28. Self-discipline

Everybody wastes time. Instead of doing his homework, the schoolboy watches television. Instead of writing her 1) essay , the student goes out with her friends. They all had good 2) intentions, but they keep putting off the moment when they must start work. As a 3) consequence, they begin to feel 4) guilty, and then waste even more time 5) wishing they had not allowed themselves to be 6) distracted.

When someone else is 7) organizing our time for us, as for instance during lessons or working hours, 8) we do not necessarily work more efficiently, but at least we are subject to the discipline of a routine. It is when we are responsible for organizing our own time that the need for self-discipline arises.

9) I know two writers who seem to work in quite different ways. Bob is extremely methodical-never wastes time. Alan, on the other hand, 10) works in inspired bursts, often missing meals and sleep in order to get his ideas down on paper. Such periods of intense activity are usually followed by days when he potters around his flat, listening to Mozart and flicking through magazine.

Notes:

Potter: move with little energy or direction （闲逛）