Self-discipline: Is It a Skill or a Trait Determined by Genetics?

This is considered that some people are born with self-discipline and others are not, but this is not the case. It is possible to gain a deeper grasp of the bioSelf-disciplinef self-discipline, which is beneficial if you want to increase the amount of self-discipline you have in your life.

For the purpose of a study that was carried out in 2009, neuroscientists Todd Hare and Colin Camerer utilized functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to capture the activity that occurs in the brain of individuals while they are engaged in activities that require them to exercise self-control and discipline.

They discovered that there was a significant degree of activity in two parts of the brain termed the ventromedial prefrontal cortex and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex when individuals were making judgments based on the choices made immediately or in the future.

The findings of this research are quite significant because they underline the fact that we cannot decide to become more self-controlled and expect to be successful if we have not learned the skill earlier.

When you make healthy choices, self-discipline is increased; on the other side, making bad choices lowers self-discipline.

The Stanford experiment on delayed gratification:

This experiment took place in 1972. In this experiment it was discovered that the participants who found it easier to delay pleasure exhibited greater activity in the prefrontal cortices.

It was also revealed that the people who were able to wait gratification were more successful in all areas of life.

The study indicated that a decision as simple as selecting whether to eat a marshmallow immediately or later influenced the way they made decisions in adulthood.

The evidence from studies on self-discipline doesn’t indicate to genetic predisposition as to why some people have higher levels than others.

We may infer that self-discipline is a talent you can develop if you are prepared to put the work in.

Self-discipline and focus work simultaneously. You cannot master one without the other because discipline is the ability to focus on one course of action until that goal has been reached.

Willpower: In the same manner as the body gets fatigued after it has been put through a tough workout, will and self-discipline likewise strengthen after they have been put to work and worn down.

Therefore you need protect and replenish your willpower.

Willpower protection:

The main concern for the brain is survival. Therefore, the greatest method to establish self-discipline is to distance oneself from temptation. For example, if you are struggling with your nutrition, replace your pantry of harmful food with healthier alternatives and dinners.

Stress is another physiologic component that contributes to willpower. When we are under strain, the body protects itself by going into 'fight or flight mode. In this mood, we are more likely to act on instinct and do things without thinking.

The prefrontal cortex fails when we suffer stress, and the brain is only capable of focusing on short-term consequences.

The Benefits of Self-Discipline:

There are several benefits linked with self-discipline.

Self-discipline Raise your confidence: A self-disciplined person is confident because, regardless of where they are at that moment, they know that they are the best version of themselves. They are eating well, exercising, and working towards their goals.

They feel good because they are in the driver’s seat, and they know exactly where they are heading.

Build stronger relationships: Friendship and relationships are about trust. A person with self-discipline is always going to live by their words; if you ask them to keep a secret, they will.

You will cease being offended.

People are upset; it is because they are not self-assured; they don’t know where they are or what they stand for, and so they take criticism (even when it is helpful) as an attack on their character and get terribly offended. Self-disciplined persons don’t have this problem.

Avoid dangerous behaviors:

Behavioral theories attempting to explain dangerous and harmful behaviors typically analyze the role of self-control.

For example, Hirschi’s and Gottredson’s self-control hypothesis claims that criminal behavior is due to an individual’s incapacity to control their impulse to engage in such acts.

Obviously there is more to committing crime than a lack of control, but the point is that when morals and the fear of incarceration are removed from the picture, most people would rob a bank instead than labor for a living.

In the future story, InshAllah, I will write on daily practices to develop self-discipline.