Self Discipline; A Requirement for Academic Success

Harry Truman, the 33rd President of the United States in his biographies of great men said, " the first victory greatmen had, was the victory over themselves". Self discipline is a serious challenge to mankind because we are naturally lazy, greedy, ambitious, selfish, ignorant and vain. This is the most difficult battles we may ever face in our lives: the battle to take control of our selves.
This battle is an internal one, that is why Pastor Sam Adeyemi said, "the journey from rags to riches is an internal trip". Self discipline is the ability to do things that you don't like to do when you should do them and how you should do them, so you can get what you want.
The Greek meaning of self discipline is "to grip" or "take hold of". self discipline is the ability to have a grip on those areas of your life which would bring you success. Over the years i have watched top students in schools and i realized they had a good measure of discipline in the following areas.

1. Pleasure; they don't eat, play much, they don't engage in drugs (alcohol and cigarette), and the       don't keep meaning less relationships.
2. Concentration; they keep their concentration in class no matter the distraction, they have time       to study
3. Habits; they don't engage in habits such as film/music video watching, video games, fighting,           gossiping etc
4. Spiritual; they usually have reverence for God.

Dear students as you get set to resume another academic session, ensure that you are equipped with this virtue called self discipline. Succumb to the principle of "pay now and play later". Self discipline is a never ending battle we have to fight. Start winning yours now. I believe the race to get to heaven is a race of self discipline!

Success is yours, go get yours.