Imagine stumbling upon a secret military document that holds the key to unlocking the power of discipline. That's exactly what happened to me, and I'm excited to share this life-changing discovery with you. This internal report, written by Major Kevin S. Donahue in 1993, breaks down how the US Army creates disciplined soldiers, and from it, we can extract a formula for becoming more disciplined ourselves.
The military's approach to discipline is fascinating. They split it into two categories:
- Discipline behavior (B)
- Discipline attitude (A).
Discipline B refers to observable, measurable behaviors, while discipline A is the internal disciplined attitude. Together, they create a truly disciplined soldier.
The process begins with basic training, a boot camp that serves as a "booster shot of discipline." Recruits are thrust into a highly structured environment where every moment is scheduled and regulated. They're taught to obey orders without question, regardless of how they feel. This rigorous training drills disciplined behavior into them until it becomes second nature.
What's truly eye-opening is how we can apply these principles to our own lives. Self-discipline is about training yourself to follow your own rules, no matter what. It's the power to push past discomfort and consistently show up for yourself. Think about it – we often keep promises to others but let ourselves down. The military's approach teaches us the importance of upholding our own standards with zero compromise.
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To cultivate self-discipline, we need to start by creating clear standards for our behavior. Then, we must follow through with these standards, no matter what. It's about building respect for our own word and treating our self-imposed rules as seriously as a drill sergeant would.
However, it's crucial to set ourselves up for success. Just as military recruits aren't expected to perform incredible feats on day one, we shouldn't create impossible standards for ourselves. Start small, with tasks you know you can consistently accomplish. This builds self-respect and creates a solid foundation for more challenging disciplines.
The key takeaway is that discipline is acquired through training until it becomes habit. It's not an innate personality trait – it's a skill that can be developed. With consistent practice, discipline behavior transitions into a disciplined attitude, becoming part of your character and identity.
Aristotle said it best: "Virtues are initially acquired through their purposeful activation, leading to the habitation of virtuous deeds." Once discipline becomes part of who you are, choosing disciplined behavior becomes more natural. It's like Jocko Willink, the ex-Navy SEAL who embodies discipline – at a certain point, being disciplined is easier than not being disciplined.
So, are you ready to master your mind and become the architect of your own success? Start small, be consistent, and watch as discipline transforms your life. Remember, in the words of Aristotle, "Freedom is obedience to self-formulated rules."
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