What is self-discipline?
For me, it is a daily process that includes these seven key action steps:
- I review my schedule for the next day, prior to going to bed.
- I go to bed early.
- I get up early.
- Upon arising, I prepare for the new day while spending quality time with my Maker.
- I eat right.
- I exercise.
- I read something that lifts my spirit.
Notice they all begin with “I.”
My self-discipline is all on me.
Do I do them with perfection all of the time? Nope.
Do I try? Yep.
It would be easy to look at my list and think, “I don’t have the time.”
Let’s take a closer look:
- Early to bed and early to rise does not take any time from you. But both practices will give time back to you.
- Quality preparation for your day with your Maker doesn’t take a lot of time, but it does take some structure. Below is a simple ten-minute day prepping routine.
- Review your schedule for the day…if you have a cell phone, use the calendar…if not, write it on an index card.
- Turn the schedule and the outcomes of it over to Him.
- Thank Him for three things.
- Pray this prayer; “God, I offer myself to you–to build with me and to do with me as you want. Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Your will. Take away my difficulties, that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of Your Power, Your Love, and Your Way of Life. Help me do Your will always!” Amen. (My version of the 3rd Step Prayer of Alcoholics Anonymous)
- The best way to eat right is to have your “menu” for the day in your head before the day starts. If this is an area you struggle with, I suggest including your meals in your daily schedule.
- If you think that you don’t have time to exercise, take an inventory of your “sloth time.” Substitute your sloth time with exercise.
- The task of reading uplifting material has been simplified immensely through the Audible app and Podcasts. While driving and exercising, I’m usually dialed into a book or a podcast that lifts me.
Self-discipline certainly is self-caring.
Does your life reflect that of a person who cares about him or herself?
If not, give the “Daily 7” a try.
And better yet, ask Him as often as you need to give you help in accomplishing the “Daily 7.”
Hebrews 12:11, “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”
P.E.A.C.E.
Jay@EagleLaunch.com
