Being able to control your reactions, desires, and emotions is one of the most useful traits a person can have. It is a trait that will make things a lot easier for you in your professional and personal life. While most people realize how important it is, only a few people actually look for ways to make themselves more disciplined.
Of course, being a disciplined person is a lot easier said than done. It can be difficult to reach the level of mental control it takes to remain disciplined at all times, but it is something anyone can attain if you constantly work on it.
It is common for people to assume having self-discipline means living a limited lifestyle or being harsh on yourself, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Perhaps, a better word for self-discipline would be self-control since that is what we are really talking about here. Self-discipline does not mean restricting yourself or lifestyle in any way; rather, it is a sign that you are in control of your actions and reactions. It is the ultimate sign of inner strength.
Self-control gives you the power to follow through on your word and decisions without losing motivation along the way. It is a trait that most successful people have in abundance. It gives you the strength to kick bad habits and addictions, avoid procrastinating, and, most importantly, the willingness to persevere when things get tough.
The possession of these traits enables you to persist with your decisions and plans until you eventually accomplish them.
Training martial arts is a good way for adults and children alike to learn self-discipline. It is one of those things that comes naturally with regular training and dedication to a martial art. Of course, martial arts classes teach you many other things besides discipline.
Other benefits of training include:
- Self-defense skills
- Improved physical fitness
- Increased energy
- New support system
- Reduced stress
Why Does Martial Arts Training Make People More Disciplined?
Contrary to what you might have seen in action movies, martial arts is not about dominating your opponents with your physical attributes. Rather, these ancient combat styles are all about controlling your opponent using your techniques, perseverance, and physical tools in a controlled manner.
Martial arts is all about defeating your opponent using the best strategy possible. Sometimes, leaning on your physical strength might be the easiest way to victory against some people, while your ability to set traps might be the most effective way for you to overcome other opponents.
The constant need to analyze things and respond to your surroundings, plus the controlled movements involved in martial arts all help improve your self-discipline.
Other aspects of martial arts that build your self-discipline include:
1) Constant Training
The only way to progress through the belts in martial arts is through regular training and practice. There are always new techniques, drills, and setups to learn regardless of how advanced your skills become.
Training regularly and intensely requires self-discipline on your part. What makes it easy to stay disciplined during your martial arts journey is the constant growth that comes with regular training. You can literally feel yourself getting better as the weeks go by. That ends up serving as extra motivation to get even better.
Learning martial arts also teaches you to be patient since your growth occurs in baby steps.
2) Clear Goals
Martial arts teaches you to set attainable goals.
When you train martial arts with a competent instructor, you will be given clear goals that he/she expects you to accomplish. Do not worry, your instructor has trained other students in the past. You will not be given huge goals that take years to accomplish.
That’s not how it works when you train martial arts.
Instead, your instructor will come up with a series of goals that lead to what you hope to accomplish as a martial artist. You gain a newfound appreciation for the importance of self-discipline as you accomplish each goal, moving a step closer to your main objective.
How Self-Discipline Helps Your Personal And Professional Life
Having self-control will pay dividends in your personal and professional life. As children, we all had the luxury of having parents, family members, and teachers constantly fussing over us, reminding us of all the important things we had to do, but once you’re an adult that becomes your responsibility.
Many people have a hard time transitioning into that newfound role when you suddenly become responsible for your actions. That can significantly affect how much success you enjoy later in life. Successful people tend to be the ones who are self-motivated. These are the people who always find a way to show up at work regardless of how tired they are or the student who never fails to submit coursework on time.
Here are some other ways having self-discipline makes life a lot easier:
- Prevents you from acting impulsively and rashly
- It makes it easier for you to fulfil promises to others and yourself
- It helps you overcome laziness
- It gives you the strength to continue working on things after the excitement has worn off
- It makes it easier for you to stick with your workout and diet routine
- It reduces the amount of time you spend on unproductive tasks like watching TV
- Helps you to overcome addictions
- Gives you the strength to keep up with coursework in school
- Helps you to stay on top of your responsibilities at work
- Makes it easier for you to constantly work on improving yourself
- Makes you a more dependable friend and employee
These are just some of the numerous benefits of having self-control. It is never too late to learn self-discipline and start reaping its rewards immediately.
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If you have any other questions regarding Evolve MMA and the programs we offer, you can get in touch with our membership executives at the following locations:
Evolve MMA (Far East Square)
26 China Street
Far East Square #01-01
Singapore 049568
Phone: (65) 6536 4525
Evolve MMA (Orchard Central)
181 Orchard Road
#06-01 Orchard Central
Singapore 238896
Phone: (65) 6536 4556
Evolve MMA (KINEX)
11 Tanjong Katong Road
#02-52 KINEX
Singapore 437157
Phone: (65) 6288 2293
Evolve MMA (Clarke Quay Central)
6 Eu Tong Sen Street
#04-18 Clarke Quay Central
Singapore 059817
Phone: (65) 6536 4525
Evolve MMA (Star Vista)
1 Vista Exchange Green
#02-26A The Star Vista
Singapore 138617
Phone: (65) 6539 9590
