EQ Character Builder: Self-Discipline

 

                  An Emotionally Intelligent Note to Parents

 

                       I’m steering my own ship"

 

        Although we might refer to "having" self-discipline, more accurately, self-discipline is

practiced or exercised The most straightforward definition of self-discipline is, of course,

"disciplining (or training) the self" Like this lesson's saying, 'I'm steering this ship", self-

discipline implies that we self-control or self-regulate, that is, we are in charge of our own

behavior, feelings, and impulses.

         Self discipline can be viewed as having several related components:

       - the ability to delay gratification: Unfortunately, our behavior is more easily influenced

by small but immediate and definite rewards than it is by large but distant and uncertain rewards.

The ability to overcome this tendency is strengthened through the practice of self-discipline.

     - the ability to control impulses-to think before acting, rather than to act on impulse.

        - ability to regulate or control emotions-to use our minds to regulate our emotional

reactions, to recognize that how we think contributes to how we feel.

     - the ability to act according to a set of priorities-to put "first things first"

        - the ability to demonstrate reliability in performing our responsibilities-being able to

'just do it, "whether or not we 'feel like it."

       Self-discipline incorporates other character-bulging elements of emotional intelligence,

including impulse control, taking responsibility, and putting integrity into actiorL Having the

strong character of an emotionally intelligent person and being able to relate to others in an

emotionally intelligent manner both are impossible without the practice of sel~discipline.

        During this lesson, we helped the children develop their own definitions of self-discipline.

For example, a childs definition might be, "Making myself do the right thing, even when I don't

feel like it." We spent time developing and discussing with the children their own as well as our

definition of self-discipline. We also discussed the various ways that the EQ teachers as well as

the children practice self-discipline, along with some of the payoff for doing so.

 

Please review the above ideas with your child and then try the following exercises to reinforce the

EQ lessons at home:

 

        1. Discuss the various ways that you yourself have practiced self-discipline, along with

the outcomes you have experienced

        2. Remind your child when he or she needs to practice self-discipline,  that  "if  you  don't

 use it, you lose it, "or ask, "Who's steering your ship? "

 

 Thanks for having your chid participate.

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