Self denial vs. Discipline

​Founder of Saks Fifth Avenue, David Campbell said "discipline is remembering what you want."  Discipline and self-control are admirable pursuits but what happens when delayed gratification becomes no gratification?  Have your attempts at becoming a more disciplined person turned to a crippling perfectionism where your life is all stick and no carrot?

As humans, we often need to be reminded to take the disciplined approach to life.  The common wisdom is to save our money... build friendships and romantic relationships slowly to ensure longevity...clean our homes rather than watch TV all night long.  We are told to delay gratification to achieve our goals.

There are some, however, who need to be told to ENJOY their lives.  They need to be reminded that money exists to serve us and not the other way around.  Relationships can be spontaneous and still be beautiful.  The occasional dessert is important for sanity.  If you realize that you've been working non-stop and cannot remember the last time you were really joyful, I would encourage you to consider if you are a disciplined person or if you are stuck in a trap of self denial.  There is a balance to be struck when we delay gratification.