We all desire the respect of others. We want our siblings, parents, children, co-workers, and maybe strangers to respect us. However, it has become commonly held over the years that it is impossible to earn the respect of others if we do not first respect ourselves.
Self-respect is very vital for anyone who wants to be respected. Unfortunately, it cannot be faked or masked. If you have no self-respect, you do not have it.
Many articles and books are out there teaching people ways to acquire Self-Respect, many affirmations to recite, and things to say, but none of these things will matter or work if a critical ingredient is missing.
Without this ingredient, you can forget about self-respect. In my opinion, this vital factor comes before every other one; it is perhaps sixty per cent of the whole deal.
This key ingredient is Discipline.
Merriam-Webster dictionary defines Discipline as “to train or develop by instruction and exercise, especially in self-control”. Self-control is a synonym for Discipline, and it is one of the qualities one must possess to become a person who isn’t just respected by others but by self.
Having control over oneself is the ultimate proof of civilization. Without self-control, humans are no different from animals giving in to their every whim and desire.
Discipline keeps you grounded and pushes you to leave for the gym even when you do not feel like it. Discipline is what helps you beat procrastination and aids punctuality. Without Discipline, you cannot live up to your integrity and convictions, and you can never be respected if you don’t stay aligned with your beliefs and practice what you preach or claim to represent.
Discipline does not sneak up on one overnight, especially if it hasn’t been a solid foundational characteristic. Like a muscle, the field is built and strengthens with time.
An excellent way to strengthen your discipline muscles is to practice. Practice Discipline and restraint every day and in everything until it becomes a part of you and you no longer feel like you are practising. Yes, you might fail and falter, and you most likely will. Please don’t dwell on it too much when that happens; pick yourself up and keep trying.
Getting an accountability partner is great, but the best accountability partner you can have is yourself. People can only do so much, but you know yourself best and can hold yourself accountable; also, this is a great way to develop rapid Self-Respect.
