11. The Student Creed (Part 2 of 3)

Master's Message children's class discussion topic of the week.

"I intend to develop self-discipline in order to bring out the best in myself and others".

Can anyone tell me what Self Discipline means?

It is the ability to:

Get the most important things done in life, even if you don't feel like it, without someone having to force you to do it.

The word is 'Self' discipline, which means that you get the important things done because you know how beneficial they are for you. You don't need your parents, teachers or Martial Arts instructors to force you to do it.

Important things that kids need to get done include homework, chores at home, and attending two Cobra Martial Arts lessons every week. Cobra Martial Arts training is hard work, but develops your body, mind and spirit, and will benefit you for the rest of your life.

Sometimes you may not feel like doing such important things because you want to do something less important and less beneficial for you and your future. Such things may include spending too much time on social media or computer games, or you may just be feeling lazy or tired.

Self-Discipline is also about not doing things that are bad for you, which will lower your quality of health and quality of life, such as eating junk food, smoking, vaping, drinking alcohol, or taking drugs.

"Bring out the best in others".

Is about helping other people to improve, especially those who need help. For example, you may give friends good advice to help them make better decisions and avoid unhealthy or dangerous habits or activities.

True martial artists are 'living examples' of Self Discipline and Self Mastery, and others like to copy them to improve their own lives. This way you teach others by example and don't even need to say a word. You may not even be aware of how many people are quietly watching you and becoming motivated to live a better life.

People who may need help to bring out their best include: - kids who get bullied - kids who don't fit in with the sheep, so get outcast - kids who don’t have friends - kids with special needs - kids whose families are in financial hardship, and can't afford lunch or school uniform

Encouraging friends to come to Buddy Week at Cobra Martial Arts, means that they will be able to learn how to improve their lives through our Body, Mind and Spirit training.

How can I improve my self-discipline?

Here are some tips to show you how to build self-discipline:

Write out your goals and dreams every few months.
Practice prioritising, which means, get the most important things done first.
Know your weaknesses and research how to improve them.
Be mindful of your urges, as these can become addictions. Stop as soon as you get the urge to do something unhealthy and do something beneficial instead.