Growing healthy levels of self – discipline and routine isn’t easy. It takes commitment, determination, focus and time.

We can liken our personal development to growing a tree. A seed becomes a sapling and with the correct nutrients, it grows into a stunning tree – even if the seed is deprived, it still sprouts.

I’m sure you’ve seen pictures of determined trees: flourishing at impossible angles, or flowers in full- bloom; against the odds- in barely a thimble of soil.

Being self-disciplined is hard work; and even though we might be great with discipline and routine, in a professional capacity: applying it to, and for self- is hard.

For me, it was due to having very disciplined early years. I had much responsibility for my siblings when I was just a kid: I rebelled against many things in adult-hood: one of which was self- discipline.

Yet, I’m incredibly grateful, that at last I made friends with self-discipline and routine; I might add that I only made friends with this powerful pal about two years’ ago!

I was coy with “her” at first, often self-sabotaging my progress; until one day, it dawned on me just how helpful having self-discipline is. I started small, just like the vulnerable seed, and I believe this is the key: to pick one area per time that you’d like have self-discipline with. I chose physical exercise, my disability was worsening, so it felt as though it was tugging at my apron: to give it the attention it deserved.

For the first time in my life, I actually started using my right hand, as opposed to simply ignoring the fact that I am blessed to have two! I attempted, and failed numerous times, throwing a ball with it, and even though there is little strength in my right side; I kept on practicing, doing so daily until I achieved something like a normal throw. It dawned on me that my disability is neurological, so I figured repetition might make new connections in my brain. It was then that I realised I ought to try and stretch my body and limbs. So, for about eighteen months, every day I set myself the routine of simply stretching like a cat. During this time, I still occasionally faltered with self-discipline, but something had shifted in my thoughts: “Don’t cheat number one”- I’d say by way of keeping up my routine. But I needed more motivation, this is when I chose Blondie to help me. Not only do I love the group, but their feelgood tunes felt like they were spurring me on. It also enabled me to devote a decent amount of time for my exercise. Initially I worked to a five- song duration, my choice music helping me focus.

My own regime coincided with a short allocation of a few sessions with a physiotherapist.  They are highly professional, but not hands on. I was shown specific exercises pertaining to my injury, and in the four face-to face meetings, I made sure that my efforts would be commended: I already had good discipline in place, and through my own homemade work out, I also had a routine.

By the time I was discharged and referred by my GP to a specialist foot consultant: I was up to x 30 reps. For the last three months I’ve increased the reps to x 60.

I’m incredibly thankful to myself about my own attitude. I have since seen the specialist, bone doctor and one of my choices is surgery to help keep me mobile; the other is exercise, and a review in six months.

You might guess what I’ve chosen, my new friends self-discipline and routine!

 

I hope you find this helpful.

 

SUNNY wishes,

Emma x