from the book God Consciousness.
As you know by now, if you have read this far, you know that
my view is that your self is me. So what I am saying (or writing,
or righting) is that you need to become a disciple of me,
of your self.
My assertion is that when you focus on fulfilling the mandate of the self you are exercising self-discipline.
to do the bits and pieces that make up the whole of what it is
you want to do.
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To do what I want you to do, which is the same thing as saying what you want to do for your self, you have to actually DO: Even if that is to do nothing. To do that, you have to NOT do, which is actually doing something.which does not get you done with the doing of what needs to
be done to get something done that needs doing. You need to
understand and resist the distractions that steal your life away
from you.
But there is a trap to being busy for just the sake of being busy. You can make a lot of something for nothing. Being busy can be a distraction from being a disciple of your self.
Watch this Video
When you ask me to help you and then let me help you, you are getting into the true, deep burn of being a disciple of your self. You are being self -disciplined when you can NOT get distracted by the distractions that pull you away from the actions I am telling you to do.
This even has to do with the kind of thoughts that you let your self think. From a fundamental level of what you focus on in your mind.
Self-discipline allows you to develop the power of what you dwell on in your own mind. It helps you to remove the distractions that get in the way of experiencing me in your own mind.
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Click here to read the full chapter 15That's great. But what about something called Modern Science and Self-Discipline?Okay, let's start with a bit of a historical review. Special Report: The Evolution and Neuroscience of Self-DisciplineSelf-discipline, the ability to regulate one's emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in the pursuit of long-term goals, has been a subject of philosophical discourse for centuries and continues to be a focal point in modern psychological and neuroscientific research. This report delves into the historical perspectives on self-discipline, particularly through the lens of Stoic philosophy, and examines contemporary findings from neuroscience and psychology that shed light on this vital human attribute. Historical Perspectives on Self-Discipline: The Stoic PhilosophyStoicism, an ancient Greek school of philosophy founded in the early 3rd century BC, emphasized personal ethics informed by its system of logic and views on the natural world. Central to Stoic philosophy is the concept of self-control as a means to live in harmony with nature and reason.Epictetus, a prominent Stoic philosopher, introduced the concept of prohairesis, often translated as "moral character" or "will." He posited that while external events are beyond our control, individuals possess the power to control their own actions and reactions through rigorous self-discipline. Epictetus taught that by exercising this faculty of choice, one could maintain equanimity regardless of external circumstances. In his work, the Enchiridion, Epictetus emphasizes that it is not events themselves that disturb people, but their judgments about those events. This perspective underscores the importance of internal control over one's perceptions and reactions, a foundational principle in the practice of self-discipline. Modern Research into Self-Discipline: Insights from Neuroscience and PsychologyContemporary research has expanded our understanding of self-discipline, exploring its cognitive mechanisms and practical applications. Delayed Gratification and the Marshmallow ExperimentOne of the seminal studies in this field is the Stanford marshmallow experiment conducted by Walter Mischel in the 1960s and 1970s. Children were given a choice between an immediate reward (one marshmallow) or a larger reward (two marshmallows) if they could wait for a period. Follow-up studies revealed that children who were able to delay gratification tended to have better life outcomes, including higher academic achievement and healthier lifestyles. Ego Depletion and the Strength Model of Self-ControlPsychologist Roy Baumeister introduced the concept of "ego depletion," suggesting that self-control is a finite resource that can be exhausted with use. His strength model likens self-control to a muscle that can become fatigued but also strengthened over time with regular exercise. This model has been influential in understanding the limitations and potential for enhancing self-discipline. Neural Correlates of Self-ControlAdvancements in neuroimaging have identified specific brain regions associated with self-discipline. