Discipline is logically choosing to do something that is either an affront to the stagnant or restraint from compulsion. A dieter disciplines himself to eat only healthier foods until it becomes habit, preference and eventually lifestyle. A runner begins by ignoring the body's preference to remain still. He pushes himself to run. This discipline yields to endorphins, a comforting routine and pleasure but is pure will at first. So it is with discipline. The believer restrains himself from prior indulgences because he is told this leads to a holy life, and eventually he learns to love his new lifestyle and see his old as alien. Discipline is willing to overcome the natural preference for the old to explore the new.

How does lacking sleep interfere with discipline? Studies have revealed that an unrested brain yields quickly to compulsions, illogical thought, emotional extremes. Since discipline is the willful overpowering of one's tendency to slack, it is important that the brain and the will receive all possible physical and emotional support to overcome. If one is to overcome lust, he doesn't submerse himself in temptation. Likewise, when one begins the journey of adding disciplined regimen to life, challenging the mind by adding the fog of sleep depravation is a cocktail for failure.

How many people overeat late at night, losing a battle they had won all the day long? How many people allow their minds to creep into doubt and disarray in early morning hours? If you are to take a path of a disciplined life, you must immediately determine that regulated adequate sleep is your friend and apply it to your arsenal of behavior tools. It is the first discipline of the mind, providing the mind what it needs to accomplish the job.