Set the Table
Our lack of self-discipline has a unique way of interfering with our progress in all aspects of life. Our diets, grades, relationships, choices, etc… are all impacted by our self-discipline, or lack thereof. Leaders recognize they’re going to need to exhibit a high level of self-discipline if they’re going to achieve the goals they’ve set out to achieve.
Unfortunately, most of us live “undisciplined” lives but want to extreme discipline when we want it. Some people can get away with that, but most can’t.
You will be much more effective if you work to develop the skill and the habit of self-discipline. Ever wonder why the military has their troops make their bed every morning? Is it because they’re concerned with keeping their sleeping barracks clean? Not so much. They are more concerned with their troops developing the skill and habit of being self-disciplined. They recognize developing the skill of self-discipline leads to building confidence in being self-discipline.
This classic exercise will help engage your players to begin pursuing a more disciplined life and begin building that confidence.
"“I had never thought about the bigger picture on something like making my bed every morning, but now I get it. Starting the day with an act of discipline has helped me live a more disciplined life.”"
High School Senior Girls Basketball Player
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Lesson Plan
Exercise Reminder Card
To emphasize and reinforce the lessons learned in this exercise with your players, download and share this graphic with them 24 hours after completing the exercise.
Quiz Questions
Use these questions below to engage after you have taught the exercise.
- What is self-discipline?
- How does making your bed every morning help you increase self-discipline?
- What happens as a result of becoming a more self-disciplined person?
At Home
Coaches, use the below question, reflection, and action to engage parents, guardians, and other family members in the lessons learned in this exercise.
Suggestions on how to use: Email to parents the day you have taught this lesson, add it to the materials you send home, or text it to text message threads with your players.
- Question: How does the exercise “Bed Start” help us live more disciplined lives?
- Reflection: What area of your life could use the most improved discipline?
- Action: Be sure to follow through with making your bed each day and sending a picture of it to your teammates and parents.
Coach’s Reflection
Coach, take a moment to reflect on the lesson and how you can lead by example to your players.
Coach, what is one area of your life that could use a little more discipline? Exercise, diet, rest, work responsibilities, relationships? Take a few minutes to reflect upon how you could become more disciplined in this area. Write a list of three action items on how you will become more disciplined this week. Feel free to share this with your team, it will help enhance your connection to them.