Last night as i was writing in my journal i began thinking about what makes discipline effective. Whether it be self imposed disciplines or Dom/Master/Husband imposed disciplines... what is the one key element that guarantees their success(?) For me the answer is simple: consistency.

When i behave in a certain manner, there are consequences. When those consequences remain constant and unchanging... the behavior quickly ceases. When consequences are inconsistent, the behavior inevitably continues.

So for me i see effective discipline as a sort of ritual. The disciplining of self or another must be maintained. What i am trying to describe here is easily referred to as maintenance discipline.

A daily spanking, or a weekly caning are both good examples of what i mean. Having to write a daily report is another. Things that are always expected and always performed no matter what details of interaction or day to day workings of the relationship arise.

It is this ritual of behavior that gives me the security and confidence i need to thrive as His submissive. Without it i doubt myself and my place and i tend to act out (unintentionally of course)... in many ways i feel like a lost little girl without it.

Any thoughts, comments, or opinions on maintenance discipline and the ritual of it all?

~spankee : )