On self-discipline

Today maybe is not the best day to write about my self-discipline since I decided not to go to the swimming pool, which I always do on Sundays. Yet, I find it fascinating how bad I am feeling because I decided not to go: the regret is a byproduct of my strong self-discipline. Something I managed to develop in many years of exercise. Regular work out is something I value a lot and respecting the schedule (swim 3 times a week) is often hard and painful. It's way too easy to always say yes to events and then complain there's no time for physical or other learning activities. It's too easy to be a couch potato and stay at home when an opportunity was laid in front of you.

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As a result, self-discipline is very difficult to achieve. It's painful and makes you look boring and not flexible to your friends eyes.

Self-discipline splits the world in two groups of people: the doers and the observers.

Most of the times I am a doer; I force myself to do things even if an easier, lazier option is available and the reason why I choose to do so is because I am the only one on Earth who can make me do stuff, and I'm aware of it. Growing up we get used to have our parents, teachers, coaches tell us what to do, how to do it and when. As adults we lose this pressure and gain freedom. It's all nice being free from your parent's requests, but you risk losing grasp of your learning and development path, of that ever present strive to get better at something. For this reason I play the part of my own parent, teacher, coach, because it's the only way i can do, instead of stay motionless looking at others doing. How do I do that?

I try to see myself through the eyes of the most demanding mentors and people I have ever met: what would they think of my choice? What would this day look like to them once it's over? At the end of the day, will I have achieved something worthwhile?

Oh, yeah, I didn't go swimming this Sunday, but I am a doer anyway: right now I am studying for an internal certification at work.

It was me to make me do it.