Lead a discipined life
Discipline is quite underestimated, but developing this muscle can have a far-reaching impact on our lives
My late grandmother loved coming to our home as we always followed discipline in everything we did, perhaps influenced by my husband who was in the defence forces. “I know exactly what to look for in which cupboard and the kind of routine the children follow”, she often told others in our family, making us, especially my husband, a role model to various others. She lamented the fact that nowadays people don’t even follow a time for sleeping and getting up.
Personally, I attribute my becoming disciplined after marrying my husband, a defence officer. Earlier, I was quite erratic in choosing what to do when and what to keep where. This resulted in me losing many opportunities just due to my carelessness. I realised how detrimental it had been so I ensured my children understood the importance of discipline and having a clear structure in one’s life.
What is discipline?
Most of us fail to realise the importance of discipline. This is probably because our role models are not very disciplined. We do many things but unless we form a clear pattern and routine, we may be unsuccessful in most, if not all things. For instance, “I just did not have time” is something that is becoming a common refrain with everyone, from small children to adults. How is it then that most successful people make time for everything in their life, no matter how demanding it is? It is because of maintain a clear pattern of life with discipline in all areas.
I remember listening to the famous singer, Asha Bhosale on her secrets of success. She said she does her morning riyaaz (practise of classical music) regardless of what other commitments she may have. “This is why I still know if I slip in any note inadvertently”, she says. “I am blessed with musical talent but I cannot ignore it or take it lightly for it to stay”, she concludes. Famous athletes never compromise on their fitness routine despite their challenges. They know they need to do it to remain in the top league for as long as possible. This is the power of discipline and a disciplined lifestyle. All successful people, especially those who remain successful for a long time, lead a highly disciplined life. Not only famous people but as common people such as a watchman or a house help can never stay in demand if not for discipline. In fact, I remember how disciplined the maids in Mumbai, where I lived earlier, were. They came right on time and completed all their responsibilities quickly and efficiently. Some of them even boarded local trains without missing them any day.
In the modern era, when we have an erratic pattern of life in all areas, including the time of waking up and falling asleep. This is detrimental not just to one’s career and dreams but to their life itself. For, our life responds to consistency which is why a successful life is a disciplined life. Nothing happens automatically, we need to make it happen.
By Jamuna Rangachari
