“Resist all evils, mental and physical; and when you have succeeded in resisting, then calmness will come.”
— Swāmi Vivekānanda
Discipline is working on your goal when your friends are hanging out at the bar. It’s hitting the gym when you’re tempted to watch reruns of your favorite Netflix series. It’s sticking to your diet instead of breaking it “just this once” at every available chance.
This may sound like the death knell for freedom. Then why is discipline important? Because it’s the path to freedom. In the long term, discipline puts you rather than fate in control of your actions. It strengthens your willpower and ensures Present You does what Future You will be grateful for.
Anything that stops you from being disciplined can be considered evil. This doesn’t mean you have to stop doing what you enjoy; just enjoy them in moderation as a reward for staying disciplined. Watch an episode of your favorite show or scroll Instagram for fifteen minutes after you’ve done what’s important. When you achieve a milestone, celebrate it with your friends.
Discipline also trains you to regulate your emotions and desires. When circumstances can no longer leave an imprint on your mind, the calmness that follows gives you control over yourself.