There are many things we need in order to be knightly, not only now, but in the past and future as well. There is a code of conduct, there's how we think of ourselves and others, etc. But, without discipline, these things are all merely words. The only thing separating words from action is the discipline to carry them out.
We've all been in the situation where there was something we knew we should do, but didn't want to. It was important to do, it was necessary, it was right, but it wasn't fun or enjoyable. There was something about it we didn't like, and so we tried to get out of it. Procrastination, avoidance, refusal, the list goes on. Often, the task could have been done and over in the time we spend trying to avoid doing the task.
Many might say that the person who is avoiding the task is being lazy, cowardly, or difficult. While these might be true to some small degree, many culprit is lacking in one thing, self-control. This is the same lack of control that leads to someone playing games instead of doing homework as a kid, or not doing a chore when they would prefer to hang out with friends. Now, more than ever, the impulse control to do what is fun rather than what needs to be done is worse than ever. I don't mean this as a generational thing, I mean this individually. As life progresses for each of us, the pull to be more child like, without the responsibilities, calls to each of us more and more the further we get from the age when we were children.
The most important things to know about discipline, or self-control, is that it is a trainable skill, and it is also a diminish-able skill. By exercising control over ourselves, in many different aspects, we prepare ourselves for times when things get out of hand. The person who has worked on controlling their emotions, for example, can react to an emergency situation with a cool and calm mindset, rather than panicking. The person who can keep themselves from playing till after their work is done can then play guilt free, knowing that they accomplished the necessary tasks first. The person, trying to get in shape, that can limit their intake of junk food, is more successful.
Overall, self control is a form of discipline that shows through when times are tough. The more it is practiced in little ways, the easier it is to use the skill when needed.