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for executive functions such as decision-making and impulse control, plays a crucial role in regulating behavior. Studies have shown that individuals with higher self-control exhibit greater activation in this area when exercising restraint. The Effort ParadoxRecent research by Michael Inzlicht and colleagues has explored the "effort paradox," where effort is both valued and perceived as costly. This line of inquiry examines how individuals allocate mental resources when exercising self-control and the subjective experience of effort during such tasks. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Self-DisciplineQ1: What is self-discipline?A1: Self-discipline is the ability to control one's emotions, thoughts, and behaviors to achieve long-term goals, often by resisting short-term temptations. Q2: How did Stoic philosophers view self-discipline?A2: Stoic philosophers, such as Epictetus, viewed self-discipline as essential for living in accordance with nature and reason. They believed that while external events are beyond our control, we can govern our reactions through deliberate choice and rational judgment. Q3: What was the significance of the Stanford marshmallow experiment?A3: The Stanford marshmallow experiment demonstrated that the ability to delay gratification in children was linked to positive outcomes later in life, including academic success and better health. It highlighted the long-term benefits of self-control. Q4: What is ego depletion?A4: Ego depletion is a theory suggesting that self-control operates like a muscle that can become fatigued after use, leading to reduced capacity for further self-regulation in the short term. Q5: How does the brain facilitate self-discipline?A5: The prefrontal cortex is integral to self-discipline, as it manages executive functions like decision-making and impulse control. Increased activity in this region is associated with better self-regulation. Q6: Can self-discipline be improved over time?A6: Yes, similar to building physical strength, self-discipline can be enhanced through consistent practice and the development of healthy habits. Engaging in regular activities that require self-control can strengthen this capacity. Q7: What strategies can help improve self-discipline?A7: Techniques such as mindfulness meditation, setting clear goals, and employing "habit stacking"—pairing new habits with existing ones—can effectively enhance self-discipline. Q8: How does mental fatigue affect self-discipline?A8: Mental exhaustion can impair the brain regions responsible for decision-making and impulse control, making it more challenging to exercise self-discipline. Taking breaks and managing stress are important for maintaining self-regulation. Okay, now we need some specific step-by-step guidance:
One Set of Methods to Achieve Meaningful Self-DisciplineIn-Depth Analysis: Implementation Intentions ("If-Then" Plans) in Enhancing Self-DisciplineImplementation intentions, commonly referred to as "if-then" plans, are strategic tools designed to bridge the gap between intentions and actions. By formulating specific action plans that link situational cues ("if") to goal-directed behaviors ("then"), individuals can automate responses, thereby enhancing self-discipline and goal attainment. Clinical Evidence Supporting Implementation IntentionsA substantial body of research underscores the efficacy of implementation intentions across various domains:
Anecdotal Evidence Highlighting the Power of Implementation IntentionsWhile empirical studies provide robust data, individual anecdotes also illustrate the effectiveness of "if-then" planning:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Implementation IntentionsQ1: What are implementation intentions?A1: Implementation intentions are strategic plans that connect a specific situational cue ("if") to a goal-directed behavior ("then"), facilitating automatic responses to achieve desired outcomes. Q2: How do implementation intentions enhance self-discipline?A2: By pre-determining responses to specific situations, implementation intentions reduce the cognitive load required for decision-making, thereby streamlining goal-directed behaviors and enhancing self-discipline. Q3: Can you provide an example of an implementation intention?A3: Certainly. For instance, "If I feel the urge to smoke, then I will chew gum instead." This plan links the trigger (urge to smoke) with an alternative positive action (chewing gum). Q4: Are implementation intentions effective across different areas?A4: Yes, research has demonstrated their effectiveness in various domains, including health behaviors, academic performance, and habit formation. Q5: How can I create effective implementation intentions?A5: Identify a specific situation that may challenge your goal, and link it to a concrete action. For example, "If I encounter a dessert at a party, then I will choose a piece of fruit instead." Incorporating implementation intentions into daily routines can significantly enhance self-discipline, leading to improved goal attainment and personal development. Okay, that is all great stuff. But what about the reality of living life as an average person? Sure, there are super-stars we can look at, shining in the sky above us. But what about a real person? The Journey of Alex: From Chaos to Mastery of Self-DisciplineAlex was a 34-year-old marketing professional with a sharp mind, big dreams, and a glaring problem—an utter lack of self-discipline. On paper, Alex was successful, but in reality, life was an exhausting mess of missed deadlines, cluttered apartment corners filled with half-finished projects, and a sense of disappointment that never seemed to fade.  