Devoted

When you hear the word "discipline" what comes to mind? 

Do you think of it as a verb - like something you do to someone else, as in parents disciplining a child?

Do you think of it as a noun - as in self-discipline?

Does the word "discipline," feel punishing to you?

It did to me. 

At some point last year, I noticed there were many areas of my life where I needed more discipline - eating, exercising, writing, finishing home projects, staying organized, responding to emails. And yet, discipline didn't seem to motivate me. I noticed a resistance in me toward the word "discipline."

So I started thinking a little deeper about what would motivate me to do these things, knowing I would feel better if I could find the discipline to do them. Then it hit me.

If I was devoted to my health, I would make better food and exercise choices. If I was devoted to helping people, I would write more to share my work. If I was devoted to order and calm in my home, I would finish house projects and stay organized. If I was devoted to connecting with people, I would feel more motivated to return emails. 

Devoted replaced discipline. Being versus doing.

I began to look at things as a devotion to something good instead of feeling like discipline was a punishment for something I was failing. A devotion to something bigger actually helped me find the discipline to do the task. To me, discipline feels like a push to do something, and devotion feels like a pull to do something. Try this simple practice below and see what you notice. 

Devoted

Old Thinking:
I need more discipline to _______.

New Thinking:
I am devoted to _________.

Old Thinking:
I should _________.

New Thinking:
I am devoted to ________.

What are 5 things or people you are devoted to?

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Now think about how the tasks you "should" do serve those priorities. Did you notice that when you think about it in terms of devotion, the "should" fades away and authentic desire replaces obligation? 

“People think I’m disciplined.
It is not discipline. It is devotion.
There is a great difference.”
Luciano Pavarotti, opera singer, 1935-2007

Experiment with shifting out of discipline and into devotion. Then see what you notice about your levels of motivation. This is a helpful mindfulness tool when you feel frustrated, resentful, burdened, stressed, or self-shaming for not accomplishing more. If you are spinning your wheels blaming yourself for not having discipline, try looking at a bigger picture toward being devoted to a higher cause. 

The latin root of the word devoted is vovere which means to make a vow or dedicate. Dedication feels better than discipline too. If the word devotion doesn't work for you, try dedication. Rise out of self-punishing behaviors and you will see motivation appear. It amazes me that this stuff really works! I'm devoted to sharing it with you! 

Sending you love,