Children, the most important trait for anyone who wishes to progress in life is awareness of the goal. Once the goal is clear, the path to it naturally unfolds. That path is called discipline. When we combine goal-awareness with self-discipline, all the necessary virtues and positive qualities are gradually cultivated. Life then becomes meaningful.
It is natural for the mind to be scattered. Doubt and vacillation are its constant companions. What gives the mind control and restraint is goal-awareness. For instance, if we must be at the office by 10 o’clock, we will ensure that everything else is completed beforehand. No matter what we are doing, the thought “10 o’clock! 10 o’clock!” remains in the background, and we automatically adjust all other activities to meet that deadline. Like a horse wearing blinkers and focusing only on what lies ahead, a clear goal helps us avoid unnecessary thoughts and brings order and discipline into our lives.
Saplings growing by the roadside must be protected by a fence. Without it, goats or other animals may destroy them. Once the saplings grow into strong trees, no fencing is required; one could even tether an elephant to them. In the same way, conscientiousness and discipline are essential in the early stages of life. Discipline protects us from mishaps and dangers and carries us forward steadily.
The two factors that hold us back from reaching our goal are laziness and restlessness. We may not be able to eliminate them entirely, but we can avoid situations that encourage their expression. This requires vigilance. If we know someone has conjunctivitis, we avoid close contact, knowing the illness is contagious. Similarly, if we are allergic to wheat, we will refrain from eating pizza — even if we enjoy it or friends urge us to try it — because we understand the consequences. In the same way, we must distance ourselves from anything that draws us away from our goal.
It is also the nature of the mind to forget. Before going to the supermarket, we make a list of what we need. Once all the items are purchased, the list is discarded. Likewise, in the beginning, we must follow a disciplined routine to support our goal. As we mature, the goal becomes firmly established in our awareness, and we no longer forget it even without strict adherence to routine.
At present, many of us are caught in the grip of bad habits that lead to failure. To overcome them, we must consciously cultivate good habits, and this requires sustained, disciplined effort.Everything that helps us move closer to our goal adds beauty to life. Conversely, anything that pulls us away from it diminishes that beauty. When this truth is clearly understood, every thought and action naturally aligns with the goal. Such awareness fills life with beauty, purpose and contentment.