The Self-Discipline DeficitAlex's struggle with self-discipline had been a lifelong issue. School was a mixed bag—brilliant on essays written at the last minute, but terrible with long-term projects. In the workplace, it was the same story: Alex could pull off high-pressure presentations but failed at the steady, disciplined work required for real career growth. Outside of work, personal life wasn’t much better. Fitness goals? Abandoned after three weeks. Financial planning? Savings accounts started and drained for impulse purchases. Healthy eating? A cycle of bingeing on takeout and promising "next week will be different." Alex was deeply aware of the problem but always thought, I just need to try harder. The problem was, trying harder meant relying on sheer willpower—an approach doomed to fail. The Crisis: Hitting Rock BottomThe breaking point came in the form of a missed deadline—a massive deadline. Alex had landed a dream freelance project with a company that could be a game-changer. It required steady effort over six weeks, but predictably, procrastination took over. By the time the final week arrived, panic set in. A few all-nighters and gallons of coffee later, the project was still a disaster. The company pulled the contract, and Alex's professional reputation took a major hit. Sitting in the apartment, surrounded by empty coffee cups and unopened self-improvement books, Alex felt the crushing weight of failure. The realization was brutal: I cannot rely on myself. I am stuck in this loop. And I have no idea how to fix it. For the first time, the stakes became clear—this wasn’t just about productivity or minor inconveniences. This was about the kind of life Alex would lead. Would it always be scrambling to compensate for a lack of consistency? Would every goal slip through the cracks?  The Turnaround Moment: Seeking a Real SystemThis time, Alex didn’t make another vague promise to "do better." Instead, a question formed: What if the problem isn’t me? What if my method is broken? That night, deep in a rabbit hole of research, Alex stumbled across implementation intentions—the "if-then" method backed by science. The idea clicked immediately: I don’t need to rely on motivation; I need a plan that removes the need for decision-making in the moment. But a method alone wouldn’t be enough. Alex needed a system of self-discipline strategies to finally change. The Crawl from the Bottom: Implementing the Methods1. Setting Up "If-Then" Plans for EverythingThe first step was replacing vague goals with concrete, automatic decisions:
2. Thought Stopping & Mindfulness to Beat ImpulsesAlex had a habit of doom-scrolling social media when things got tough. Using thought stopping, Alex snapped a rubber band on the wrist every time the urge struck, immediately redirecting focus to the task at hand. Mindfulness practice helped, too. Instead of reacting to frustration with avoidance, Alex learned to notice the discomfort, sit with it, and move forward anyway. 3. Habit Stacking to Build MomentumBuilding discipline was daunting, so Alex piggybacked on existing habits:
These tiny actions snowballed.  4. Using the Strength Model of Self-ControlUnderstanding that self-discipline was a muscle made a huge difference. Alex started small, reinforcing simple daily habits before taking on major challenges. Instead of overhauling everything, the approach was gradual: Each success reinforced the next. The Inevitable Relapses & AdjustmentsOf course, setbacks happened. A stressful workweek led to old habits creeping back. Netflix binges replaced reading. Fast food returned. But unlike before, Alex didn’t see it as personal failure. This time, failure was part of the process. Instead of spiraling, Alex reviewed what went wrong and adjusted: ❌ Problem: Slipping into social media distractions. The Wins & The TransformationBy six months, Alex had developed real self-discipline. The transformation was clear: ✔ Work projects were completed without last-minute panic. The most shocking part? It no longer felt like a battle. Self-discipline had become second nature. The Fruits of Self-DisciplineA year after that moment of rock bottom, Alex landed an even bigger project than the one lost before—and delivered it on time, stress-free. With solid habits in place, self-trust grew. Instead of constant guilt and avoidance, Alex felt in control. The biggest realization? Self-discipline isn’t about willpower. It’s about systems. And once those systems were in place, everything changed.  Takeaways from Alex’s Journey✔ Self-discipline isn’t a personality trait—it’s a skill you build. Alex’s story isn’t unique. It’s the story of countless people who finally crack the self-discipline code—not by working harder, but by working smarter. What if you could, too? |
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