Discipline Equals Freedom
“Discipline equals freedom.” –Jocko Willink, retired Navy Seal and author
Let me guess: The first thought that came to your mind when you read this was something like, “No, Kanita, I would not put discipline and freedom in the same sentence together.” Close on its heels, I imagine you were thinking: “Of course a Navy Seal would say something like that… Right after he told you that running ten miles at four A.M. was his idea of a joy ride!”
But Willink has a point. While it might seem like Discipline is Freedom’s archnemesis, discipline is actually the means to accessing freedom.
How Discipline and Freedom Go Hand-in-Hand
Many people hear the word ‘freedom’ and think of “going with the flow” or “taking it easy.” They associate the word with total uninhibitedness, no one standing in their way.
But what if I told you that freedom is really the ability to create the life you want to live and be the person you want to be? It’s the propensity to harness your desires and be in the driver’s seat of your own life.
Here’s the thing, though: You have to have direction on the road you’re on in order to get where you’re going. You don’t just get in a car and start driving, do you? No, you don’t— You have your GPS set for a specific destination and Beyoncé blasting through the stereo.
The good news is that human beings are literally wired to respond to patterns. Repetition is our jam. We can’t wait to get our hands on a good old fashioned habit, and we are perfectly capable of taking the small, daily actions necessary to create one.
4 Tips for Practicing Self-Discipline
- Establish a consistent morning routine. Waking up early is one of the most important parts of a morning routine as it sets the tone for your day. Willink also recommends doing something physical (of course he does!) in the morning, again, in order to establish the mind/body connection you want to carry with you throughout the day. No matter how you choose to start your day, though, be intentional: You’re setting up your day to play out a certain way.
- Practice smart financial well-being. I get it; there’s nothing as tempting as a good online sale at your favorite store. That email comes into your inbox blaring “40% off!” in virtual neon letters, and you run straight to your purse. But financial well-being brings freedom in so many ways: It allows you to pursue a career field that you enjoy. It keeps your debt and stress levels down. It allows you to invest in the things that will build your authentic life.
- Take regularly-scheduled technology breaks. Technology has a nasty habit of sucking us in, and all of a sudden, we’ve lost hours at a time. Avoid the pull of the Instagram feed and take note of just how much time you have left in your day to pursue self-love and fulfillment when you stay away from the screen.
- Be curious. Taking consistent stock of your belief system, thought patterns, and values gives you the freedom to learn and grow.
Manifestations of a Disciplined Individual
While it’s not necessarily easy, practicing discipline is what puts you on the road to a better you. Here are some manifestations that will keep your eyes on the prize when that alarm goes off and all you want to do is push the snooze button.
I am committing to myself and building self-trust in my intentions.
I am becoming a master of time, freeing myself from the confines of the clock so that I can better use my day in the ways I want to.
I am developing resiliency. Even when this gets really hard, I am teaching myself that my authentic life is within my reach.
I am freeing myself from self judgement and guilt. It is no longer about what I’m NOT doing, but about everything that I am doing to become who I want to be.
I am showing up better in my relationships because I feel better about who I am for myself and for others.
I am working in partnership with myself instead of against myself. I am my biggest fan, and my actions are a testament of that.
If you find yourself struggling with discipline and obtaining the mindset to pursue happiness and self-love, please contact me. I would be happy to join you in the passenger’s seat on the road to where you’re going.
