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Specifically, I’d change “freedom” to “abundance of choices” in this quote. Without these choices, there’s neither the need nor the opportunity to make decisions that most benefit my future self. The daily habit of making this quality of decision is self-discipline.
Practicing self-control means choosing what’s best for my future self over what I want now. Discipline is saying yes to the workout when I’d rather hit snooze. Restraint is saying no to the carrot cake muffin in the Tim Horton’s display case. When I practice discipline consistently, it empowers me.
What has power over me today are the things I indulge in, the comforts I crave, and the sense of security I depend on. These things keep me from having power over what drives me to make the worst choices for my future self.
Most powerful is he who has himself in his own power. –Seneca
What has power over you that you’d most like to vanquish?
Where do you find the most resistance to doing what will benefit your future self?
If you had power over every aspect of yourself, what would you do with that freedom?
