Discussion on Discipline and Decision-Making | Smart Moves

Discussion on Discipline and Decision-Making

By Adam Taylor
Part of Self-Control and Alertness

About this activity

Author: Adam Taylor

Views: 16

In this part of the lesson, we will explore how discipline influences decision-making and the crucial role of alertness in making effective choices. Through a group discussion, participants will have the opportunity to reflect on their own experiences and insights.

Discipline is the practice of training oneself to adhere to a set of rules or a code of behavior. It involves self-control, consistency, and dedication to a particular course of action. How do you think discipline impacts the decisions we make in our daily lives?

Alertness, on the other hand, refers to being mentally sharp, attentive, and aware of one's surroundings. How can being alert help us make better decisions and react effectively to various situations?

During our discussion, we will also consider how discipline and alertness are interconnected. How does maintaining self-control contribute to being more alert, and vice versa? Share examples from your own experiences where these traits have played a role in decision-making processes.

By the end of this discussion, participants will have a deeper understanding of the relationship between discipline, alertness, and decision-making, paving the way for more intentional and informed choices in their personal and professional lives.

Worksheet

Student Worksheet

Self-Control and Alertness

Discussion on Discipline and Decision-Making

Introduction:

Self-control and alertness are essential qualities in achieving success. In this worksheet, you will explore scenarios related to discipline and decision-making, two key components of John Wooden's Pyramid of Success.

Examples:

Resisting the temptation to check your phone during study time
Choosing to listen attentively in class instead of daydreaming
Deciding to go to bed early to ensure you are well-rested for an important test
Opting to practice a sport or hobby regularly to improve your skills
Setting aside time each day for focused, uninterrupted work

Challenging Examples:

Turning down a social invitation to prioritize completing a project
Staying calm and composed in a stressful situation

Real-World Problems:

Imagine you are tempted to cheat on a test. How would you apply self-control in this situation?
You have a limited budget for the month but want to buy a new video game. How can alertness help you make a responsible financial decision?

Answers:

Answers will vary, but should demonstrate an understanding of the importance of self-control and alertness in decision-making.

Examples

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Scenario: You have a big project due in a week but your friends invite you to a party the night before it's due. What do you do?
Answer: Politely decline the invitation and use that time to work on your project, demonstrating self-discipline.
Scenario: You are feeling tired and unmotivated to study for an important exam. How can you stay alert and focused?
Answer: Take short breaks, engage in physical activity, or use study techniques like the Pomodoro method to maintain alertness.
Scenario: You are tempted to cheat on a test because you didn't prepare well. How can you exercise self-control in this situation?
Answer: Resist the temptation to cheat, accept the consequences of your actions, and commit to studying and preparing better for future assessments.
Scenario: You are in a group project where one member is not contributing their fair share. How can you address this situation effectively?
Answer: Communicate openly with the group member, express concerns about their contribution, and work together to find a solution that benefits the entire group.
Scenario: You have a limited budget for the month but see a new gadget you really want to buy. How can you practice self-control in managing your finances?
Answer: Prioritize your needs over wants, create a budget, and resist impulse purchases to stay within your financial limits.
Scenario: You are faced with a difficult decision that requires weighing short-term gains against long-term benefits. How can you approach this decision-making process?
Answer: Consider the potential consequences of each choice, seek advice from mentors or trusted individuals, and make a decision that aligns with your long-term goals.
Scenario: You are feeling overwhelmed with tasks and deadlines. How can you improve your decision-making to prioritize effectively?
Answer: Use tools like to-do lists, prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, delegate when possible, and focus on completing one task at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Scenario: You are presented with an opportunity that conflicts with your values and beliefs. How can you use self-control and alertness to navigate this situation?
Answer: Stay true to your values, reflect on the potential consequences of compromising them, and make a decision that aligns with your principles, even if it means missing out on the opportunity.
Scenario: You are in a disagreement with a friend or colleague. How can you exercise self-control and alertness to resolve the conflict constructively?
Answer: Listen actively to the other person's perspective, remain calm and composed, communicate your own thoughts and feelings clearly, and work towards finding a mutually beneficial solution.
Scenario: You are feeling tempted to procrastinate on a task that you know is important. How can you use discipline and decision-making skills to overcome this temptation?
Answer: Break down the task into smaller, manageable steps, set deadlines for each step, eliminate distractions, and reward yourself for completing each milestone to stay motivated and focused.

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Step by step guide

Start by introducing the concept of discipline and decision-making to the students.
Explain the importance of self-control and alertness in relation to discipline and decision-making.
Engage the students in a discussion on how self-control can help in making better decisions.
Provide examples of situations where self-control and alertness are crucial for success.
Encourage students to share their own experiences where self-control played a role in their decision-making process.
Facilitate a group activity where students can practice self-control and alertness in a simulated scenario.
Wrap up the discussion by emphasizing the benefits of developing self-control and alertness in everyday life.

Games

Game 1: Decision-Making Dice
Instructions:

1. Create a dice with different decisions written on each side. For example, "Study for the test," "Procrastinate," "Help a friend," etc.

2. Students take turns rolling the dice and have to explain their decision-making process for the scenario they rolled.

3. Encourage discussion and debate on the best course of action for each scenario.
Game 2: Self-Control Simon Says
Instructions:

1. One student plays the role of "Simon" and gives commands to the rest of the group, starting with "Simon says..." For example, "Simon says, touch your nose."

2. The twist is that sometimes "Simon" will give commands without saying "Simon says." Students must demonstrate self-control and only follow commands preceded by "Simon says."

3. Students who follow a command without "Simon says" are out. The last student remaining becomes the next "Simon."
Game 3: Discipline Charades
Instructions:

1. Write different scenarios related to discipline and decision-making on small cards or pieces of paper. For example, "Resisting the urge to cheat," "Handling peer pressure," "Staying focused during distractions," etc.

2. Divide the class into teams. One student from each team selects a card and acts out the scenario without speaking while their team tries to guess the situation.

3. This game promotes empathy, understanding, and critical thinking about the challenges of self-discipline and decision-making.