By Chief Sam DiGiovanna
One of the first things to have before entering public safety is discipline. If you are not disciplined in the academy, (whether fire or law enforcement) you are bound to fail. Discipline is required even after getting hired. I recently listened to a sermon by Dr. Charles Stanley on discipline. Here are my take-aways:
Discipline is a practice of training oneself/someone to keep to a set of rules in order to attain a certain goal. Self-Discipline is a personal training that develops self-control and character which results in an orderly and efficient life.
You can desire many things in life (to become a public servant, great person, obtain wealth, to live a healthy and long life), but it is discipline not desire that determines your destiny.
No one likes discipline, however. Discipline is not something we like because it is not easy, and we all want a free life, but it takes only discipline to get you to your desired place in life. Your discipline or lack of it will determine your destiny in life here and in the life to come. Two kinds of discipline are required for our success in life:
- Spiritual discipline
- Self-discipline.
Self-discipline is a practice of self-control towards a particular goal.
Can you answer this question truthfully: In what area can I say am disciplined about?
If we can be self-disciplined in these 4 natural desires of human life, then other things we are subject to.
- What we feed on (Bodily; balance Diet, Soul; information we access, and Spiritual; the word)
- Rest/sleep
- Companionship
- Sex
All are good for us, but lack of discipline in any of these desires can mar destiny;( too much of rest, bad company, conduct/behavior unbecoming).
Discipline is a vital part of human life the failure for which may result in:
- Poor performance
- Slothful habits
- Reckless living
- Can ruin good reputation
- Waste time and energy.
- Causes mistakes.
To be disciplined in life, it is required of us to:
- Have a definite goal: What is your purpose in life? What do you want to be remembered for? You need to clearly set these and place value on them.
- Get attached to your goals and detached from distractions.
- Pursue your goal with diligence.
- You need to be consistent: no matter how many times you fail, don’t stop moving on.
- Always practice self control
Always learn to say “NO” to things that don’t add value to your life. If you are a disciplined person, You will:
- Be more productive
- Have a lifestyle that is more orderly and less stress.
- Have positive impact on others
- Open doors of opportunities.
Finally; Where you are today is a result of your thinking; either of things people place in you, or the ones you learnt over time.
Practice the act of discipline today, by placing value on things that matter to you in life and see your destiny coming to reality.
Here is the full audio from Dr. Stanley; https://lnkd.in/gsTamzHp
Sam DiGiovanna is a 35-year fire service veteran. He started with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, served as Fire Chief at the Monrovia Fire Dept and currently is the Chief at the Verdugo Fire Academy in Glendale. Passionate for public safety, he provides consultative work for Cordico and Lexipol www.Cordico.com & www.Lexipol.com as well as Fortress North America Fortress “If You Love What You Do, You’ll Never Work A Day In Your Life!”