A Matter of Principle: Self-Discipline is a necessary tool

By QAROL PRICE

“I could only achieve success in my life through self-discipline, and I applied it until my wish and my will became one.” — Nikola Tesla

I know you’ve been wondering what’s on tap for the August edition of Johnston County Public Schools character education spotlight. Self-discipline will be under consideration during this month when our children return to school.

It seems fitting that students would kick off the school year by sharpening the tools that will help them achieve their educational goals. Possessing self-discipline is like having a superhero’s “ring of power” that unlocks ever-higher levels of fearless inner strength, the kind that is needed to face all the challenges posed by school life.

But self-discipline is not just a tool for accomplishing academic goals. Being able to master one’s behavior is indispensable to all ages and stages of life.

The trouble is that self-discipline is rapidly eroding while the culture lacks the will to push back against the endless barrage of temptations. As more and more temptations and (suspicious) distractions are readily available, individuals succumb to immediate gratification, abandoning self-control. In a society which celebrates and encourages instant gratification, the habit of exercising self-discipline has taken a backseat.

Notice how the weakening of self-discipline has a significant impact on personal well-being. Overindulgence in unhealthy foods, excessive screen time and a sedentary lifestyle have contributed to a rise in obesity rates and related health issues. Furthermore, the lack of self-discipline can affect mental health, leading to increased stress, anxiety and depression. The inability to delay gratification and make long-term beneficial choices ultimately hinders personal growth and fulfillment.

The erosion of self-discipline also has broader consequences for societal progress. As individuals favor immediate pleasures over long-term goals, productivity and quality suffer.

Procrastination and a lack of focus set in, hindering innovation, creativity and the pursuit of excellence. Additionally, the decline in self-discipline can lead to a culture of entitlement, where individuals expect instant rewards without putting in the necessary effort, thus compromising overall societal welfare and progress.

To an enormous extent, consumerism plays a role in the decline of self-control. Advertisements and corrupt marketing strategies constantly target consumers' desires, exploiting their vulnerabilities and weakening their ability to resist impulsive purchases.

The pervasive influence of consumer culture promotes the idea that happiness can be bought, further fueling the cycle of instant gratification and reinforcing the erosion of self-discipline.

So how do we turn this around? It starts with an awareness of the problem which I have touched upon here. We as individuals, families and communities must name our core values and work together to cultivate and uphold their practice and observance. With increased thought and attention to these values, we encourage the achievement of powerful virtues which in turn promote life, liberty and a wiser pursuit of happiness.

Next Month: Respect

Qarol Price is a writer and educator. She has taught philosophy to children in Johnston County Public Schools and in Harlem in New York. She is a resident of Selma.