Discipline vs. Freedom
In light of the Fourth Of July this month, it seems fitting to ask: “What is your definition of “freedom”? Think about the words and images that flood your consciousness when it comes to your perceptions surrounding freedom. What kind of feeling emanates in your body? Is it light? Happy? Let yourself feel the emotional component attached to the thought. Now, I want you to define the word “discipline.” What comes to mind now? What feelings shift or become present? Are they similar, different? Is it heavier? Lighter? Take a moment to ponder this, because your answers may hold the key to success or failure when it comes to creating a truly fulfilling life.
When I was younger I thought of freedom as being able to do what I wanted WHEN I wanted, to follow my passions at liberty. I thought of adventure, exploration, and living in the moment. My inner feelings reflected this perception, as if my vibration danced in lightness. Discipline, on the other hand, conjured images of steel bars, confinement, loss, sacrificing what I loved and, even worse, BOREDOM. Discipline felt dark and heavy, something to be avoided.
As I became more and more committed to reaching my goals it became clear that I had to learn to reconcile these competing belief systems or I would never live a life that reflected my dreams. It was becoming abundantly clear that without discipline I would continue to live life as a reactor, not a doer. In fact, without the structure of discipline I was actually losing my freedom in the end: my freedom to live the life I wanted; my freedom to have the level of fitness and health I sought; my freedom to make decisions based on my values; my freedom to develop personal interests and education; and even my freedom to have the financial security to experience my dream vacations... the list went on and on.
I had to ask myself an important question. Did I want to reach my potential in life, did I want to end my ride as a human pinball machine, forever bouncing off my whims and the busy events thrown at me in life? Well, did I? Inside I could hear the whisper of my true self plead, “YES!” In that moment I began to see that discipline was, in fact, my true ticket to authentic freedom.
Now as a professional coach, I work with individuals and groups to maximize self-discipline to naturally increase motivation, will power, and goal achievement. I have come to realize that there are specific tools out there to make life more rewarding and fulfilling, especially as we face our fears as we search for our authentic selves. The best part is, discipline does not have to equate suffering! For example, time management may seem daunting at first, but clients soon experience the immeasurable rewards! They also discover that eating healthy and scheduling exercise (and following through with those goals!) can be a fun and enjoyable experience!
When we start developing our self-discipline muscle, we shift into a new way of being, which nourishes our souls as we begin to tackle our goals. In this manner we begin to taste the flavor of true freedom—freedom to reach our potential despite the careless excuses and feelings that seek to override our goals in the moment. Today, ask yourself what YOUR definition of discipline and freedom are. Then ask yourself, is it working for you? Are you where you want to be in life, or is it time to reevaluation your perceptions in order to truly reach the goals you have set forth in your mind and heart?
In the meantime, have a wonderful Fourth of July with your friends and family. Rejoice and be safe, and with every blast of fireworks celebrate your freedom to define and create the future of your choice!
©laynewhitley, 2010. Article may be reprinted with permission.
Layne Whitley, Food & Weight Loss Coach, helps clients lose weight, eat healthier, and feel great… naturally! To get your FREE e-book on lasting weight loss and receive her weekly recipes & success mindset articles on reaching your wellness potential, visit www.laynewhitley.com or email her at coach@laynewhitley.com.