Developing Self-Discipline And Moderation

What is self-discipline exactly, and why is it important? I think many people in our modern society struggle with self-control (I know I do). There are so many temptations staring us in the face each day. Advertising is purposely geared to appeal to our emotional desires of wanting to be attractive, admired, successful and content. We are always on the search for the next best thing that will make us feel better about ourselves or enhance our lives in some way. There is nothing wrong or immoral about our desires, except for one thing: When we consistently allow the desires of the "flesh" (i.e. physical selves) to overtake our minds and spirits, we eventually become very weak, and it becomes harder and harder to resist further temptation. Before we know it, we are unable to resist even the smallest desire, and we lose control of ourselves and our lives. We know smoking is unhealthy. We know junk food is no good for us. We know we should be exercising each day, and getting enough sleep each night. We know that excessive debt is dangerous and unnecessary. Do we apply this knowledge in our lives? For many of us, the answer would have to be "no." Why? Because we live in a society of instant gratification. We can't fathom having to wait and save money for something we want to buy. Instead we whip out the credit card and pay much more for that item once the interest is added in. We can't imagine saying no to that plate of cookies on our co-worker's desk. They call to us, we find ourselves drifting powerlessly toward them and end up eating more than we should. Have you had experiences like this where your mind says "no" but you seem unable to resist? I have too. So what can we do about it? The dictionary defines Discipline as: 1) training that develops self-control, efficiency, etc. 2) strict control to enforce obedience 3) orderly conduct 4) a system of rules, as for a monastic order 5) treatment that corrects or punishes (Webster's New World Dictionary