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Articles
The Art Of Discipline
by Danick Buskermolen
There are few people that I know with infinite energy. Particularly when it comes to emotional energy. I know from my own experience and those close to me, it tends to be something we have limited amount of. Often in life, we have things occur to us, and we feel the need to defend or fight. Or we have a fight or flight reaction. It could be anything from an unjust parking fine, or something nasty somebody said about you behind your back, to some really challenging issues such as a nasty diagnosis or prognosis on a health condition, or a marriage falling apart.
Personally I have expended far too much energy in the past on things that really aren't that important in the larger scheme of things. I have poured my valuable energy, resources and passion into things that really won't have that great an impact necessarily in my life or the lives of anyone else. So why do I fight? It's the principle of the thing I tell myself, or I'm not giving up ground to anyone.
Can you guess what's driving me here? You guessed it. It's my ego and pride costing me. Now if you have the time and energy in your life, or it's your life purpose to stand up for the oppressed, that's one thing. But for busy people like me, there are much greater issues going on in my life right now than majoring in minors. There is a value for everything including my passion and energy.
Why fight a parking fine of $50 if it's going to cost you more in parking, letters, time off work etc to go to court and fight it. However, fighting a disease that could kill you if there are things you can do and it may extend the quality or quantity of your life, may be a valuable use of your energy and passion. Neither is wrong or right. If you are justified in your position, it may be worth it. Only you can assess that for yourself.
What I am suggesting is to think about each battle before you take it on and ask yourself some serious questions about the value long term of pursuing that course of action. Is it worth it? Will it matter ten or twenty years from now? Have I got too much else happening in my life right now, that I would be running on deficit energy?
For some people, fighting cancer with a poor prognosis is worth every minute of extra time they have. For others, spending what time they have left in a quality way with loved ones and pursuing life dreams of travel (whilst they still can) and being reconciled with themselves is more important to them. To die with dignity and peace is more important to them.
You may be thinking, ‘but it's not fair! Things like this shouldn't happen.' You're right! Some things are unfair and they shouldn't happen. But will it right the wrong for you to pick that battle. That is something we each need to decide for ourselves and there is no wrong answer.
Don't get me wrong. Sometimes we need to stand up and be counted. Apathy is in partnership with evil as far as I'm concerned. I greatly admire those who do stand up to bullies and for what's right. All it takes for evil to prosper is for good men to do nothing.
It boils down to what values you have chosen to define your life by. Sometimes what is not necessary to do is necessary not to do. We can't do everything, but we can do something and do it well. We need to stop spreading ourselves so thin so we can be more effective with the battles we do choose or feel lead to take up. If you have a passion for it, then that is a good sign and will fuel your energy for your mission. Or perhaps you could enroll or inspire others in your mission to work with you. It can then take on a life beyond you.
So be selective about what you take on. You can't do everything. But you can change the world in some way if you focus your energies and passion on one great thing. What are you passionate today? What aspect of this world can you change for the better today? Even if it only affects one person positively, what can you do? Count the cost and be selective about your battles. You can change the world. Go for it!
Yours positively
Danick Buskermolen
Life Coach Danick Buskermolen (www.maximisedfreedom.com) is a graduate of Hart Life Coaching and a charter member of Life Design Associates specialising in assisting people to breakthrough limitations, define values, philosophies and purpose and live a juicy life by design instead of by default. Danick is has a background as a successful salesperson, beauty therapist, world traveller, lifetime student of personal growth/development and education, graduate of Landmark curriculum, Toastmasters Speechcraft, author, poet, speaker and a committed Christian.
Contact the author, Danick Buskermolen
, at danick@maximisedfreedom.com
.