Questioning Self-Discipline:
If there is one character trait whose benefits are endorsed by traditional and progressive educators alike, it may well be self-discipline. Just about everyone wants students to override their unconstructive impulses, resist temptation, and do what needs to be done. The only question is how best to accomplish this. Author and scholar Alfie Kohn further explores what he sees as the troubling theory and practice of self-discipline: "While I readily admit that it's good to be able to persevere at worthwhile tasks ... to inquire into what underlies the idea of self-discipline is to uncover serious misconceptions about motivation and personality, controversial assumptions about human nature, and disturbing implications regarding how things are arranged in a classroom or a society." [more]

Be The Change:
Take time to think about what motivates your actions. You might be surprised by what you discover.

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	Previous Reflections:
On Nov 4, 2009 Randy writes:	I really enjoyed the article.  Questioning why we believe what we believe is beneficial in order to lead the most meaningful life we can.  OUr beliefs provide our interpretation of events and thus our reality.  Understanding our beliefs is not always easy or comfortable, but it is worthwhile.
On Nov 6, 2009 Tom writes:	My thinking causes my feelings. If I am in fear, anger, self-pity or some other negative emotion it is caused by my thinking. I must carefully be so aware of my actions or my reactions to life. Prayer and meditation clear my thoughts so my heart will enter
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