Aviary Club Of Nigeria Public lecture on Personal discipline

Discipline: Personal Discipline

public lecture by Seyi TINDE

How disciplined are you?

Since the advent of mobile phones, I have observed that two vital virtues, trust and discipline have steadily eroded. Technology, while central to global progress, has in many ways become a tool for carelessness, dishonesty, and a gradual decline in personal accountability.

Back in the day, don’t get it twisted, I’m not that old, things were quite different. You could visit people unannounced and still meet them, because you knew where they were likely to be, or someone nearby could tell you where they had just gone and when they would return. There was order, there was trust, and there was discipline.

Fast forward to today, and the picture has changed. People lie over the phone with ease. How often have you heard someone say, “I’m on my way” when they haven’t even left home? It may sound small, but such dishonesty chips away at character.

And here’s a hard truth, anyone who is not disciplined cannot be trusted. To be disciplined is to be accountable, personal accountability takes discipline.

Accountability

Accountability is the principle of taking responsibility for one’s actions, decisions, and their outcomes, whether positive or negative.

Personal accountability

Personal accountability is the practice of taking full responsibility for your own actions, choices, and results without excuses or blame on others. We can’t talk about personal accountability without talking about Discipline.

What is Discipline?

Discipline is the practice of training your mind, body, and actions to follow a set of rules, principles, or values, whether imposed by yourself or by society. It is the ability to control impulses, stay consistent with commitments, and act responsibly even when it is difficult or inconvenient.

At its core, discipline is self-mastery. It is the bridge between goals and achievement, values and action, intention and reality.

Dimensions of Discipline

1. Self-Discipline

   
   

   • The ability to regulate your own behavior without needing external pressure.

   • Example: Sticking to a study routine, saving money instead of spending impulsively, waking up early to work on personal goals.

   
   

2. Social Discipline

   
   

   • Respecting laws, norms, and ethical standards in your community.

   • Example: Following traffic rules, being punctual, treating others with respect.

   
   

3. Moral Discipline

   
   

   • Staying true to values such as honesty, integrity, loyalty, and fairness, even when tempted to do otherwise.

   • Example: Keeping your promises, refusing to cheat or steal, standing up for what is right.

   
   

4. Professional Discipline

   
   

   • Consistency, commitment, and accountability in one’s career or craft.

   • Example: Meeting deadlines, respecting workplace ethics, and continuously improving in your field.

   
   

The Foundation of Discipline

Discipline is not just about keeping rules, it starts with the little things. Ask yourself:

• In your dealings, are you sincere?

• When you speak, are you truthful?

• Do you keep your promises and honour your commitments?

If you won’t do something, don’t say you will. Silence is better than being known for dishonesty. People are always watching, listening, and keeping mental notes.

Beyond Social Pressure

Many lose their sense of discipline under social pressure, justifying wrong actions with the phrase: “Everyone is doing it.” But discipline means standing firm in your beliefs, refusing to be swept away by the bandwagon mentality so prevalent in today’s society.

Being disciplined means being your best self always. It doesn’t take anything from you rather, it shows that you have value, character, and can be trusted.

Discipline and Loyalty

True discipline extends to loyalty, loyalty to your friends, family, colleagues, community, and even your country. Too many people believe their responsibility ends with themselves or their immediate circle. That is shortsighted. Whatever happens in your community or country will eventually affect you. To act responsibly is not only noble, it is self-preservation.

Discipline and Generosity

Yes, discipline also includes generosity. A selfish person is rarely disciplined because they fail to recognize that their progress was made possible, directly or indirectly, by someone else’s kindness. To care for others, to extend a helping hand, is a mark of discipline in action.

Be humble. Avoid selfishness and cruelty, for such behavior does not only hurt others, it erodes your own humanity and dignity.

In Conclusion: The True Test of Discipline

Discipline is more than self-restraint, it is a reflection of one’s character. To be disciplined is to:

• Treat people with respect

• Remain open-minded

• Be courteous and tolerant

• Be a responsible citizen

• Volunteer for worthy causes

• Be fair in judgment and balanced in thought

When you live with these values, you are not just disciplined, you are trustworthy, responsible, and a positive force in society.

In the end, discipline is not about perfection but about accountability, sincerity, and loyalty. It is about the values you hold and the legacy you leave behind.