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Views Last 30 days : 4235Have you ever noticed how basic discipline seems to be fading away these days? With constant digital distractions and fewer boundaries in our daily lives, maintaining discipline has become increasingly difficult for many. Not only adults but also young people are showing signs of declining self-discipline. This is especially concerning because discipline plays a crucial role in shaping our character and interactions.
As a society, we seem to have forgotten its importance. Parents and caregivers are often too caught up in their own lives to set boundaries or model healthy habits for their children. I’ve also noticed that many parents today avoid correcting their children when they misbehave, which only reinforces the issue. In today’s post, I’d like to share some essential discipline practices that I believe everyone should adopt. These habits have helped me personally, and I’m confident they can benefit anyone looking to improve their self-discipline and interpersonal skills.
✅ Avoid Using Your Phone at the Table During Meals or Drinks
When you’re out for a meal or a drink, keep your phone off the table. Using it during meals can be both disrespectful and distracting, disrupting meaningful conversations. By putting your phone away, you can engage more deeply, build stronger relationships, and truly enjoy the moment. Plus, you’ll savour your food and drinks without unnecessary digital interruptions, allowing for a more relaxing dining experience.
✅ Adapt to Different Environments
Knowing how to carry yourself in different settings—whether in professional environments, exclusive events, or social gatherings—is a key discipline everyone should master. Your attitude, behaviour, and communication style influence how others perceive you. By being mindful of your conduct and adjusting accordingly, you can make a positive impression and build strong connections.
✅ Repay Borrowed Money Promptly
If someone lends you money, make every effort to repay them as soon as possible. Doing so shows appreciation, responsibility, and respect. Failing to pay back promptly can lead to awkward situations and strain relationships. Being financially responsible strengthens trust and prevents unnecessary conflicts.
✅ Don’t Invite Yourself to Events
If you’re not invited to an event, don’t ask to attend. Respecting others’ boundaries and decisions is essential for maintaining healthy relationships, even if it means missing out on an event or gathering. Asking to be included can put people in an uncomfortable position, feeling obligated to say yes. Instead, appreciate their choices and wait for an invitation if it comes.
✅ Always Carry Cash
Carrying cash can be useful in situations where card payments aren’t accepted or when internet connectivity is poor. It also helps with budgeting, reduces the risk of fraud, and acts as a backup in case of lost or stolen cards. Keeping some cash on hand is a simple but practical habit.
✅ Put Your Phone Away When Someone is Talking to You
Giving someone your full attention when they’re speaking shows respect and consideration. Checking your phone during a conversation can make the other person feel unimportant. By being present and engaged in the conversation, you demonstrate that you value the other person’s time and effort, which can help build trust and rapport in your relationships. This can improve the quality of your conversations and help you deepen your connection with others.
✅ Be Mindful of Your Gaze
Avoid looking at someone from head to toe—it can come across as judgmental or objectifying. Show respect and consideration for the other person’s feelings and privacy. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their appearance or what their social status is. This can help make your interactions more positive and respectful, as well as build trust and understanding between you and other people.
✅ Show Gratitude to Service Workers
A simple “thank you” can go a long way. Service workers—whether they clean, cook, deliver, or fix things—often go unnoticed despite their hard work. Acknowledging their efforts fosters kindness and appreciation, creating a more respectful society. It can help people from different backgrounds or cultures connect and break down social barriers, making the world a better place for everyone.
✅ Practice Good Hygiene
Good hygiene is not just about personal comfort but also about consideration for those around you. Regular showers, deodorant, oral care, and clean clothing prevent discomfort and make social interactions more pleasant. Prioritizing hygiene reflects self-respect and courtesy toward others.
✅ Be Considerate When Someone Treats You
When someone treats you to a meal or activity, it’s important to be considerate and mindful of their generosity. Ordering the most expensive item on the menu can convey a sense of entitlement and ingratitude, which can be off-putting and disrespectful. Instead, it’s better to choose a reasonably priced option or ask for the host’s recommendation. This shows appreciation for the gesture and allows everyone to enjoy the experience without any unnecessary discomfort or awkwardness.
✅ Don’t Take the Last Piece if You Didn’t Buy It
When it comes to communal food items, such as a shared pizza or box of doughnuts, it’s important to practice consideration and respect for others. Eating the last piece of something you didn’t buy can be seen as rude and inconsiderate towards others who may have been looking forward to having it. By leaving the last piece for someone else or asking if anyone wants it before taking it, we show respect for others and create a more positive and inclusive environment.
✅ Take Only What You Need
Taking more than you are supposed to, whether it’s food, supplies, or anything else, can be seen as selfish and disrespectful towards others who may need or want it as well. It’s important to be mindful of others and practice self-control to ensure that everyone has access to what they need and to prevent any unnecessary waste. By following this basic discipline, we show consideration for others and promote a more fair and sustainable society.
✅ Stand When Shaking Hands
Shaking hands is a common gesture of greeting or farewell, and it’s important to do it respectfully. When meeting someone, always stand up to shake their hand. Sitting down while shaking hands can be perceived as disrespectful or indifferent. Standing up demonstrates attentiveness and respect for the other person.
✅ Don’t take credit for work you didn’t do.
Never take credit for work you didn’t do. Integrity and honesty are crucial for building trust and professional relationships. If you try to take credit for someone else’s work, they may become resentful and distrustful, which could have a negative impact on your career. On the other hand, giving credit where it deserves can build strong relationships with colleagues and demonstrate integrity and professionalism.
✅ Dress Presentably
How you present yourself affects how others perceive you. It also demonstrates that you have self-respect and take pride in your appearance. However, it is important to note that dressing well and being presentable does not necessarily mean conforming to societal standards or spending a lot of money on clothing. It is more about taking care of your personal appearance and making an effort to look your best in any given situation. Additionally, being presentable can boost your own confidence and help you feel more prepared for whatever situation you are facing.
✅ Respect Other People’s Differences
This basic discipline is important because it promotes a culture of inclusivity and respect for diversity. By respecting other people’s race, religion, culture, or any other differences, you show that you are open-minded and willing to learn without judging. This can help create a positive and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. It can also foster better relationships and help build bridges between different communities. Additionally, respecting diversity is a fundamental human right and is necessary for a peaceful and harmonious society.
✅ Stay Humble—Avoid Bragging
Nobody likes a braggart. Humility is a key discipline that allows you to connect with others on a genuine level. Instead of boasting, share your accomplishments with gratitude and let your actions speak for themselves.
✅ Don’t Exploit Others Financially
Be mindful of other people’s money, especially if they are helping you. Taking advantage of someone else’s money can strain relationships and lead to trust issues. It’s important to be transparent and communicate about financial matters and avoid making unreasonable requests or taking advantage of someone’s generosity. Remember to be responsible and respectful when it comes to money matters, and always consider how your actions may affect others.
Final Thoughts
Discipline isn’t just about rules—it’s about respect, self-awareness, and building meaningful relationships. These small yet impactful habits can help create a more respectful, considerate, and harmonious world. By practicing basic discipline, we not only improve ourselves but also inspire those around us to do the same.
X, Hani. ❤
