In a world that suggests doing what you want, when you want, is a true expression of freedom and independence, many people today don't understand the concept of character and success.
I admit that the D word—Discipline— not my favorite, but that doesn't change the natural law that discipline is required to develop true character and to realize the successes that I and you want in our lives.
The critical concept of self-discipline applies to all areas of our life. For the purpose of this article, let's view self-discipline-when applied's a positive trait that contributes to our achieving what we really value in life.
Even more important, self-discipline—when effectively executed in one area of your life—can be easily transferred to other areas.
How you show up anywhere in your life
is how you will show up everywhere in your life!
That means you assume your own level of self-discipline or character in whatever you do.
Here are a few examples of lack of self-discipline.
- You are not disciplined in saving or investing a percentage of your income on a regular basis.
- You eat whatever you want and your body looks likes a donut.
- You don't work out or do regular exercise and you feel lethargic and tired.
- You don't discipline the kids because it's too much work. They are getting right out of control.
- You let your home or car look like a dump and tell yourself that doesn't breed chaos and confusion.
- You are somewhat lazy in your personal self-management, including low levels of grooming and attention to your clothing and appearance.
- You invest little or no time into your relationships and wonder if you are growing apart from your loved ones.
- You are perpetually late for appointments, which lowers your credibility with others.
It is obvious what lack of self-discipline costs each of us.
What can you do about it?
First, we need to reframe self-discipline as the character trait required to get us where we want to be in life. It's the price of admission to play well-and win. When we compromise this natural law, we pay dearly.
Rather than viewing self-discipline as a burden, reframe it as the path to freedom and achievement. Self-discipline can become as natural as breathing-once you have made the decision to
embrace it.
- For example, I have written thisezine twice a month for the past 5 years. At first, it was awkward to get into the head space to write. Now, I find it hard to skip a week or not write at my scheduled time on Monday mornings!
- Recently, one of my good friends was diagnosed with Type II diabetes. His doctor said if he continued his lifestyle of overeating and no exercise, he would soon be dead.
With 75 pounds to lose, the discipline necessary to obtain his objective seemed overwhelming. One year later, however, he has shed 60 pounds and has found the natural discipline to extend his life. In fact, although he still has sugar cravings, he can easily walk by the bakery department without compromising his diet.
Discipline rewards you, not only with results but with fulfillment.
Can you imagine the satisfaction my friend feels after losing 60 pounds? Think about it for a minute.
Let's take the points from the lack of discipline list and see how they look when you apply self-discipline.
- You are setting aside money and investing so that when you retire, you will enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with no financial worries. That makes you feel at peace.
- You eat in a healthy way and thus you have little illness in your life.
- With your regular exercise routine, you have the energy to fully engage in what you want to do in life.
- You are thankful your children are growing up to be individuals of fine character. Your years of investing time in their lives is well worth it.
- You are taking very good care of the inanimate objects in your life. You are proud of your well-maintained home and your material goods are lasting much longer than anticipated.
- Being disciplined in personal self-management has resulted in new levels of success for you. Your peers see you as a role model for how they should look and conduct themselves. You feel proud of your accomplishments but, more important, you are making a difference in other people's lives.
- You love to take the time to talk and listen to your loved ones, to share and compare the big and little events in your lives. That is bringing you closer together.
- You are always on time. People can count on you to do what you say you will do.
For you to stay disciplined, you must be clear about your purpose and know what you really want.
- Without direction or goals, there will be little reason for you to stay disciplined. Being aware of the benefits of self-discipline will confirm your commitment to being a disciplined person.
The following CRG assessments and resources will provide you with the insight and clarity to achieve self-discipline.
Self-Discipline is a Requirement for Developing
True Character and Success
- Discipline is the required behavior for realizing your hopes and dreams.
- Where in your life do you lack discipline? Work, family, health, finances? Other?
- Make a list of all areas in your life where you would like to be more self-disciplined.
- To add to your list, ask close friends to share where they observe a lack of discipline within you. That will take courage. You don’t have to agree with their list but you need to know how others see your behavior. Many times, we can have blind spots.
- Identify the payoff or benefit to you if you were to apply self-discipline to each of the areas on your list. Be specific. If the benefit is not inspirational enough for you to consider becoming a disciplined person, revise your benefit list.
- Now outline your strategies or plans to implement discipline into each item on your list. Start slow and build over time.
- If you are not on purpose or aligned with your gifts, talents, and interests, it will be nearly impossible to remain disciplined. AccessMy Source EXPERIENCE JournalTMto get the roadmap and processes to confirm what is most important to you in all areas of your life.
- The following CRG resources will provide additional information to help you engage the habit of self-discipline.
- Self-discipline brings with it character and the pride and satisfaction of accomplishment. Do yourself a favor: Embrace self-discipline now. The consequences of not doing so could be catastrophic.
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Until next time, keep Living On Purpose!.
Ken Keis
For information on CRG Resources, please visit http://www.crgleader.com.
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