Instilling Discipline in the Microwave Social Media Age
It seems to be all about instant gratification and teaching discipline to students has never been more crucial. The "microwave culture" of wanting everything fast—from food to fame—permeates every aspect of our lives, including how we interact on social media. This environment poses a unique challenge for educators and parents alike: how do we instill the value of discipline in young minds accustomed to wanting it all NOW and getting them to understand Beyoncé didn’t really wake up like that. You have to put in the work.
As adults, we are the first teachers of discipline, not just through our words but through our actions. It's one thing to tell a student they should be writing college scholarship applications instead of scrolling through Instagram; it's another to model that behavior by choosing to do our taxes or prepare for a meeting rather than binge-watching a series. Our actions teach students that discipline is not just about resisting temptation; it's about making choices that align with long-term goals over immediate satisfaction.
Discipline is the foundation of success in any field. It's what drives a student to study regularly, not just before an exam. It's the force that pushes athletes to train on days they'd rather not. It's the dedication to wake up at 5:00 am to work out and choose fruits and vegetables that makes the 60 year old look 40. Discipline, in essence, is the commitment to a process without being swayed by the temptations of a party, a Netflix series, the decadent chocolate chip cheesecake, or sleep.
My husband encourages us to celebrate the “small victories”. We often forget to celebrate the small achievements that encourage us to keep going. When we break up tasks we can begin to view discipline, not as punishment but as a stepping stone to freedom—freedom to achieve our dreams and live a life of purpose.
More importantly, we need to teach students (and ourselves) that failure isn't the opposite of success but a part of the process. Discipline involves persistence, the ability to get up after a fall, and the determination to try again, armed with the lessons learned from experience.
In this "microwave social media age," where the world seems to move faster with each passing day, instilling discipline in students is more than a necessity—discipline is freedom. It equips them with the resilience to navigate life's challenges and the fortitude to stay the course toward their aspirations. As adults, our role is to lead by example, showing students that while the path to achievement may require discipline and perseverance, the rewards are well worth the effort.
