When we strive to discipline ourselves, we may falter and fail, sometimes repeatedly. Being disheartened, we may wonder, “Is all this struggle worthwhile? What difference will it make whether I discipline myself or don’t?” 

We may list several ways in which discipline can improve our life; still, that may not motivate us sufficiently. Where can we get the necessary remaining motivation? By looking outside of ourselves to our role in others’ lives. 

By our very existence in our corner of the world, we make a difference or at least we make a contribution toward making a difference. As long as we are undisciplined, our contribution remains less positive than what it can be, or may be negative. Therefore, we need to contemplate how our struggles to discipline ourselves can be about something bigger than ourselves: how a more disciplined me can make a greater positive contribution to family, to community, to country and ultimately to Krishna’s compassionate purpose for using us as instruments for helping others (11.33). 

By thus contemplating on our contribution, we can engage our entire self in our quest for self-transformation. What does engaging our entire self mean? 

There is a part of us that looks primarily for our self-interest; we engage this part in our quest when we contemplate how discipline will improve our life. But there is another part of us that primarily longs to contribute to something bigger than itself. And this part of us, being inspired by higher and nobler causes, can draw from within us reservoirs of determination that we didn’t know we had.  When we activate this part in our quest for self-transformation, we start seeing self-discipline as more worthwhile and therefore worth greater perseverance. 

One-sentence summary:

When discipline doesn’t seem worthwhile, look outside ourselves to appreciate how a more disciplined self can make a greater positive contribution to something bigger than ourselves. 

Think it over:

  • How can looking beyond ourselves increase our motivation for self-discipline?
  • List at least one specific area where you strongly want to contribute more positively.
  • List at least one specific way in which a more disciplined you can contribute better in that area. 

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11.33: Therefore get up. Prepare to fight and win glory. Conquer your enemies and enjoy a flourishing kingdom. They are already put to death by My arrangement, and you, O Savyasācī, can be but an instrument in the fight.

 

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