Here is a very effective approach for helping in discipline problems and in other situations.

Do this exercise: Smile for 60 seconds straight.

Just sit there and smile. Don’t do anything else.

Do you immediately sense a positive physical feeling inside you the very second you start to smile? Another thing you may notice is that you start thinking of fun times and enjoyable experience you have had. 

It is impossible to feel “down” when you are smiling. If you are still doubting it, just try to get into a sour mood with a big grin on your face. You can’t do it.

The physiology of this is quite extraordinary. It is wired into us. In fact, if you thought that you had to first feel great to smile, you could not be more mistaken. Smile first and you will feel better. This is amazingly effective when dealing with discipline problems. It uses a different concept than “behaviorism.”

Although “behaviorism” in psychological terms usually refers to a “stimulus-response” approach, it can also mean (as in this case) of BEHAVING FIRST, and then FEELINGS FOLLOW.

Creating and maintaining positivity in yourself, and promoting it in others, is one the keys of the Discipline Without Stress methodology. For those seeking discipline help, positivity is the first step to reducing stress, increasing learning, and promoting self-discipline among youth. Give it a try, and then share your results below.