Discipline Is Actually An Emotion

Summary

This talk explores the unconventional approach to cultivating discipline through the lens of emotion, challenging the conventional view of discipline as mere willpower. The speaker, drawing from personal experience and his work as an addiction psychiatrist, argues that discipline is an emotion, not a habit or a simple act of will. He introduces the concept of 'resolve' as the emotional counterpart to discipline, suggesting that by focusing on cultivating resolve, one can naturally enhance discipline. The talk also delves into the neuroscience behind positive emotions, emphasizing the role of brain circuits over anatomical structures. Practical techniques, including the practice of 'sankalpa' or resolve, are offered to help individuals develop this emotional discipline, ultimately leading to a more disciplined lifestyle.

Takeaways

• 😣 Discipline is often misunderstood as the exertion of willpower, but true discipline is rooted in emotion, specifically resolve.
• 🧠 The common understanding of discipline as a function of the brain's anatomical structures like the amygdala is limited, as positive emotions and discipline are more about the brain's circuitry than specific centers.
• 🔍 The speaker's work as an addiction psychiatrist led to insights that discipline is an emotion, contrary to the conventional view that it's about willpower.
• 🐱 A Zen Buddhist story illustrates how humor and discipline are cultivated through emotional work, not just habit or willpower.
• 🧘‍♂️ Ancient yogic texts and practices, such as sankalpa, offer methods to cultivate resolve and discipline by focusing on emotional states.
• 🤔 Doubt is identified as the opposite of discipline, and resolving doubt through emotional work can lead to greater discipline.
• 🌟 Cultivating discipline involves noticing and stoking the fires of resolve, which is an emotional process rather than a mere act of will.
• ⏱️ Daily practice of sankalpa, a yogic technique, can help develop resolve and, by extension, discipline over time.
• 🚫 Emotional numbness can be a barrier to discipline, as it prevents the cultivation of the positive emotions necessary for sustained discipline.
• 🔄 The process of becoming disciplined is cyclical, requiring the recognition and nurturing of emotional resolve, rather than a one-time effort of willpower.

Q & A

What is the main idea discussed in the script about cultivating discipline?

The main idea is that discipline is not just about willpower or habit, but it is actually an emotion that can be cultivated. The speaker suggests that cultivating resolve, a form of positive emotion, can lead to disciplined behavior.

Why does the speaker believe that traditional neuroscience has led us astray in understanding discipline?

The speaker believes that traditional neuroscience has focused on the anatomical structures of the brain associated with negative emotions, but positive emotions like discipline, which are more about circuitry and connections between different parts of the brain, have been overlooked.

What is the role of emotions in developing discipline according to the script?

Emotions play a crucial role in developing discipline. The speaker argues that emotions like resolve, which are positive and can be cultivated, are the actual drivers of disciplined behavior.

How does the speaker's experience as an addiction psychiatrist relate to the concept of discipline?

The speaker's experience as an addiction psychiatrist led them to understand that helping patients overcome addiction involves emotional work, which was initially confusing because it seemed to contradict the need for discipline. However, they realized that discipline is an emotion that can be cultivated through emotional practices like meditation and mindfulness.

What is the significance of the Zen Buddhist story about the cat and the meditation in the script?

The story illustrates the importance of understanding the nature of discipline and how it can be misguided if not properly understood. It also highlights the role of tradition and practice in cultivating positive emotions and discipline.

What is the yogic concept of 'sankalpa' mentioned in the script, and how does it relate to discipline?

Sankalpa is a yogic concept that translates to 'resolve'. It is a practice to develop resolve, which is seen as a form of positive emotion that can lead to disciplined behavior. Cultivating sankalpa is suggested as a method to enhance discipline.

How does the speaker suggest one should start cultivating resolve?

The speaker suggests starting by noticing when one feels resolved and taking a 'snapshot' of that emotional state. Then, one should practice daily by focusing on a specific resolve, starting with something of medium difficulty to avoid overwhelming willpower.

What are the two types of resolves the speaker recommends focusing on in the cultivation of discipline?

The two types of resolves are a specific, medium-difficulty resolve that can be practiced daily, and a broader, more emotionally charged resolve that is deeply important to the individual.

Why does the speaker suggest that people who are undisciplined might be emotionally numb?

The speaker suggests that emotional numbness can be a protective mechanism against negative emotions, but it also prevents the cultivation of positive emotions necessary for discipline. Numbing out emotions through various means can lead to a lack of emotional capacity to develop discipline.

What is the speaker's advice for someone struggling with emotional numbness in relation to cultivating discipline?

The speaker advises that one should work on becoming aware of their emotions and not numbing them out, as this is necessary for cultivating the positive emotions like resolve that lead to discipline.