D – IS FOR DISCIPLINE

To me discipline is a word to be used on two levels in the context of Dressage …

•  The discipline of Dressage … “In its original sense, discipline is systematic instruction intended to train a person, sometimes literally called a discipline, in a craft, trade or other activity, or to follow a particular code of conduct or order”.  So we talk about the discipline of Dressage or the craft of Dressage.  Often, the phrase “to discipline” carries a negative connotation.  This is because enforcement of order, that is, ensuring instructions are carried out, is often regulated through punishment.  In this sense discipline plays no part in Dressage.
• Being disciplined in Dressage Training … The second level use of the word discipline relates to “a course of actions leading to certain goal or ideal. A disciplined person is one that has established a goal and is willing to achieve that goal no matter what occurs.  Discipline is the assertion of willpower over more base desires, and is usually understood to be synonymous with self control.  Self-discipline is to some extent a substitute for motivation, when one uses reason to determine the best course of action that opposes one’s desires”.

The reason I selected the word discipline for my D word is because I believe that anything in life that is worth having is worth working for.  Yes, we do Dressage because we enjoy it, but it is ‘serious fun’, not jolly-holiday type fun and we need a disciplined approach in order to cut our way through the plethora of information and concentrate on what is important to us at that moment in time.  We need discipline in order to stay focussed.  We need discipline to follow the plans we lay down to help us on our journey.

Here’s a few quotes that I have taken from the internet which may help me get my point across.

• Self-discipline is just choosing between what you want now and what you want most.
• The pain of self-discipline will never be as great as the pain of regret.
• Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.
• Mastering others is strength.  Mastering yourself is true power.
• There’s a season for sowing, a season for reaping.  Self discipline helps you know which is which.
• With self-discipline most anything is possible.
• Self-discipline is doing what needs to be done when it needs to be done even when you don’t feel like doing it.
• By constant self-discipline and self control you can develop greatness of character.

And finally, my favourite …

“People think I’m disciplined, it is not discipline, it is devotion, there is a great difference”- Pavarotti

Here’s what to do … adopt a disciplined approach .. or be devoted!  It will aid you to achieve your dressage dreams.

Go for it!

Patricia – The Dressage Tipster

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