Several years ago, while staying at a hotel for a competency-based training session, Dr. L. Michael Hall overheard an interesting conversation at the breakfast restaurant. Standing by the coffee machine, he could hear participants discussing the rigor of the training. One participant explained, “Michael is such a disciplined person. He reads, writes, and exercises for 30 minutes each day.” To this, someone responded with a “Wow!”
Dr. Hall’s internal reaction to that remark was, “Wow? That’s hardly what I would call discipline.” To him, these activities were simply part of his lifestyle, not acts of discipline.
This perspective was reinforced in a different context when he mentioned taking tamoxifen as an anti-cancer medication. When asked how often he had missed a dose over four-and-a-half years, he confidently replied, “Never.” The response he received: “You’re really very disciplined.” His immediate thought was, “Why would I not take my medicine? It’s just what I do.”
Discipline: A Success Factor You Might Resist
As 2025 begins, many set New Year’s resolutions with aspirations for self-improvement. Yet the path to achieving these goals often hinges on a crucial yet unappealing trait: discipline. In November, Dr. Hall wrote about discipline in the ISNS Wisdoms, calling it “The Success Factor You Love to Hate.”
Discipline is paradoxical. People recognize its necessity but often reject it because of the negative connotations it carries. Common associations with discipline include:
- Being forced to do unpleasant tasks.
- Losing personal freedom and spontaneity.
- Doing hard, painful, or undesirable activities.
- Punishment for mistakes or bad behavior.
With such associations, it’s no surprise that discipline feels like a prison rather than a pathway to success. But these misconceptions distort what discipline truly represents.
The True Nature of Discipline
Discipline, at its core, is not punitive or oppressive. Instead, it is:
- A course of action aligned with one’s values and goals.
- A planned approach to achieve something meaningful.
- A strategic regimen for success in specific areas of life.
Etymologically, the word “discipline” stems from the Latin disciplina (instruction) and discipulus (pupil). This reframe highlights that discipline is not just about rules or regimens; it’s about being a disciple—a devoted learner and practitioner.
Becoming a Disciple in 2025
Dr. Hall describes himself as a disciple of learning, modeling excellence, health, and self-actualization. For him, discipline is synonymous with lifestyle—it is a natural extension of his commitments and passions.
The question he poses is: What are you a disciple of? Some people devote themselves to immediate gratification, avoidance, or superficial pursuits, such as “retail therapy.” But others choose to follow paths of growth, responsibility, and purpose.
As you reflect on your resolutions for 2025, consider this: Where would you like to direct your discipleship? What course of action will define your lifestyle? Discipline, reframed as intentional discipleship, can transform your goals into lasting success.
Curated by Danielle Tan.
Reference:
- [Neurons] 2025 Neurons #1 DISCIPLINE ARE /NOT/ US by L. Michael Hall, Ph.D. Executive Director, ISNS.
