自律 Self-Discipline

This is a book that should be in every home and school library!

Sharing a quote that is close to my heart:

"You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems. Your goal is your desired outcome. Your system is the collection of daily habits that will get you there." - James Clear

All of us need some sort of self-discipline in our lives,
whether we are parents, students, employees,
trying to achieve some goals or just fulfilling our responsibilities.

This is especially important
if we want to excel in various aspects of our lives!

If our child asks us "What is self-discipline?"
how would you answer?

This book shares with us, that
self-discipline is not about tying ourselves up,
is not self-torture.
Rather, it is a way for us to become better versions of ourselves,
to be more confident and healthier!
We can also say, self-discipline helps us prepare for the future.
In short, self-discipline is a pretty awesome thing!

In this book, we see many examples of how to have self-discipline in our daily lives, like

• choosing to open our blankets and wake up on time, even if it may be cold outside
• being willing to put our books down and continue the story tomorrow, when it's bedtime
• setting a reasonable plan and carrying it out
• choosing not to rely on cheating to solve problems
• being quiet when we watch movies at the cinema
• putting ourselves in others' shoes, because not everyone likes jumping
• is keeping stuff for the next time
• not regretting that we didn't give our best
• resting when we need to rest, and to know, health and safety are always of utmost importance
• keeping books, toys, stationery, apple cores and used paper in a timely manner
• not touching other people's things without permission
• being punctual, not habitually late
• means starting things this very moment.

Why we love this book

• gentle illustrations
• very child-friendly with relatable examples
• suitable for adults too
• has a touch of humour! Makes the topic more light-hearted
• plenty of real-life scenarios on what self-discipline looks like
• provides role models and positive examples that we can learn from and emulate
• not naggy or negative
• but inspires us all to be better and examine our habits and systems

Scenarios in which we need self-discipline

• waking up on time to go to school or work
• having meals at regular times
• choosing healthy food over excessive snacking
• sleeping enough
• finishing our schoolwork
• keeping our room or workspace tidy
• conserving water by turning off the tap when not in use and not showering for long periods of time
• being punctual and respecting others' time

Conversation starters by MST that we can use with our kids / for ourselves:

• What do you think self-discipline is?
• How does it look like?
• How does it not look like?
• What do you think could happen if a student / parent / employee does not have self-discipline?
• What do you think are benefits of having self-discipline?
• How can we encourage ourselves to keep going, if discipline seems tough at the moment?
• Are there any people in our family, school or community, or notable people in history, that have excellent self-discipline?
• What are our goals and responsibilities and how can self-discipline help us achieve them?
• What habits and systems do we need to put in place, to be healthier, happier, more confident and successful?

You may be interested in a similar book on courage that is really excellent too!

Recommended for: ages 3 and up
Author: 陈悦
Illustrator: 魏楠
Format: Hardcover
Language: Simplified Chinese