Self-discipline: daily duties

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GodsLittleChild

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Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

I struggle with being diligent to my daily duties in life, such as my studies and keeping the house clean, because these are the things I least enjoy. However, if we truly love the Crucified Jesus Christ, we need to be willing to diligently take up those tasks which are displeasing to us. The Saints only cared about doing God’s will, not their own. The Saints had such great fervor and faithfulness about their daily tasks, even in the smallest things. How can I cultivate this fervor and discipline within myself?

I attend Mass daily and have a strong prayer life, in order that I may receive Christ and have His strength to fight against my own will. I also go to Confession frequently for this sin (sloth; not being faithful to my duties).

I am looking for resources (either online or book), and any words of advice you may have about the issue of self-discipline.

Please pray for me!

Thank you in advance!

P.S. When I am supposed to be doing my various duties, the thing I usually spend time on instead is the internet. I use a great deal of it for Catholic things, including evangelization. It is easy for me to lie to myself and think that my time on the internet is good because I am using it for my faith, yet, that is not the case, since I am neglecting my duties. How do you folks control your time on the internet? What is your routine or schedule for internet use? There are just so many good, Catholic things to read and watch, it is easy to get lured in for a long time. It’s hard to get myself off of it.
 
I know what you mean, in so far as getting lost on the internet while researching, learning and searching out all things Catholic. Literally, an hour goes by in what seems only a few minutes! Ask for God’s help consistently and He will not disappoint you. Try setting a kitchen timer for what ever minutes you would like. When that timer goes off = you’re done surfing for the day. Discipline is a habit only. Saints sublimate their own will to God’s will at all times. Perhaps your call to search and learn is part of the process on God’s path for you. I know it has been that way for me. I am beginning to evangelize, to join Catholic service works and feel called to be a witness to the love of God and the mercy of Jesus Christ. Part of that call has been learning, learning and more learning. it will never end, but must be developed in the course of our lives, fitting into the daily tasks we are all called to do. Offer up your chores as a sacrifice, especially those you really dislike.
May God continue to bless you and may you contine to be open to His call.
 
I too suffer from sloth and my life situation tends to aggravate it in certain ways.

Lately the Holy Spirit placed in my mind this question…

“What does God want you to do right now (or this minute)?”

This makes me think about what I am doing and what I should be doing…
Perhaps it will help you too.

Peace
James
 
You’re right, this is sometimes difficult. I will pray for you, my friend!
 
Do you have a friend who can be an accountability partner for you? Maybe you can write a list of all that you did in one day and pat yourself on the back to encourage you to do more (If more is really what God wants you to do.)?

Today, I asked God to help me get everything done that I needed to. He came through. I was specific about what I wanted.
 
I also have this problem. Here I sit, at 11:45 at night, on the computer. I should be in bed, because not getting enough sleep makes me temperamental with my family. I’m not always successful, but I have made bits of progress over the years.

Use a schedule. I’m horrible about this, but I know that it works. Schedule computer time for yourself. I’m told that if you really stick to a schedule, you’d be amazed how much free time is there.

Find a good confessor and go to confessions frequently. Having the same confessor helps with accountability and also provides the confessor to get to know you well enough to help you. I have problems with self control in general, and my confessor assigns penances that truly help me to focus on and overcome the problem. As long as I’m following my own advice, I make progress. I don’t always follow it as well as I should.
 
I likewise have the same problem. While we don’t want to get into the Martha syndrome, God is not a God of disorder and it is important to keep things neat and clean.
A book that helped me many years ago was Bonnie’s Household Organizer. It has a minimum maintenance program that takes about 30 minutes a day plus 2 hours on the weekend. Also check out the Clean Team for speed cleaning tips and supplies that are environmentally safe.
I do have past expectations from my childhood as well as military life that come into place and return me to a disciplined life, at least for a few weeks.
 
Set a cutoff time at night, say 10:00.
Set a getup time in the morning, say 6:00

Set a time for cleaning to start and stop.

Set a time for… on Monday, another on Wednesday, and …

I find this helps more, then whatever I do dosen’t end up lasting forever.

Cutoff and start/top times I find easier.

Just a thought.
 
fred_conty said:
Set a cutoff time at night, say 10:00.
Set a getup time in the morning, say 6:00

Set a time for cleaning to start and stop.

Set a time for… on Monday, another on Wednesday, and …

I find this helps more, then whatever I do dosen’t end up lasting forever.

Cutoff and start/top times I find easier.

Just a thought.
Click to expand...
This is one of the suggestions from Bonnie’s Household organizer. Set the timer for 30 minutes. Work continually. When the timer goes off–Stop. Work in a clockwise direction (both Bonnie’s and Clean Team), and dress the part.
I am reading one of Alexander Stoddard books at the moment. I’ve enjoyed others that she has written as well such as Creating a Beautiful Home. Think of your home as a sacred place. It helps when I remember that home is the domestic church.
 
DebChris said:
This is one of the suggestions from Bonnie’s Household organizer. Set the timer for 30 minutes. Work continually. When the timer goes off–Stop. Work in a clockwise direction (both Bonnie’s and Clean Team), and dress the part.
I am reading one of Alexander Stoddard books at the moment. I’ve enjoyed others that she has written as well such as Creating a Beautiful Home. Think of your home as a sacred place. It helps when I remember that home is the domestic church.
Click to expand...
That Bonnie is a smart person because I finally convinced her to agree with me.
 
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