How Feelings Shape Our Commitment
Think about discipline for a moment. What images come to mind when you close your eyes and consider the word? Sheer willpower or never faltering, right? Discipline is often viewed as a matter of sheer willpower, but emotions play a vital role in shaping our ability to stay committed to our intentions. This is a fascinating and welcome revelation for a team who loves immersing ourselves in emotional literacy and understanding what our emotions are saying (because they provide valuable feedback).
From self-doubt to frustration, the emotional challenges of discipline can derail even the most determined individuals. How would you feel if we told you you could develop that discipline muscle into a sustainable and empowering practice? All it takes is understanding and regulating our emotions.
Emotions such as self-doubt often emerge when facing setbacks, creating an internal dialogue of inadequacy that chips away at motivation. Similarly, frustration can arise when progress is slow, or the path is unclear. If our emotions are left unchecked, these feelings can lead to avoidance behaviours or giving up altogether. If we know our sisterhood, we're not leaving anything unchecked.
A study in the paper "Emotion" highlights that individuals who practice strategies like cognitive reappraisal—this is what we just did in re-framing negative thoughts—can better stay on track toward their goals (Gross & John, 2003).
Self-compassion has just entered the chat. It's another critical key to disciplined behaviour. According to Dr Kristin Neff, self-compassion involves treating oneself with kindness during difficult moments. This reduces the likelihood of harsh self-criticism that often leads to burnout. Practising self-compassion helps us recover from lapses in discipline and refocus on our goals as we suspend judgment.
Practical steps to incorporate emotional regulation and self-compassion include simple mindfulness exercises: journaling to process emotions and seeking support when needed. Yes, we can build the muscle needed to sustain commitment in the face of challenges by acknowledging and addressing the emotional side of discipline.
References:
Gross, J. J., & John, O. P. (2003). Individual differences in emotion regulation: Implications for affect, relationships, and well-being. Emotion, 3(2), 211-226.
Neff, K. D. (2003). Self-compassion: An alternative conceptualisation of a healthy attitude toward oneself. Self and Identity, 2(2), 85-101.