Discipline who needs it?

We often hate to be told what to do. We want to chart our own path in life. Anyone who has raised teenagers knows how they resist direction, even though they know it’s in their best interests.

I’ve found young guys might rebel against discipline but once they realise that there are definite boundaries, they settle down and actually feel more comfortable focussing on their chosen direction.   

I have found, I have to have a coach to keep me answerable. So I get in and swim when the weather is less than perfect. So I do the hard intervals on the windtrainer. I actually enjoy having someone to push me. There is something inside every one of us that makes us, want to please the teacher, our parents, our coach. I guess I’m looking for some positive feedback. Even at 59yrs, I’m still trying to please my coach. 

I pay my coach more than I charge my athletes because he gives me more of a personal service. He has fewer athletes under his direction.

One of the main benefits I receive from my coach is discipline. He’s always checking my swim technique. I may feel like a winner, he tells me when I don’t look like one. I trust his judgement. We have worked together for about three years and have gotten to know each other well. He knows what I need and I know what he expects.

Each season he gives me four “get out of jail cards” to be used in those times when I just don’t have the energy to train and need to cancel. Each season, I get to the end with at least one card left. That’s the discipline he brings to the relationship.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a raw beginner or an experienced pro, you’ll gain more if you have someone to answer to who has your best interests at heart. Someone who holds you back when you need it and pushes you forward when you need it. Someone who pats your back or kicks your a*se when you need it. 

Those athletes who resist that discipline, simply are not committed to the goals they have chosen. If your ego stands in the way of your progress, you’ll never reach your potential.

The greatest heros in history have all been incredibly disciplined. There are so many examples of great leaders who have been so disciplined personally, that they inspired those who followed them, by their own example.  

One of the greatest stories I have read of discipline and leadership is that of, Earnest Shackleton’s Antarctic expedition. Set back in 1914, the expedition was lost for two years and every man survived due to the leadership and the discipline of the whole crew. There ship was crushed by the pack ice and they were left to drift on the ice pack. This was in the days before radios, gps and all of our modern navigational aids.

In fact discipline can be a very empowering experience. Our sport seems to attract people who thrive on discipline. If we can identify that quality in us that is strengthened by discipline and use the strengthening effect to build our confidence, we can tap into this great tool to benefit race performance.

Discipline is like a muscle, every time it’s exercised, it becomes a little stronger. It’s actually your mental strength which you’re exercising.