discipline is the greatest form of self-love

So much of what I write about on these blogs pertains to things I’ve read in articles or heard through various podcasts. They are things that speak to me, for one reason or another, and what I saw a couple days ago is no different.

Ever since I’ve read it, I think about it every time I have to make a difficult decision that I know will benefit me in the long-run.

And it’s that discipline is the greatest form of self-love.

I was reading an article about the importance of discipline, and out of everything in the post, that quote was the piece that stood-out to me most.

Self-love, on a fundamental level, is all about doing things to better accept yourself, grow, and recognize your intrinsic worth.

But sometimes it’s difficult to do this without evolving (not only in your mindset and perspective, but in other aspects of your life).

I truly believe that everyone is equally deserving of love and acceptance, and that you should grant that to yourself before seeking that validation in other people. But to help with this love and acceptance, sometimes we have to be disciplined and do things we don’t want in the moment, because we know it’ll make us feel happier later.

An example is going to the gym or working out in some way.

Sometimes, I’m simply not motivated to go to the gym and would prefer to sit in my bed and watch TikToks. But knowing that it’ll make me feel better to move my body, and that I’ll be proud of myself after the workout is over shows discipline and the love I have for myself.

I’m basically saying, “I know you really don’t want to do this, but I’m going to make you because you’ll feel better after you do this difficult task.”

I do this a lot when it comes to journaling and reading too. Sometimes I don’t want to journal when I’m feeling overwhelmed and stressed, but when I force myself to pick up the pen and notebook, I feel so much more relieved.

It can be difficult to pick up a new book, especially after just finishing a really good one, but having the discipline to close out of TikTok and start reading the first few pages of a new novel will make me feel so much better later when I’m indulged in the story.

Do things even if you don’t want to right now. Pick up your textbook or your math workbook, and finish your school work so you can watch a show later and feel content. Do things that will make you proud or happy even if it’s challenging right now.

Discipline is the greatest form of self-love.