What can i do to teach myself patience and discipline?!
Question: Chevykid,
Patience and discipline are two sides of the same coin.
Unfortunately, the only way to learn them is by doing. Which almost means that you have to have both before you learn to have both.
Fortunately, it's not quite that bad. The more you practice both, the easier it gets, and it's not nearly as bad as learning some things (water skiing for example). The thing is, the minute you decide to have patience or discipline, then you do have it. This is easier said than done, but it's true.
The key is in always remembering the payoff for what you are doing. Here's an example: If you are 6 feet tall, and weigh 170 lbs, but want more muscle, the reality is, it won't happen in a day. In fact, it won't happen ever without both patience and discipline. You need patience because no matter how hard you work out, your body will only respond so fast. You need discipline because it won't grow at all unless you work out consistently day after day, month after month. However, if you keep in mind that if you are patient, and you are disciplined, at the end of one year, you will almost certainly be around 190 lbs with 20 more pounds of muscle.
The example may or may not apply. The same thing is true of getting a college degree, getting a certificate to work on certain cars, or getting an A&P license, or making it through boot camp.
The way to start is by imagining your end results. Get a picture if it will help. Write it on the fridge. Do whatever you need to remind yourself of where you are going or what you are doing so that you don't give up and don't get sidetracked.
Also, keep in mind that both patience and discipline are not easy for a reason. You will find that for almost anything requiring either one, you need to set aside other personal needs or comforts. If you want to lose weight, you need to endure a certain amount of hunger where before you might just have a snack. If you are taking a class, you will have headaches from reading, a sore back from leaning over, temptations to spend your time in funner ways - offers to go to a movie, or so on. Each time you are faced with a choice, you need to remind yourself of your goal. Each time your patience is tested, you need to ask yourself 'what type of response do I really wish to make right now?'
Then, go practice in other ways. Learn to fish. Meditate (it's not easy to meditate. Google it and find out more).
When you get discouraged, and you will, because any real accomplishment requires perserverence, discipline, patience, and motivation, then remind yourself of your end goals. Remind yourself to take one day at a time. Forgive yourself for only being human and take a day off from your goals once in awhile, but limit it before hand - 2 days a week if you are lifting weights. 1 day a week if you are learning the piano. Mostly, remember that if you quit, you will never meet your goals, but if you don't quit, you eventually will. It may take twice as long as some people, but we all have different priorities, responsibilities, and abilities. Therefore, don't compare yourself with other people, just keep your mind on your goal, whatever it happens to be.
Good luck
Kevin
Answers: Chevykid,
Patience and discipline are two sides of the same coin.
Unfortunately, the only way to learn them is by doing. Which almost means that you have to have both before you learn to have both.
Fortunately, it's not quite that bad. The more you practice both, the easier it gets, and it's not nearly as bad as learning some things (water skiing for example). The thing is, the minute you decide to have patience or discipline, then you do have it. This is easier said than done, but it's true.
The key is in always remembering the payoff for what you are doing. Here's an example: If you are 6 feet tall, and weigh 170 lbs, but want more muscle, the reality is, it won't happen in a day. In fact, it won't happen ever without both patience and discipline. You need patience because no matter how hard you work out, your body will only respond so fast. You need discipline because it won't grow at all unless you work out consistently day after day, month after month. However, if you keep in mind that if you are patient, and you are disciplined, at the end of one year, you will almost certainly be around 190 lbs with 20 more pounds of muscle.
The example may or may not apply. The same thing is true of getting a college degree, getting a certificate to work on certain cars, or getting an A&P license, or making it through boot camp.
The way to start is by imagining your end results. Get a picture if it will help. Write it on the fridge. Do whatever you need to remind yourself of where you are going or what you are doing so that you don't give up and don't get sidetracked.
Also, keep in mind that both patience and discipline are not easy for a reason. You will find that for almost anything requiring either one, you need to set aside other personal needs or comforts. If you want to lose weight, you need to endure a certain amount of hunger where before you might just have a snack. If you are taking a class, you will have headaches from reading, a sore back from leaning over, temptations to spend your time in funner ways - offers to go to a movie, or so on. Each time you are faced with a choice, you need to remind yourself of your goal. Each time your patience is tested, you need to ask yourself 'what type of response do I really wish to make right now?'
Then, go practice in other ways. Learn to fish. Meditate (it's not easy to meditate. Google it and find out more).
When you get discouraged, and you will, because any real accomplishment requires perserverence, discipline, patience, and motivation, then remind yourself of your end goals. Remind yourself to take one day at a time. Forgive yourself for only being human and take a day off from your goals once in awhile, but limit it before hand - 2 days a week if you are lifting weights. 1 day a week if you are learning the piano. Mostly, remember that if you quit, you will never meet your goals, but if you don't quit, you eventually will. It may take twice as long as some people, but we all have different priorities, responsibilities, and abilities. Therefore, don't compare yourself with other people, just keep your mind on your goal, whatever it happens to be.
Good luck
Kevin
volunteer in a seniors home, a summer program for kids, commit yourself to a decided number of hours per week and do it
You can find many of these tasks in your own life.
Remember the Karate Kid: Wax on, wax off. What do you think he was teaching him?
Any task you hate, that is tedious and mind-numbing, you approach with the intention of enduring it with dignity and patience.
The other thing you can do is have kids. This will teach you more patience and discipline than you can imagine.
Or is it restraint. :-)
Set yourself a single task at a definite time every day and complete no matter how difficult. Do this for one week and then move on to 2 tasks for a week etc. Every time you complete the week correctly give yourself a treat it doesn't have to be big or expensive just recognise what you have achieved. Keep a diary and if you manage 6 weeks take a good look at the diary and yourself and decide if it has been worthwhile and if you can continue in the same way. If you can believe me it will be life changing. Always remember you have to like and respect yourself yourself before others will do the same.
Patience is a virtue
Virtue is a grace
Grace was a little girl
Who didn't wash her face.
Amusing possibly but apt when you really think about it.
Sign up for some yoga classes they will relax and help you to suceed!!!
Happy New Year Squirrel