As I sat down to begin writing on the topic of self-discipline in our profession, something seemed off about the topic. I felt the framing of the question was not correct and my thoughts could not align with the terms. I realized that we might best master the art of self-discipline when we start viewing our profession as a true vocation.
U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Gabriel Silva, May 5th, 2017
During the summers of my youth, I worked on my grandfather’s farm. He taught me the meaning of discipline exceeds blisters on your hands and sore muscles. You worked until the job was done or lost the light of day. My father, a former Army Drill Sergeant, re-enforced this sense of discipline at home. He taught me that it was not just about doing the job but doing it “right” the first time. The meaning of discipline was not only accomplishing the goal, but doing so with a degree of distinction. The aim was not to “get the job done” but to leave a mark of excellence. But these are examples of discipline and not self-discipline. The motivation was extrinsic as opposed to intrinsic. When we talk about self-discipline we are specifically addressing the type of discipline that comes from intrinsic (internal) motivation. The individual wants to do the task not for some outside reward but the rewards that come from within. Therefore, the focus on self-discipline might require a change in the framing of this conversation.
I do not see my work within the U.S. Military as a profession. Yes, it bares all the hallmarks of a profession. It is a paid occupation and requires significant specialized training. However, I view my work as a vocation. Unlike a profession, a vocation (translated from the Latin word for “calling”) is work done for more than just a paycheck. Individuals work in vocations because they “believe” in the value of their work towards some greater good. They are also typically willing to accept less of the monetary compensation deserved for the job. It is my desire to be a good son of the Republic and this aspiration drives my self-discipline. While promotions and awards are always happily received, my primary motivation is honoring the sweat and blood that my forefathers poured into the maintenance and improvement of this Army. At the beginning of each day we must ask, “What can I do today to be a good son or daughter of the Republic?” and “What will I do today to become a better Soldier and build a stronger Army?”
Our vocation will always require us to invest more than the rewards we receive. Accepting this disparity will enhance our ability to embrace the lasting investment in self-discipline. It is the acceptance of this disparity that will shift the focus from the individual to the organization. I am not here for a “paycheck.” I am here to help build the strongest Army the world has ever known. It is from this commitment that all self-discipline practices will flow. So, I ask the following questions of our readers: What are we doing today to make ourselves better Soldiers? What are we doing today to make our leaders, peers, and subordinates become better Soldiers? What are we doing today to strengthen and advance the Army as an institution?
So, what are you doing today to improve yourself as a Soldier? Are you maintaining your fitness (Physical, Family, Emotional, Social, & Spiritual)? What are you doing today to improve your leader development? This means more than just gaining the right operational experiences and attending OES/NCOES. Are you actively engaging in self-development? Are you learning more than what you were directed to by the Army? Even small commitments such as reading professional journals will help shape your thoughts and sharpen your leadership abilities.
Where I really see self-discipline is in the development of your peers. Are you willing to go mentor that one peer in your unit who is struggling? You know the one that others may have given up on and often ignore. Will you take the time to try to teach, coach, and mentor them to help improve their performance and abilities? And how about the peer that outperforms you? Are you willing to support their ideas and help them develop even if you realize that this might further increase their performance level? I think this is a true test of self-discipline. Are you willing to lend your support to others even if it might result in them exceeding your own abilities? Hopefully it is the goal of every leader to maximize the potential of all those that serve within their organizations. The fear that the success of others will be detrimental to your own career advancement should never be a limiting factor in determining how you develop those around you.
Additionally, the mark of self-discipline is not the acceptance of new information without examination. Are you taking a hard look at your organizational practices to find the reasons why certain practices are done? Are you looking for ways to improve efficiency? Or are you accepting the “way we have always done it?”
You can begin the practice of self-discipline by being reflective throughout your operations and focusing on providing quality, actionable feedback during After Action Reviews. For a more advanced approach, consider publishing articles that challenge the faults discovered within established doctrine or share successful organizational practices. Publishing is not for the faint of heart, but self-discipline is not about taking the easy path. You will quickly learn to exercise the skills of courage, resilience, and patience during the publishing process. But in the end, you have an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on your organization.
Therefore, I call on you to examine your view on the “profession of arms.” Is it just a profession or is it something more? Are you willing to embrace the notion that you have been “called” to be a Soldier, a defender of the Republic? Will you accept this great responsibility and rise to the occasion? If so, then I predict the practice of self-discipline will prove critical in your success.
Franklin C. Annis currently serves as the Deputy State Surgeon of the Nebraska Army National Guard. He holds a Doctor of Education (EdD) degree from Northcentral University. He runs “The Evolving Warfighter” YouTube channel to share his research on Self-Development. Follow him on twitter @EvolvingWar