Self-discipline is a behavioral trait that people acquire through learning and experience. Whether at home or school, the best time to impart self-discipline to someone is when they are still young. All the adults in a young person’s life should participate by encouraging and modeling this. 

Why is self-discipline important?

Well, if you keenly follow the stories of most successful entrepreneurs, employees, and global award winners, self-discipline emerges as the strongest virtue they harbor. It is also true in all careers, including academic matters. There is also no doubt that, for instance, becoming among the best hardworking PapersOwl writers means you must not only be knowledgeable, but also self-disciplined. Whatever your job, field, and career, self-discipline is required for success.

There are plenty of reasons why every student should cultivate self-discipline. They include the following:

• With self-discipline, a student can complete their assignments on time, because they will know that procrastination is not a path to success. 
• Studies have shown that self-disciplined students attend more than the minimum lectures/lessons threshold. Absenteeism isn’t a problem for a student with a clear sense of self-discipline.
• Moreover, a high level of self-discipline can help a student to steer clear of social problems, such as substance abuse and negative peer influence. 
• Self-discipline helps learners work toward achieving important goals, whether they are educational or work-focused.
• Self-discipline is especially important in the field of music. Remember having to practice your piano or instrument? When did it become a joy instead of a chore? Anything can become a habit after 26 days…including self-discipline.

How teachers can help students acquire self-discipline

Thus far, being self-disciplined is one of the best tools students need in their personal toolbox to succeed in academics. But, here is the catch. How can teachers help their subjects acquire this important trait? Well, teaching students self-discipline can be painstakingly difficult or easy, depending on how you go about it. 

Help students appreciate the need to plan ahead

If you fail to plan, the chances of failure are always very high–almost 100 percent. Because teachers should have everything prepared before walking into their classrooms, it is important that they pass the same trait to students. The best and most effective way students can deliver on projects in a timely manner is to plan everything beforehand. Thus, planning is a vital ingredient of discipline.

Help students understand the importance of moderation 

Self-regulation is another effective way to learn self-discipline. For example, people should understand that good things do not just happen by chance but come through hard work. It is better to work toward a goal or project deadline all along, rather than to rush everything and fail. Remember, all things in moderation…including time spent on homework! 

Emphasize the importance of play

A well-balanced life is key to success in all things. Play is critical to creativity, and is also a good outlet for energy! As well, play encourages collaboration. It’s easier to work hard on your projects when you know you also have time to play…and that play is just as important as working hard.

Let students learn about consequences that come with indiscipline 

Poor decisions abound, and every action begets consequences. However, when it comes to helping students learn how to build self-discipline, it is imperative to be kind. You don’t want to teach a lesson in a negative way. Whether it is denying students access to certain privileges until they are through with assignment or helping them learn through struggles that come with indiscipline, consequences are often the best teachers. It is learning through experience. 

Shape behavior by modeling it 

Just like attitude, shaping and changing behavior takes time. And for a student in the early stages of schooling, it is imperative teachers do not only exercise restraint when it comes to punishing misdemeanors but also employ ‘shape behavior’ strategy. Help students define what is self-discipline and, most importantly, understanding it through illustrative examples and modeling good behavior.