I have used this phrase over the years when speaking with my sons when they were younger, and now with my grandkids:
Discipline is doing what needs to be done, when it needs to be done, whether you like it or not.
I think that’s a fairly good definition of what discipline is, but it dawned on me today that this definition is fine when you’re talking about mowing the lawn, doing the dishes, doing the laundry, or any other chore that needs doing.
Today, while I was watching Emerson at his Guitar lesson, his teacher asked him what discipline was. Emerson repreated back to him the definition that I have shared with him. Byron Nemeth (the guitar teacher) said, “Yes, that is technially correct, but what is discipline when it comes to playing the guitar?”
A light came on in my head. I realized that I have always referred to discipline in relation to things that are boring or that we just don’t want to do. I’ve never thought of using a definition when it comes to something like learning a musical instrument, or magic tricks, or playing cards.
Thank you, Byron for asking that question of Emerson. I’m grateful for your discipline and your disciplined approach to teaching.
As I sat there, I shared my definition of discipline with Copilot and asked it to come up with a definition that was more upbeat and positive. Here is Copilot’s response:
A more positive version keeps the strength of your original idea but swaps out the “whether you like it or not” vibe for something that feels purposeful, self‑directed, and energizing.
Here are several distinct rewrites, each with a different tone:
🌟 Option 1 — Purpose‑Driven
Discipline is choosing the actions that move you forward and showing up for them with intention.
💪 Option 2 — Empowering
Discipline is following through on what matters, at the moment it matters, with commitment.
🔆 Option 3 — Upbeat & Growth‑Oriented
Discipline is aligning your actions with your goals and honoring that alignment day by day.
🎯 Option 4 — Clean & Motivational
Discipline is doing what supports your goals, when it’s time to do it, with steady focus.
✨ Option 5 — Warm & Encouraging
Discipline is caring for your future self by taking the right steps at the right time.
I then asked Copilot if it would come up with a version for helping a music student:
Here’s a version tailored specifically for a music student — something that feels encouraging, creative, and rooted in the joy of practice rather than the grind of obligation.
🎵 Positive, Student‑Friendly Version
Discipline is showing up for your music, giving each moment your best attention, and letting steady practice open the door to growth.
🎼 More Playful & Artistic
Discipline is returning to your instrument with curiosity, practicing with purpose, and watching your skills bloom note by note.
🎧 Performance‑Oriented
Discipline is honoring your musical goals by practicing with focus, right when it matters, so your future self can play freely.
🎹 Gentle & Supportive
Discipline is caring for your musicianship — choosing to practice at the right time and nurturing your progress with patience.
This time, I asked Copilot if it would add a motivational element:
Here’s a version that keeps the positivity you liked and adds a clear motivational spark — something a music student can feel in their hands when they sit down to practice.
🎵 Motivational & Upbeat
Discipline is showing up for your music with purpose, practicing at the right moment, and trusting that every focused session builds the player you’re becoming.
🎼 Motivational & Artistic
Discipline is returning to your instrument with intention, shaping each practice into progress, and letting your dedication turn effort into artistry.
🎧 Motivational & Performance‑Driven
Discipline is honoring your musical goals by practicing with focus right when it matters, so your future self can play boldly, confidently, and without limits.
🎹 Motivational & Gentle
Discipline is caring for your musicianship — choosing to practice at the right time, nurturing your growth, and celebrating each step forward.
I had one more iteration that I wanted Copilot to consider. I told Copilot that the reason for my asking is because of a music student; an 11 year old boy, who loves the music of the 60’s and 70’s and is in to magic, and playing cards. I then asked Copilot if it would suggest a version that would resonate with this particular music student:
🎸✨ Magic‑Meets‑Music Version
Discipline is your secret power — the practice you do right when it’s needed, so your hands get faster, your tricks get smoother, and your music starts sounding like the legends you love.
🎶🃏 Card‑Sharp Version
Discipline is the steady practice that turns simple moves into real magic — on your guitar and with your cards — one focused session at a time.
🌟 Retro‑Rock Version
Discipline is showing up like a true rock‑and‑roll pro: practicing at the right moment, building your skills, and getting closer to playing the songs you love with real confidence.
🎩🎼 Magical & Motivational
Discipline is choosing to practice with purpose — the same way a magician rehearses every move — so your music gets stronger, cleaner, and more amazing every day.
At the end of each of Copilot’s responses, it suggested other questions or alterations to my original prompt. At the end of this last one, it asked if I wanted versions that were short and punchy, so I said, “yes.”
Here are short, punchy versions built exactly for an 11‑year‑old who loves 60s/70s music, magic, and cards — fast, fun, and easy to remember.
🎸🃏 Short & Punchy Options
• Discipline is the practice that makes your music and your magic truly land.
• Discipline is the secret move that makes every trick — and every song — smoother.
• Discipline is the power-up that sharpens your skills, one quick practice at a time.
• Discipline is the steady beat that turns effort into real rock‑and‑roll skill.
• Discipline is the daily shuffle that makes your hands faster and your music stronger.
What do you think of these definitions of discipline? How would you define it?
The featured image in this post is a photo I took a few years ago of the Trombone that my Father-In-Law, Larry Wright, owned. He was a music teacher.
