August 15, 2022

On self-discipline

Discipline isn't exactly the friendliest word. It's wrapped up in notions of obedience and punishment; indeed, its Middle English origin translates as mortification by scourging oneself. Yeh. Not fun.

But further back, at its Latin root, we find discipulus (pupil, student), then disciplina (knowledge, learning). Pairing this with self- (own, personal), we gain an altogether different meaning of self-discipline: guiding oneself.

Personally, it's about doing what I know is right. At different points, self-discipline might look like pushing myself to hit a deadline, or having a nap at 11am.

What does self-discipline mean to you?