Self-discipline counts! In this time of “the new normal” brought about by the pandemic, it takes more resolve than ever to practice self-discipline. Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have found an endless number of excuses available to people to use any time he/she fails to fulfill an obligation. The workforce in America is suffering greatly as many choose to stay home and not return to the workplace. Even those who return have expressed how much more effort it takes just to do the minimum amount of work. I think this is a symptom of an entire society which finds itself in a “depression” state of mind.
It is easy to feel sorry for ourselves when we face challenges. It is, however, hard to discipline ourselves to get going when the going gets tough. I try to teach my students to think of a hero they admire. Recently, I was told by an entire class of students that they couldn’t even think of one hero! Oh yes, they like the fictional superheroes, but they do realize and understand that these heroes are not real. The standard answer I used to receive from students when I questioned them about their heroes was, “My dad!” How times have changed.
Perhaps one reason for parents not being named as a “hero” is that over the past couple of decades, parents have assumed a “best friend” status with their children. However, being a best friend doesn’t always help the child develop self-discipline. In fact, the tendency of the parents in this situation is to develop and provide numerous excuses for the child to use in times of failure. The overall result is that students do not have a great deal of self-discipline.
Self-discipline is really sold short by the numerous ads on TV which offer a solution for any and almost all kinds of problems, illnesses, etc. Even today I heard of a new lotion and compression waist band which will cause people to lose unwanted weight without any extra effort at all. Another ad that also diminishes a person’s desire to self-discipline is the one that assures debtors that they don’t have to pay back their creditors all the debt they have accrued. The ad states that it is the news which creditors don’t want them to hear…”You don’t have to pay them back all that you owe them.” In my opinion, this type of message is undermining our society’s ability to self-discipline.
Right now in our Intermediate building, we have some challenging self-discipline techniques being taught to our students. Mrs. Gibbs and Mr. Smith are teaching self-discipline techniques in mental attitudes and physical fitness. I see positive results in these areas with most students. It is hard work and requires constant reminders, but I see the good results. In fact, one of our students who came to us in first grade with all kinds of habits and lack of self-discipline is about to receive the prestigious “SuperHero Decision Maker of the Month” Award. His work at self-discipline has also allowed him to overcome much of his hyperactivity. Not only are we proud of his accomplishments, he is very self-fulfilled and proud! Kay