Neither old age nor incapacitation was enough to stop this master from working. For Matisse, art was his life.
“Work cures everything.” — Matisse, Painter
The topic of discipline has been discussed in detail here already. We KNOW it’s important. And we could all use MORE of it. Then why do we still fail and fail so often in this department? The answer is entropy. In other words, it’s not your fault, but if you don’t want your behind kicked, you better think, work and battle.
“Extinction is the rule. Survival is the exception.” —
So, instead of re-emphasizing the value of discipline, we’ll talk about how we might get better at it — how to actually become more disciplined.
a) First, think about it in the right way.
Arnold Schwartzeneggar, seen here in the entertaining documentary Pumping Iron. Each repetition takes one closer to the desired result.
“Self-discipline is self-caring.” — M. Scott Peck, The Road Less Traveled
It’s critical to think of discipline in the right way. Not as a chore but as an opportunity. So that each time we do it, it strengthens who we’re supposed to be; it honors our truth. Knowing that every small action we take going forward — doing everything we can and everything we’re supposed to do — brings us one step closer to our dreams. Discipline is, in a way, remembering what you want. How is that not a positive and startling truth that inspires you to grab life by the collar?
b) Be deeply interested in things.
A page from one of Vincent Van Gogh‘s letters to his brother Theo. One of the most beautiful collections I’ve ever read, Van Gogh’s writings reveal with aching beauty what he saw and felt during his short journey on this earth.
“All excellent things are as difficult as they are rare.” — Baruch Spinoza, Philosopher
Being interesting — “being interested in things” — is rare. Very few people in this universe are truly disciplined enough to show a deep interest in anything. Looking at our heroes, what’s one factor above all that separates them from the pack? (hint: it’s not talent). That’s right, it’s their level of interest. The individual that is happier, more successful, living and doing what he loves and is really good at it, is someone who’s intensely passionate and thus completely devoted to his craft/cause. And that attitude of appreciation — which takes effort — permeates their entire being. The average mind is opposite; he’s lackadaisical, passive and even negligent towards most matters not immediately tied to his current obligations or pleasures. To him, his work/craft is like a light jacket he puts on and takes off easily. In contrast, the creative wears a much heavier coat or, perhaps more accurately, one that rarely comes off at all because it’s a part of him. He’s deeply interested in things and often times MANY things. He need not pursue or excel in them all, but he offers deep respect for each. Everything interests an interesting mind.
c) Know that you’ll get both short AND long term gratification.
Illustrator/artist Normal Rockwell seen here in his painting studio. Working on his craft brought him joy and meaning each and everyday.
“Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, magic, and power in it. Begin it now.” — W. H. Murray, Writer
What’s amazing about discipline is that once it’s engaged, we immediately feel good. We’ve made a deal with ourselves and kept it. How incredibly gratifying! How simple! And as these short-term gains mount day-in and day-out, our dedication molds our minds into towers of mental-emotional strength. Success and feelings of success is incredibly motivating. Knowing that we’ll feel that much better should we proceed, fighting off what writer Steven Pressfield calls resistance, is often the push we need to get over the hump.
d) Use it to measure priorities.
A page from the beautiful sketchbooks of Illustrator/artist James Jean. Jean draws and creates anywhere and everywhere. The pleasure in the process is evident in every pen stroke.
“Resistance is directly proportional to love. If you’re feeling massive Resistance, the good news is that it means there’s tremendous love there too.” —
All great things require work, so it’s not surprising that to contribute greatness for ourselves or society requires an equally great contribution from our personal being. Once something requires serious discipline, we KNOW immediately that it’s high priority. In fact, the amount of discipline required is often proportional to how important it is to take action. If we love something, we’ve got to work for it. After some experience living, I can honestly say I personally wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s one less decision to make.
e) Check and see periodically where you are.
“A jug fills drop by drop.” — Buddha
Like a master tracker in the forest, it’s both wise and practical to see if you’re on course. To track, chart & reward success is extremely important. No matter what it is — exercise, artistic development, social behaviour, etc — it can be recorded and assessed in some sort of manner. The scientific method is built on such objectivity. With a visual record of monitoring the trend, we can put both the negative influence of fear and anxiety into positive use. For example when I don’t draw/paint for a few days I feel very antsy, but when I see objective confirmation of my lack of activity, I get really perturbed — often enough to stop everything that I’m doing at the moment to go create. When it comes to discipline, consistency is everything.
f) Take a “no matter what” approach.
A hero to so many Martin Luther King Jr. was a testament of what it means to be disciplined, to live each day according his principles.
“I have so much to do today, I will need to spend another hour on my knees.” — Martin Luther King Jr.
Doing the right thing even when you’re tired, even when you’re hurting. Even if things get too busy, even if you missed the schedule and think it’s too late. Even when people aren’t watching. DO IT ANYWAYS. No more needs to be said.
Summary:
So if you want to be invisibly chained to the all-too-common sickness of inconsistency, complacency and conformity, then by all means ignore the Rule of Discipline. But if you want to raise your odds of living a better and more inspired life — a life committed to excellence and consistency, the kind achieved by numerous creatives despite mankind’s tumultuous history — then the ONLY OPTION is to abide by it.
“Some people regard discipline as a chore. For me, it is a kind of order that sets me free to fly.” — Julie Andrews, Actress
Up Next: