"Discipline has historically been associated with punishment and religious correction. Think physical punishment, including self-flagellation. I grew up at a time when well-meaning parents dispensed discipline, thinking that's what it would take to raise virtuous children. The payoff that came with being praised for hard work at school and excelling in sports meant discipline became a core aspect of my early self-identity."
"Contemporary examples of personal discipline tap into the human capacity to regulate impulses and persist toward long-term goals. We see many influencers create vast content parading their self-discipline, whether that's adhering to a complex, three-hour morning routine, or proselytizing an extremely restrictive diet. As a result, self-discipline has taken on a moralistic, "holier-than-thou" tone, with the inference being that doing anything less means you are weak, lazy, and unworthy."
Self-discipline supports focus, impulse regulation, and persistence toward long-term goals while enabling achievement. Discipline historically carried associations with punishment and religious correction, and early social rewards can embed it into identity. Contemporary culture amplifies discipline through influencers who promote rigid routines and restrictive diets, framing discipline as moral superiority and shaming deviation. Research links self-control and delayed gratification to improved education, income, and health outcomes. Excessive emphasis on discipline risks eroding personal values and boundaries, increasing burnout, isolation, and existential despair. Experiencing discipline as autonomous motivation rather than pure willpower can reduce procrastination and support sustainable regulation.
Read at Fast Company
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