What does it mean to have discipline?
Expanding on the dictionary means, it means to be in a state of stability. To have obedience by training yourself to have and self-control.
I believe self-control comes from having positive habits which take you toward whatever goal you have set. Your repeat the action over and over till it becomes a part of you. You become discipline when you do the action. You do not waver when a challenge presents itself.
When you have discipline, you understand what works and what does not work for you. You are on track to accomplishing your goals and you continue to do more of what works.
When you are not disciplined, you go through the motions for one day, one week or ever a few months.
Unfortunately, some people fall back into those negative patterns. They start doing the activities that cause the personal disappointment.
For example, you start a diet and decide to cut out wheat based products, junk food and dairy. The idea of this sounds good and the goal seem obtainable.
Here is the catch, you must have disciplined if you are going to achieve your goal of cutting out these foods.
Most people are able to cut the foods for a small amount of time and see good results. Then the weekend comes, a party, get together, they go on a vacation or have to go out-of-town for work.
They decide to ease up on their diet and have a burger on a whole wheat bun with cheese and fries. They eat a bag of chips on the drive to their destination. You get the picture.
Discipline is about having the will power to not eat the food in the first place. If you do consume the food, then discipline is your ability to make positive changes for the next time you face a food decision, before you face the decision.
A life without discipline is not worth living.
Thoughtful writeup!
thank you @jaccie