Discipline: The Highest Form of Self-Respect
- Meenakshi
- Sep 1
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 31
When we think of self-respect, we often imagine confidence, boundaries, or standing up for ourselves. But one of the deepest ways to respect yourself is through discipline.
Not the harsh, military-style discipline that feels heavy and punishing — but the softer kind. The kind that says: “I value myself enough to take consistent care of my body, mind, and soul.”
In this sense, discipline becomes the highest form of self-respect. It’s how we honour our commitments, nurture our health, and create the life we truly want.
Why Discipline Feels Hard Sometimes
It’s easy to stay motivated on good days. But on the harder ones, when we feel tired, low, or uninspired, discipline can feel like an added burden.
This is where perspective matters:
Discipline isn’t about perfection.
It’s about gentle consistency.
Even showing up for 5 minutes is a victory — because in that moment, you’re telling yourself: “I matter.”
Every time you take a small action, you strengthen the neural pathways that support positive habits, and weaken the ones that feed laziness and procrastination.
Want to try commitment of a disciplined practice with Durga Yoga's Online Classes?
4 Simple Ways to Build Discipline (With Kindness)
1. Start Smaller Than You Think
Don’t aim for an hour of yoga or a 10 km run right away. Begin with 5 minutes, a short walk, a morning ritual before getting out of bed, a few stretches, a journal entry. Do it everyday for 40 days and you will start adding more time to it yourself. Consistency matters more than duration.
2. Anchor It to Something You Already Do
Pair your habit with something familiar. Example:
After brushing your teeth → do 5 deep breaths.
While waiting for your coffee → write down one intention for the day.
3. Remove Friction
Make the habit easy:
Lay out your yoga mat the night before.
Keep fruit on the counter, not chips.
Keep your journal at a place where you tend to pause, at the kitchen counter, under your pillow, at your dining table. The less effort it takes to begin, the more likely you’ll follow through.
This makes discipline effortless because it becomes part of your existing flow. Make it convinient, accessible and fix your time. This saves your energy and your brain doesn't get time to argue if you feel like or not..you just do it. By the time your brain starts an argument against it, you're already done.
4. Be Kind on Off Days
Discipline isn’t broken by missing a day. What matters is returning gently, without guilt. Self-respect means treating yourself with compassion, not criticism. This is year's of conditioning, don't expect it to go away so easily, your consistent efforts make the difference, not self bashing.
A Gentle Reminder
Discipline isn’t about restriction, it’s about freedom.Freedom from old patterns, from procrastination, from the heaviness of not keeping promises to yourself.
When you practice discipline with kindness, you’re telling your body, mind, and soul: “I respect you enough to show up.”
Reflection for you:
What’s one small action you can start today that feels like an act of self-respect?
Think over it, I would love to hear your thoughts if you feel like sharing or tag me on instagram to encourage others, attract people and build a community of people who wants to work on themselves but struggle with the same issues. You can start that. Doing it together lifts us all.
I came accross this video on Youtube some days ago, you might find it helpful:
With Love,
Meenakshi
Check our Offerrings page for something that might interest you
Comments