Self-discipline is a trait displayed by ALL successful people, across all fields from sport to business to academia.
Self-discipline is the product of persistent willpower whereas willpower is the strength and ability to carry out a certain task. Self discipline is the ability to carry it out routinely and even automatically (as if through reflex). Self-discipline is, to some extent, a substitute for motivation, where one uses reason to determine the best course of action that opposes one’s desires. Virtuous behaviour is when one’s motivations are aligned with one’s reasoned aims. Continent behaviour, on the other hand, is when one does what one knows is best, but must do it by opposing one’s motivations. For most of our students, the work done in the classroom requires continent behaviour, while out on the training pitch, virtuous behaviour is more prevalent.
Discipline is also a trait which cannot be turned on or off, or applied in some pursuits but not in others. This is the challenge currently facing a number of our students. What happens in the classroom affects what happens on the training pitch and vice-versa. Those who are highly motivated and driven in the football program are almost always the high performers in the classroom. This is no coincidence. This is why our teachers and coaching staff are working together to ensure a strong link between thee classroom and football pitch. If you demonstrate a poor work ethic or don’t complete class work, expect it to affect your work in the football program, be it through missed games or training.
A wise man (Paul) once told me, “In life you have the right to chose your actions. What you don’t have the right to choose are the consequences of those actions.”
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