Distraction Vs Discipline

I haven’t written a blog for a while because, quite simply, I haven’t been in the right place.

Writing about my journey was, and still is, a big part of making sense of what I’m doing and where I’m at with my sport and life. Writing what I felt and thought about was a way of making it real- something tangible I can look back at and learn from, or use to simply remind myself of how far I’ve come. However, I didn’t feel as though sharing that process was a good idea, because as much as writing about where I’m at internally and externally was good for me, it also took me out of the moment- putting me outside of my self, analysing why and how I am where I am and what I need to do to get to the next level… instead of just doing it. Analysing your actions and thoughts are important, but so is living your life and enjoying what’s in front of you at that moment, without being overly critical or overthinking.

Distraction Vs Discipline. Two very powerful words when talking about achieving a long term goal. ‘Distraction’ carries very negative connotations, given the context of goals; people think a distraction is something that steals your attention from what you should be doing- procrastinating and overall, making you less productive when trying to get on with daily routines. As well as this, ‘discipline’ often feels like a million miles away from your current self. Perhaps, most of you reading this wouldn’t describe yourself as ‘disciplined’- that word probably wouldn’t even cross your mind, because we’re all largely disconnected from its true meaning.

I believe both words can be your best friend, if you’re able to simply use them in a way propels, rather than detracts.

Distraction.

When I decided to dedicate myself to my training as much as I possibly could, around my current college/work schedule, I decided I would change the way I use the word ‘distraction’ in order to get my intended results. Instead of using it to describe getting pulled away from my goals, e.g staying up late on my phone, meant I couldn’t wake up early to go for a morning jog- I used it to describe pushing me forward, which of course, became my reality. I would literally fill the place of negative distraction with a positive spin. Instead, I would use going to the gym as the positive distraction from the negative of staying out late with my friends.

Discipline.

I feel like this word has negative connotations, because as children we get told off at school and by our parents- the supposedly definitive authorities on discipline. They instill us with what it means to be disciplined, which becomes closely connected to our wrong doings so also, to a feeling of powerlessness. But how can we blame ourselves for such a thought when the definition of discipline is ‘the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behaviour, using punishment to correct disobedience’. This view has become our social norm, so much so, that we overlook its other meanings. Actually, discipline means you are in control- not powerless at all. It is a conscious effort that takes time to build- it’s all a process. I started small, such as doing the smallest chores and jobs when I knew they needed doing, for instance: putting my washing out to dry- then and there, instead of saying “I’ll do it later”. Developing discipline is something we’re all capable of doing, its a subtle process; challenge yourself by actually waking up and getting out of bed as soon as your alarm goes off. Such a start to the day is powerful, you will feel as though you want to get on with the day, instead of rolling out of bed 15 minutes late. Create that feelings of accomplishment daily- doing what needs to be done there and then.

These two words have the power to create and build the you that can achieve your goals.

Use them wisely.