Discipline involves control obtained by obedience. The word comes from “disciple,” which is someone who follows another person. The most famous “disciples” followed Jesus Christ.
You can discipline others, including children, animals, and spouses (some might say they are all the same!). And, you can practice self-discipline, which from personal experience I can tell you might be even harder. We are often our toughest opponents.
These days, there are many ways to learn how to discipline, including personal experience, advice from others, and podcasts. And, there are books. Lots of books.
Many of them are particularly written for women readers.
Read All About It
My purpose here is to provide some of the best books out there about discipline, particularly those aimed at women readers.
Things to look for: the author’s expertise, the specific subject matter, what others are saying about them, the skillset of the intended audience, and any deficits that might be red flags.
BEST BOOKS
The Body Image Book for Girls: Love Yourself and Grow Up Fearless by Charlotte Markey
Charlotte N. Markey, Ph.D. is a body image expert, professor of psychology, and director of the Health Sciences Center at Rutgers University-Camden.
Dr. Charlotte Markey helps girls (especially ages 9-15) to understand, accept, and appreciate their bodies. She provides facts on puberty, mental health, self-care, why diets are bad news, dealing with social media, and everything in-between.
Possible Problems: Some readers might find some of the material too mature. This is a sensitive area and it is best to see if it is right for you.
Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are so You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be by Rachel Hollis
Rachel Hollis is known for her optimism in promoting her lifestyle brand and media company. She is a proud mama of four, a Texan, and a supporter of women’s empowerment.
This book is about ignoring all the lies women are told and believing about themselves, standing up for themselves, and improving their life. It focuses on addressing 20 lies that have been instrumental in her own life that poisons the lives of so many women as well.
Possible Problems: Some readers do not relate to a book focused on married and working moms.
Pen on Fire: A Busy Woman’s Guide to Igniting the Writer Within by Barbara DeMarco-Barrett
Barbara DeMarco-Barrett has contributed articles, essays, and stories to a variety of publications. This is her first book.
It is appropriate in collection of books about discipline to include one about writing them. DeMarco-Barrett provides advice and encouragement to writers, particularly women, helping them have productive sessions to keep creativity flowing.
The book provides classroom-tested exercises and innovative techniques for generating ideas, as well as advice from well-known authors.
Possible Problems: Writing is a personal business. If possible, check to see if her style fits your specific needs.
Self-Love Workbook for Women: Release Self-Doubt, Build Self-Compassion, and Embrace Who You Are by Megan Logan
Megan Logan is a licensed clinical social worker.
This is a workbook that helps women to examine themselves and build up self-love. Logan uses an easy-to-read, step-by-step process, including helpful exercises and assessment tools. Self-discipline requires a feeling of self-worth and the belief that the effort is worth it. This book provides helpful tools for this process.
Possible Problems: Some readers thought the advice was too simplistic.
Skinny Bitch: A No-Nonsense, Tough-Love Guide for Savvy Girls Who Want To Stop Eating Crap and Start Looking Fabulous! by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin
Kim Barnouin is the creater of a fun and informative green living website geared to women. Rory Freedman is a former model agent and Barnouin is a former model.
This book takes a blunt “I’m speaking to you as a friend, but you have to shape up” tone to teach a lesson in healthy living. The book promotes a vegan lifestyle. It backs up lessons with science.
Possible Problems: A person who is not vegan (or even drinks coffee with caffeine) might be turned off as are some regarding the “tough love” tone.
The Teen Girl’s Anxiety Survival Guide: Ten Ways to Conquer Anxiety and Feel Your Best by Lucie Hemmen PhD
Lucie Hemmen is a licensed clinical psychologist who has worked for over twenty years to strengthen communication between teens and parents. She also has two daughters.
The author of the highly praised best seller, The Teenager Girl’s Survival Guide, provides ten strategies to help teen girls cope with anxious thoughts and feelings in healthy ways.
A healthy guide to teaching self-discipline at an age when the pressures to cut corners and make bad choices are particularly tempting.
Possible Problems: Some readers found The Teenager Girl’s Survival Guide not an easy-to-read format for teen readers. Check to make sure this one works for you (or your teens).
RELAX WITH A GLASS OF WINE OR CUP OF TEA … and READ A GREAT BOOK!