A New Understanding of Self-Discipline: Pursuit of Greatness.
In my early twenties, 'self-discipline' meant resisting certain activities--drinking, smoking, promiscuity, cursing--so that I may preserve my mental, bodily, social, and spiritual health, all of which are well and good, but it always felt incomplete. Preserving one's current condition is only half the battle, thus, there is a larger picture that must be investigated. consider the following:
1. Resisting such things are only good if it is accompanied by the pursuit of something greater. Theoretically, you can give up all negative activities by locking yourself in a room (which some don't mind), but the human well-being will require a more proactive approach. Therefore, we must leave the room in search of it. Wouldn't it be amazing if we can simply say, "I will resist an urge so that I can chase a something larger than my minor desires, something larger than myself!"
2. Pursuing greatness in any context comes with challenges, a challenge of self and community. Resisting participation in certain activities challenges inwardly, but pursuing greatness challenges a person outwardly. We are taught by our western culture the significance of 'individualism,' that we should hold the "I" as the primary reference point of human experience. However, and most apparent, we have forgotten how to speak with one another. Look to any news outlet, people are set against one another with little hope of understanding. Though we can discipline the inward-self and hold our preferences to a high-esteem, we must also discipline the outward self to communicate with our fellow man. Speak on topics that are taboo--religion, politics, the futility of sports--and maybe we'll see we're not so different. Together we can achieve greatness.
3. Spiritual self-discipline, perhaps the most interesting.... and yet absolutely worth it. If you're religious, like myself, we are told time and again of things we should NOT do, but rarely are we told what we should do. In a recent experience, I was inclined to take a walk to my grandmothers old Hooghan near the mesas of Monument Valley, UT. The walk was a bit of a journey, but I was able to follow an old dirt road to the site. I observed the area and pictured my family, playing in the dirt as kids, walking miles to get water, following the livestock in blistering heat, and appreciating any cloud that is gracious enough to visit; how peaceful it must've been. I decided to sit on a rock and have a conversation with my Creator; I spoke and asked questions... in the quiet and calm breeze, He answered. I can't yet disclose what he told me, but I do know this, if I hadn't had the discipline to leave my comfort, if I just decided to stay put and probe social media, I would've missed a great opportunity to hear from my Creator. These moments are random, but when they happen, pursue it no matter the conditions; go and meet Him.
In conclusion, I am learning self-discipline is an all around process, not for the sake of giving things up, but rather for the benefit of gaining a perspective we previously lacked. This is the road to greatness. This is the road I am learning to follow. This is the road I will meet you on.
- Wade M. Adakai