I love structure. I am not sure whether it because of my legal background, my choleric upbringing or my melancholic nature. But I am attracted to structure, finesse, courtesy and discipline. I embrace it where I find it, create it where I don’t and long for it when I have no say. But is this a strength or weakness?
The world is currently all about folded sleeves and loosened ties; open door policies and relaxed work environments but it has been my experience that man thrives better in a regulated environment. Discipline breeds efficiency more often than not and this is not to argue for fanaticism. It is an excellent habit to be on time, to defer to your elders and to dress appropriately. Even if you were to find President Obama in his shirt sleeves or President Museveni milking his cows, a high five would not suffice as a greeting. You would still need to address them respectfully because of who they are. The only thing you risk with good manners is to be respected.
So to the youth out there….it is excellent to be able to write a job application well, speak good English, dress well, be courteous and keep time. These breed respect, efficiency, and a good reputation. They are time tested values that have facilitated many a rise to greatness. Napoleon, Alexander the Great, Shyaka Zulu, Margaret Thatcher, Gandhi, were all known for their discipline and attention to detail.Successful armies, companies and governments all over the world have more often been the most disciplined. The Bible refers to discipline 39 times (http://www.openbible.info/topics/discipline) just to put a little emphasis on it.
Sloppiness whether in the name of fashion or as a personal style only breeds laziness, corruption and will only keep you at a certain stage in life. You will always be trying to keep up, fit in or over compensate.
Do not look at a president in jeans and shirtsleeves and think that is the way to be….read about how he got there. Chances are he wore a lot of suits, won a lot of respect and trust with his conduct and now he can afford to relax a little. You on the other hand just started out…so do the bows and the handshakes, you only risk being respected while if you behave as you want you will stay where you are….sloppiness breeds mediocrity so I put before you discipline….and “swag” that you may choose your path today.
Discipline is “The controlled behavior resulting from….training” (http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/discipline) With discipline one is easy to ====