Self Discipline

Dr Aamir Kanji

(Dar es Salaam, Tanzania)

A lot has changed over the course of history. People have evolved in different ways. Culture, education, use of technology, economies, are just among a few mentioned here. Populations have increased exponentially over the last decade. This means diverse minds of different generations have been able to contribute to the growth of humanity. Education systems have been progressing in order to meet the needs of all mankind including those with disabilities. Economies have developed in numerous ways creating employment opportunities to our growing population. Furthermore, technological advancements are something we have all been involved with no matter our age group. In many ways human beings have learnt to adapt to the growing systems. We are part of an evolutionary chain of events. As we continue to evolve the weak links get exposed and fade away. The strong ones live on to tell their stories.

It is important to note that change comes to us in different ways. Sometimes we adapt to the change well. However, some of us can’t or don’t and lose part of our value in this world. The key to be able to adapt to different aspects of the evolution process is to have self-discipline. As Jim Rohn once said, “discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishments”. It’s how you get yourself to do what needs to be done to move forward and shine in life. Self-discipline is an important tool in the evolutionary process. It is the quality that separates the ones who succeed from the ones who fade away.

The big question is not about knowing what self-discipline is. Rather it’s about how you attain it and make it your essential tool for constant change. It’s a precarious factor whether you want to lose weight, eat better, workout more, expend less, be more industrious, procrastinate less, get promoted, be more optimistic, better manage emotions or improve associations. Let’s look at how we can be more self-disciplined.

Firstly, you need to find something that motivates you. You will be ready to work around the clock for something that you love but not when you don’t see its importance in your life. You need to know WHY you want to do something. This is what will keep you motivated and ahead of the rest in the competitive world of today.

As Warren Buffet, the well-known billionaire said once, “Make a list of a hundred things you want to do in your life. Then, pick the most important five things and forget about the rest”. We tend to get easily distracted with what this world has to offer. It’s time for you to step up to the table and offer something to the world that benefits you and it as well.

Furthermore, surround yourself with people who aspire to do greater and become better than who they were yesterday. This will help you to gain encouragement and pursue your goals valiantly. A man is known by the company he keeps.

In addition, to keep your self-discipline roaring you need to reward yourself when you accomplish your goals even if it’s a step at a time. Once you learn to acknowledge and celebrate the small achievements then only will you be able to keep your self-discipline intact to reach your destination. Go out with your friends, take that holiday you always wanted, watch a movie that interests you. You need to make yourself feel special. When you realize your own worth is when others will see it as well. Never be too hard on yourself. We are all learning at every stage in our lives.

Lastly, be grateful and content with what you have in your life. No one is telling you to live a substandard life. No one should tell you what to do if you can’t understand the purpose behind it. Keep your mind open to new possibilities and take more risks when opportunities avail themselves.

I would like to leave a short quote from Imam Ali (A.S). He said, “The best revenge is to improve yourself”. Silence your haters and ill-wishers with your progress.

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About the author

Dr. Aamir Kanji is a medical doctor who graduated from Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences in 2020. He is currently completing his internship at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam Tanzania.

He completed his formal education from primary to A levels in Al Muntazir Islamic Seminary. He has also attained a diploma in Hospital Management for health professionals from Muhimbili University in collaboration with the University of Applied Sciences in Neu-Ulm Germany.

He is also the administrator of the Quran department at the Husayni Madrasah Boys section based in Dar es Salaam where he also teaches various subjects such as Quran/Akhlaq and Islamic history. He has also completed a diploma in the teachers skills program which was catered by the World Federation and is recognised by the education board in UK.

He has also taken part in various community events including blood donation drives, health screening camps, marathon walks, astronomy events and many others. He has been an active member of the community in various bodies such as Development Society, Husayni Madrasah and Mahdi Health Initiative(MHI) and has published 3 versions of the Whitecoats Health Magazine which is released every year. He has been the chief editor of the magazine when it was released in 2019.

In addition he has taken part as the organiser in various community and non community programs over this short period of time.

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