What does it mean to have self-discipline? Self-discipline is defined as the ability to control one’s feeling and to get things even when you do not want to. It is about staying focused on long-term goals and outcomes even when faced with temptations that may lead you away from them.
So why is self-discipline so important in all our daily lives. Whether it be waking up at 6.00am to go to a sports practice and not turning off the alarm and enjoy some extra sleep or sitting down and focusing on completing some homework instead of scrolling on social media. Self-discipline is the key that facilitates improvement within our lives. Without self-discipline growth is impossible as we never have the strength and will power to push beyond our boundaries and develop. With it, anything can be achieved as it is what bridges the gap between ambition and accomplishment.
One shining example of how self-discipline is key to success can be seen in the actions of Jackie Robinson. A six-times, all-star first baseman for the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1947-56, Robinson was the first African-American to cross the colour line in baseball and play in the MLB. Robinson stated to the President of the Dodgers, Branch Rickey, that no matter what his teammates, competitors, fans, umpires, journalists and broadcasters would say to try bait him into a reaction he would only fight back with glove and bat.
Robinson faced many emotionally trying situations throughout his career being the constant victim of racial abuse from both fans and opposing team members. However, whenever Robinson crossed the line onto the ballpark, he did not let the noise in and focused on his own game which allowed him to achieve greatness.
Robinson’s self-discipline to not lash out emotionally towards the discrimination he faced but to also to develop his game meant that in his debut season he was named rookie of the year and would later go on to become the first African American player to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962 and having his number permanently retired from the game.
What we can all learn from Jackie Robinson’s story is that the ability to control your own emotions and focus them on a goal through self-discipline is what facilitates growth and leads us down path to success in all our lives.
Will Peasey
Senior Prefect