The pain of Discipline is always going to work out better than the pain of regret. I have always like what Wayne Dyer said, “Do not die with your music still in you.” We all have this beautiful symphony within us that needs to be expressed. Only through discipline can we be the best versions of ourselves. Unfortunately, most people never live out their full potential because their lives are so Chaotic. Many spend their last days wishing they would have taken better care of themselves, wishing that they spent more time with loved ones – wishing that they had been more disciplined and were better stewards of their life. – Dr. Jason Bergerhouse, D.C.
This was written by my good friend Dr. Ken Moger, D.C.
“Awhile back there was a lot of frenzy around Tiger Woods lifestyle choices, and it caused me to ponder it from the point of view: The Price of Discipline or Regret.
In life, there is a price to pay. We either pay the price of discipline or the price of regret. We pay these prices in all areas of life, our careers, relationships, health, spiritual development, and financial affairs. It is unfortunate that many of people, yours truly included, often fail to comprehend this simple law of life and its consequences. Life’s laws are just that … they do not care whether you agree with them or like them … they just are. They are totally insensitive to your whining or your hoping.
Let me explain. The laws that apply to all of life’s issues such as discipline, commitment, patience, integrity practice, self-control and focus. These laws either help us live with freedom, peace and harmony, or heartache, failure, regrets and misfortune as we move along the path of life. Much of the latter could be avoided (not all of it) if we would only understand, accept and integrate this simple truth into our lives.
The price of discipline are those daily doses of exercise, self-reliance, self-discipline and moderation in our life affairs, our eating habits, our relationship strategies such as open and honest communication, and managing our resources wisely.
The lack of these daily little disciplines accumulate day by day and year by year until each of us inherits the long-term consequences of these small yet recurring mis-deeds.
I have had many personal experiences where the daily lack of discipline one day came back and haunted me. I am discovering through these learning experiences that no one is immune to this law. Arrogance, ignorance or a combination of both are no excuse, and life really doesn’t give a twit if you claim any of the three as your master. Sooner or later we pay one way or another. Discipline weighs ounces, while regrets weigh tons.
The pain of discipline
is nothing compared
to the sting of regret.
One way to determine which you are paying is to:
- Pay Attention to your quiet, yet persistent, inner voice urging you to change something, anything, everything.
- Listen to the people around you: relatives, friends, associates, [your Chiropractor]. Are they trying to tell you something?
- Look at past areas of your life in which you have experienced regret of some kind. Are you repeating old behaviors?
- Tune in to life … its issues, demands, expectations, and all of the voices, signal and messages you are receiving.
- Spend time in quiet meditation or contemplation with no expectations or agendas. Just listen…
- Start a journal recording daily, your thoughts, feelings, fears, hopes, dreams, concerns. The evening is the best time for reflection… Play back the day: what worked, what didn’t. Remember no “why” questions, only “how” and “what.”
- Take a daily walk through the woods, a park or some other quiet place. Tune in, listen and observe. Arising early is the best time for this. Be thankful for what you already have; be specific. Think of what you want in your day that you have control over on some level. Then ask for God to take over those things you have no control over for that day.
- Seek out a mentor or coach who can help you see your personal blind spots. Are you truly using my services to their fullest?
My final thought for this article: Your life moves forward one step at a time. Each successive step you take brings you closer to harmony and peace or frustration and despair. So take each step carefully and thoughtfully.
In His Service,
Dr. Kenneth H. Moger, D.C.
As you learn these step to enable you to be more equipped and more effective, please consider who you woul dlie to share those things with and talk to the staff about those people or those groups. Let’s [work on creating] a healthier community.”
