What Is Self-Discipline – Definitions and Meaning

The term self-discipline often awakens some discomfort and resistance due to the erroneous notion that it is unpleasant and requires much effort and sacrifice.

Exercising and attaining self-discipline can be fun, does not require strenuous efforts, and has great benefits.

True self-discipline is not a punitive or restrictive lifestyle, as some think, and it has nothing to do with being narrow-minded or living like a fakir.

This skill expresses inner strength and staying power, vital for dealing with daily life affairs and achieving goals.

You have probably noticed that it is similar to the definition of self-control.

The Benefits

What are the benefits of developing discipline?

• Self discipline, together with willpower, can help you overcome laziness, procrastination and indecisiveness. These skills make it possible to take action and persevere, even if the action is unpleasant and requires effort.
• Self-discipline enables you to exercise moderation in what you do and become more patient, tolerant, understanding, and considerate.
• It also helps you withstand external pressure and influence.
• A self-disciplined person is more punctual than others and invests more time and effort in what they do.
• A self-disciplined person is more likely to take control of their life, set goals, and take concrete steps to achieve them.

Self-discipline is well portrayed in the story about the rabbit and the turtle, who conducted a race between themselves.

The rabbit knew he was faster, so he allowed himself to nap in the middle of the race.

Meanwhile, the turtle plodded along, but with willpower and self-discipline, it eventually arrived first at the finish line.

Like the turtle, with self discipline you can finish what you start doing.

In my book, Strengthen Your Willpower and Self Discipline, I have provided the necessary information, guidance and exercises for increasing both self discipline and willpower, the skills everyone requires for achieving success.

Self Discipline Definition According to Various Sources

Cambridge dictionary defines it as:
“The ability to make yourself do things you know you should do even when you do not want to.”

Merriam Webster dictionary discipline definition is:
“Correction or regulation of oneself for the sake of improvement.”

Recommended reading: Willpower and Self-Discipline: The Inner Powers that Shape Your Life.

Collins dictionary says:
“Self-discipline is the ability to control yourself and to make yourself work hard or behave in a particular way without needing anyone else to tell you what to do.”

The Etymology of this term (Merriam Webster):
Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin disciplīna “teaching, instruction, branch of study, orderly conduct based on moral training”, from discipulus “pupil, learner” + -ina, suffix denoting a place or practice.

I hope these definitions answered your question, ‘What does discipline mean?’.

Here are a few synonyms for these words:

• Continence
• Restraint
• Self-control
• Self-mastery
• willpower

Quotes about Discipline

Quotes that speak about the definition of self discipline and its benefits.

“Self-discipline begins with the mastery of your thoughts. If you don’t control what you think, you can’t control what you do. Simply, self-discipline enables you to think first and act afterward.” –Napoleon Hill

“Discipline really means our ability to get ourselves to do things when we don’t want.” – Arden Mahlberg

“Self-discipline is a form of freedom. Freedom from laziness and lethargy, freedom from the expectations and demands of others, freedom from weakness and fear and doubt.” – H.A. Dorfman

“Mental toughness is many things and rather difficult to explain. Its qualities are sacrifice and self-denial. Also, most importantly, it is combined with a perfectly disciplined will that refuses to give in.” – Vince Lombard

“The difference between great people and everyone else is that great people create their lives actively, while everyone else is created by their lives, passively waiting to see where life takes them next. The difference between the two is the difference between living fully and just existing.” – Michael E. Gerber

“It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop.” – Confucius

More self discipline quotes

Image source – DepositPhotos