In a world where instant gratification often takes precedence over long-term success, discipline emerges as the cornerstone of achievement in various aspects of life, from academics and careers to relationships and personal growth. But you may be wondering how to practice self discipline! At National Karate Schools, we believe that martial arts and discipline go hand in hand. Whether you’re a youth or adult, we offer a unique avenue to develop self-discipline, fostering skills that extend far beyond the dojo.
Understanding Discipline
When learning how to practice self discipline, it’s important to understand what it means. Discipline, at its core, is the ability to exercise self-control and adhere to specific rules or ordered conduct. There are two main types of discipline: external discipline, which comes from external rules and authority figures, and internal or self-discipline, which arises from within the individual through willpower and control over impulses.
When I teach a children’s martial arts class, I illustrate the difference between self-discipline and external discipline this way. I ask this question; “If you don’t feel like cleaning up your toys but your mom makes you do it anyway, is that self-discipline?” Children see the obvious answer and yell, NO! I joke with the kids and say, “You are correct, that’s not self-discipline, that’s what I call ‘mommy-discipline’ because your mom is making you do it.” To drive home the point I add, “If you look at the mess you’ve made with your toys and clean it up on your own… Now that is self-discipline!” They get it, and the parents long for the day for that to happen. However, just because it’s a concept that even children can understand doesn’t mean it comes naturally or easy. Everyone can struggle with being internally motivated.
If we don’t develop consistent self-discipline to have power over our will and impulses, then we will need “Mommy-Discipline” our whole lives. The name of the mommy will change its name to teachers, coaches, employers, or government. But regardless of the name, it’s still the same principle; a person needing external discipline to get anything done. The problem is, most coaches, and employers aren’t really excited about having someone on their team that needs “Mommy-discipline”, so it hinders success in a big way. So, we want to help people both young and old develop self-discipline so they can achieve their true potential.
The Power of Self-Discipline
Studies reveal that individuals with strong self-discipline exhibit heightened willpower, time management skills, higher productivity, and overall better health through good habits. At the National Karate Schools, we aim to empower both youth and adults to cultivate self-discipline, unlocking their true potential in various aspects of life.
The Process of Cultivating Self-Discipline
- Creating a Clear Vision
Without a vision, dreams perish. Creating a clear vision of where you want to be and create a behavior plan to manage your will power and impulses that lead you to your desired vision of who you want to be or what you want to accomplish.
- Goal Setting
Goal setting is the process of taking active steps to achieve your desired outcome. Maybe your dream is to become a teacher or a musician. Each of these dreams involves setting and reaching small goals in pursuit of the ultimate goal. In martial arts, the journey toward a Black Belt serves as an excellent example of goal setting. Breaking down the process into smaller, achievable steps by achieving colored belts on the way to Black Belt fosters a sense of accomplishment and encourages individuals to persist in their pursuit of success.
- Accountability
Having a support system is crucial for cultivating self-discipline. Whether it’s parents, teachers, friends, or life coaches, having someone who cares about your progress and holds you accountable can make a significant difference. In karate class, the relationships you make with your classmates and instructors provide an excellent support system that helps keep you focused.
- Daily Routines
Prioritizing activities that align with your goals is key. For martial artists, this means making training sessions a priority and saying no to distractions. Similarly, individuals pursuing fitness goals must prioritize daily exercise and make choices that align with their objectives.
- Mindfulness
Regular meditation, prayer or self-reflection sessions can help regulate thoughts and emotions, providing a reflective space to assess personal growth and alignment with one’s desired values.
- Positive Outlook
Eliminating negative self-talk and maintaining an optimistic mindset are essential components of self-discipline. Successful individuals focus on positive thoughts and navigate challenges with resilience. Conversely, thinking negatively is like a burden on our back that saps our energy and keeps us from achieving our goals.
- Facing Fears
It is a human defense mechanism to run from the things that make us afraid. For some, this can be simply procrastinating on a task that seems difficult. For others, it can mean giving up on their goals altogether. Successful people muster the self-discipline to face their fears and push ahead even if the task seems daunting. Stepping out of our comfort zone is how we grow.
- Rewards
Build in rewards for incremental accomplishments toward the major goal. Former Vikings football coach, Dennis Green, would treat himself to a day of fishing the day after a team win. In the martial arts, students are rewarded with a new belt when they take a step closer to their ultimate goal of getting a Black Belt. The belt is a symbol of their achievement and provides a sense of accomplishment and motivates them to do it again in achieving their next goal.
Conclusion
At National Karate Schools, we recognize the transformative power of martial arts and discipline in youth and adults alike. By integrating these principles into our training programs, we aim to equip individuals with the tools needed to navigate life’s challenges, achieve their goals, and unlock their true potential. Once the secrets of self-discipline are mastered, they carry over to other areas of life like academics, careers and relationships. If you’ve been trying to learn how to practice self discipline, discover the lifelong benefits of self-discipline through our youth martial arts and adult karate programs. Join us on the journey to success and personal growth today!
Martial Arts Student being Promoted to Black Belt!
