Career Advice: Self Discipline helps

Kishore

(September 2002)

I wanted to share a little self discipline I followed which helped me a lot in making of my career. When I was around 15 years old and entered into Intermediate college (11th and 12th standard) I felt that this period is crucial for my future.

My mind thought like this: My life may span 100 years. What I do in first next few years i.e. up to age of 20 will determine how I will spend rest of my 80 years. I felt if someone works hard in early stages of life, then they can lead a relaxed life later. I felt these two years are most critical to my life and I resolved to make best out of it.

Making a resolution and sticking to it

I was not a very intelligent student. I work hard and I feel that is what helped me in my studies. And I don't know what else went on in my mind during that period but somehow I made myself a promise that I will study very hard for next two years and will keep myself away from all entertainment especially movies and TV. It was a self imposed discipline. No one in my family forced me to do it or no one influenced me. It was a promise to myself which I am proud of.

During these two years I just concentrated on my college and tuitions and studies. Sticking to this resolution I didn't watch even a single movie and watched very little TV. My parents told me not to be so stubborn and asked me to go to movies once in a while. But I stuck to my resolution. Due to my hard work I earned top rank in college during that period and it also paved the way to success in Engineering Entrance exam which shaped my career. During this period I also worked very hard, I used to study late into night and used to fall asleep while at my desk. 

Only after completing the two year college education and all examinations I went to movies.

Importance of this resolution

Though this might appear a silly resolution to make, it helped me shape my character.

I realized that I have the potential to stick to my resolution if I know it is right. This early discipline and success helped me believe in myself. I believed in myself that I can make my own proper decisions.

Summary

I feel self-induced discipline works better than forced discipline for a child. But how to make a child make such a resolution? By motivating them and training them. Give them inspiration how successful people worked hard to become what they are. If I am ever asked to give advice to a child who is struggling I will narrate this self discipline as an example from which they can learn.