The first section was on discipline. This is something I definately need to work on myself. Some of the parts in this section that stick out to me are Delaying Gratification. It was instant gratification and impulsiveness that got me in trouble. One hour of pain followed by six hours of pleasure is better than one hour of pleasure followed by six of pain. In other words get the tough stuff out the way first. Delaying gratification is the process of scheduling the pain and pleasure of life in such a way as to enhance the pleasure by meeting and experiencing the pain first and getting it over with. Problem Solving and Time was another one where it goes on to state that simply ignoring your problems or shortcomings will not make them go away.The willingness to confront a problem early before we are forced to confront it when the situation arises is another example of delaying gratification and confronting pain head on in hopes of future gratification. We must accept responsibility for a problem before we can solve it. Openness to CHallenge- This one speaks on self examination. How we only know the world through our relationship to it and therefore must step out of our shoes to truly understand the world. Examination of the world without is never as personally painful as examining the world within. We must open our minds to other peoples perceptions to not live in a closed in world. We must be open to other peoples opinions. It also speaks on balancing and how we must balance everything from challenges to leasure and even discipline. This one really hit me beause Ive had trouble balancing and am usually on either sides of the extremties scale. Either Excited or down never in between. Freezing or boiling point never luke warm. Zero to 100 in lifes speed limit. The second section was on Love. The author believes the force that moves discipline is love and I agree with that. Love is the most important and powerful thing on the planet. I just need to practice it more. ONe part that stuck out here is we cannot be a source of strength unless we nurture our own strength. And the Final section is on Religion and growth. The first section was the one that resonated the most with me.
I chose to read the book because I am determined to improve my discipline and moderate gratification so that i have enough structure and priorites in order and also enough free will, freedom and enjoyment.
What I learned from the book was to delay instant gratification, get pain and hassle out of the way to enjoy the pleasure, not to ignore problems actually work dilligently on solving them. Some of it refreshed my mind on being open to challenges which I learned in recovery. Balancing discipline in moderation but not lack it. If I practice these things more and turn them into habits then I will stay out of trouble, be healthier and be better at coping with problems and managing impulsivity. Overall it was a decent read. It wasnt the best from start to finish but I managed to take the jewels from it.
