the library from open to close, sleep and repeat Sunday. I did not answer my phone, I did not answer my cell phone and messages only at work. I didn’t spend the holidays with my family or friends. I was pushing forward. And I recreated my thesis with a very, very rough draft my professor had kept and all my thoughts stored in my head!
Ha! You, me, and RED! I have a red cover for my laptop.
Sheesh! And look at you now!!! That’s a very inspiring story girl! I agree about the timeline and determination. Some people set out to do stuff with no end in sight. Timelines are imperative.
Thanks for this! I was just lamenting that discipline is NOT my strong suit and I have no idea how grad school is going to look. You reminded me that my Ph.D. in Stubbornness and Determination will see me through!
Oh dear. You’ll develop some sense of discipline in grad school for sure.
Our generation in Guyana was schooled in discipline – at home, at school, and at church – with lashes when needed. My seven years of discipline in a RC convent finished the job to overflowing. Over the years, I have had to learn to be gentler with myself and others. But discipline, however learned, arms us with purpose and focus to achieve whatever we put our minds to.
Eek! The lashes I could do without. I suppose people can go overboard with trying to instill a value.
I really related to what you wrote in regards to retyping that assignment so it would present better. I hated liquid paper, too! But I am a consummate perfectionist and sometimes I put far too much pressure on myself because of that.
I am very impressed about your discipline. It is so easy to get distracted and I liked hearing how you avoid that happening. Kudos to you!
I think I could do more if I wrote lists of goals and deadlines. My biggest distraction are my three children. Even though they are older – I find there’s never a dull moment connecting to their lives. Of course, it is my greatest pleasure, too!
Also my Dad and the Army taught me professionalism. Many times in this life we must do things we either don’t like or want to do. How to work with people we don’t like or those boring tasks that need to be done. We all have tasks, duties and obligations in our lives. Follow-through. Your Word is your bond.
My two Discipline Super Powers were my Dad