DISCIPLINE By SkyQuin

   Every new year, we find that we and a lot of other well-meaning wonderful people make what we call...New Year Resolutions, it seems like the end of an old year and the beginning of a brand new one serves as a jarring eye opener to the reality that a significant quantity and quality of time, that cannot be recovered, has suddenly elapsed and for the most part, new plans are being put in place, aimed at the maximization of the next gift of time that would be received. This crucial, destiny changing moment, is the birth place of these brand new sets of rules, guidelines and decisions collectively referred to as the New Year Resolutions.

   This tradition is very laudable and is encouraged in all parts of the world, as it is a product of deep self-reflections and earnest soul searching ventures, which should make a positive and lasting impact on any individual, giving him the much needed sense of direction for the new dispensation. It is however very sad to note that 80% of these "Resolutions" are thrown out of the window ere the New Year sees its 30th day. It seems that most people find the results of their self-searching during the holidays rather bogus and unrealistic and one begins to wonder...if the festivities induced in them a certain level of sobriety which, somehow diminishes with the dawn of each new day. When one looks closely however, it’s easy to discover that the culprit is none other than the absence of Discipline. 

  This phenomenon can be clearly described as a training which is achieved by following a set of instruction and perfected with practice. In the case above, it is easy to see that the set of instruction was already available, and that practice is obviously the missing piece of the puzzle.  It is that motivating force that compels us to do the things we have set our minds to do, irrespective of distractions.  It's an indispensable key to success as it keeps one going till the set goal is accomplished. It also means doing what one ought to do at the right time. Knowing what ought to be done and getting it done.

   This takes training, and as every training requires consistency, dedication and determination...discipline is no different.  It can be taught, but its true test is seen after the training is over, when the teacher packs up and leaves and the graduated student is left to his own devices. If that student puts to work what he has been taught, then the job is done.  It boils down to an individual's personality; this is the reason why discipline is equated to self-control. If one can exert that control over his mind and tame its wandering tendencies, then that man can be said to be disciplined. I know some such people and I know I can be like them in due time...but I'm glad to say that I'm well on my way, through that school of discipline. I have a good teacher and I don't intend to disappoint.