Dooley Noted: 4/20/2016
In the traditional sense, I wasn’t disciplined much as a child.
My parents were hard-working, trusting people that took an unusual (and probably exhausted) approach.
They never grounded me.
I never had a curfew.
They never forced me to get good grades nor excel in sports.
They never pushed me to have a job.
But something fascinating happened.
I never got in trouble and came home at decent hours.
I played sport after sport – even though I was terrible.
I made top grades and always had a job.
I knew by watching them that discipline was a privilege – not a punishment.
To this day, I seek the structure and foundation of discipline.
I still study – even though I’m no longer graded.
I train diligently – even though I’m not a competitor.
I am faithful and committed to my work and personal relationships.
And I work several jobs that I adore, even though I work long hours.
Discipline in your life can be viewed as privilege.
Discipline provides a principle set that attracts to you the things that propel you forward.
You can think of discipline as punishment, while you wait around for the motivation to magically appear.
Or you can practice discipline,
realizing the honor and privilege it provides in life.
As always, it’s your call.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley
