Practicing Discipline
Written by Kendall Bergman
Discipline has been on my mind recently…honestly, it seems as though discipline has been on my mind for at least a year. Check out the blog I posted on Rhythms and Routines last August. I continue to experiment with the rhythms and routines I wrote about then. I believe ever more deeply that discipline is central to how consistently or inconsistently I will choose to protect, exercise and practice those rhythms.
You and I both know that the notion of discipline can be…well…repulsive. Our ego often rails against doing what we know will provide life. We establish a goal, immediately fail to meet the goal and quickly progress into a spiral of shame. It’s not uncommon to follow that up with resent-filled resignation and a “you can’t make me” mindset. We regress into petulant, angry adolescents pitching a hissy fit at the slightest provocation.
Does this sound familiar? If so, continue reading.
Discipline serves us…we don’t serve it. If we can keep that in perspective, it is completely possible that our currently jaded notion of discipline can be reframed and redeemed. A year ago I wrote, “I find that when I set intention and practice discipline in unison with a flow and grace, I can hold the tension of hope and uncertainty like a hand in glove.”
You may find it interesting that I had originally intended to have this blog completed and posted 10 days ago. My rhythms and routines aren’t perfect. And my practice of discipline is just that…a practice…an exercise…a pattern. Like you, my life is full of various areas to play with practices of discipline.
I may not have posted this blog as originally intended, but after a severe ankle sprain 3 weeks ago I intentionally continued my disciplined practice of exercise…meeting with my personal trainer - as originally planned…3 times each week since.
I may not have posted this blog last week, but I have maintained my morning practice of time reading God’s word and spending time with my Creator.
I may not have posted this blog on practicing discipline a week ago this past Tuesday, but I have continued to work my business, network and recruit new clients.
The irony is not lost on me. I feel pretty confident the irony isn’t lost on you either. So…today when this blog posts, I will subsequently (and almost immediately) make 3 more posts that are “past due.” Although, maybe they are right on time.
In that blog last August I also wrote, “Living intentionally and practicing discipline are actually the rhythms that serve me well…they assist in the development of routines that provide structure to my days and weeks and allow me to flourish.” I still believe this is true…probably now more than ever. I am convinced that a practice of discipline that finds its foundation in grace…well, it’s a never-ending well of life.
Are you interested in creating rhythms and a practice…or maybe an experiment…of discipline? You don’t have to design these rhythms and routines alone. Please reach out to me at kendall@thediscoverywell.com to schedule a free discovery session today!