Category Archives: Discipline

We must all suffer one of two things

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“We must all suffer one of two things: The pain of discipline or the pain of regret or disappointment.”

—Jim Rohn, late American entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker

Image from Unsplash by Brett Jordan

Who hasn’t heard the expression, No pain, No gain?

Regarding the things we must suffer, discipline seems like the wise choice.

Where in your life — or in your observations of others — has good old hard work proven successful in the achievement of a worthy goal?

Embrace and celebrate the pride and satisfaction associated with the grit it took to prove you had the right stuff.

Alternatively, where have you and others taken the easy way out and skated by with only minimal effort?

How much regret and disappointment lingers even now for not giving things your all?

EXERCISE:

Where in your life can and will you embrace the pain associated with discipline to realize far more of your fullest potential?

“Good habits exist despite circumstances.”

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“Good habits exist despite circumstances.”

—Rohan Rajiv, a Product Manager at LinkedIn

Image from Unsplash by Nubelson Fernandes

How true is today’s quote for you?

What habits do you stick with regardless of the circumstances?

Consider the areas of family, health, faith and your vocation. What tried-and-true behaviors occur like clockwork even when facing the winds of change?

Just as a sturdy tree can yield and bend with the breeze, our good habits act as roots that keep us upright and grounded regardless of the weather.

EXERCISE:

Where in your life do external circumstances make keeping your good habits difficult?

How can you shore up these best practices with greater discipline and grit to keep up your forward momentum whatever comes your way?

“Individual willpower is a shallow container from which to draw energy.”

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“Individual willpower is a shallow container from which to draw energy.”

—Omar Brownson, co-host of the Gratitude Blooming Podcast

Image from Unsplash by Dose Juice

Most of you know that I am a morning person. It’s the time of day when I have the greatest energy and discipline. On most days I meditate, exercise, and eat my oatmeal on the run before I dash into my schedule.

As the day progresses, I use snacks and a few doses of caffeine to keep up the pace. Lunchtime is often a quick affair, with only modestly healthy choices if I neglect to have something prepared.

By three in the afternoon, I’m pretty pooped and most of my disciplined efforts are nowhere to be found. Happily, an occasional power nap sets things right and I’m good until 10:00 p.m., when I head to bed to fully recharge for the next day.

EXERCISE:

When do you have the greatest energy and discipline in your days? How can and do you apply this awareness to accomplish your highest priorities and commitments?

The pleasure of doing a thing in the same way at the same time every day

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“The pleasure of doing a thing in the same way at the same time every day and savoring it should be noted.”

—Arnold Bennett, 20th Century English novelist

Image from Unsplash by Prophsee Journals

To what degree are you a creature of habit? What are the routines and rituals you repeat each day in the same way and time? How many of these behaviors support your health and well-being? How many would you describe as simple pleasures or bring you a sense of pride?

Consider when and why you first developed these habits.

How much discipline and intentionality did it take for you to become the person who acts in this manner?

EXERCISE:

After savoring this list, examine what new or different habits you’d like to incorporate into the melodies and harmonies of your days.

Feel free to reply to this post with what you discover.

FRIDAY REVIEW: DISCIPLINE

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FRIDAY REVIEW: DISCIPLINE

In what aspects of your life do you exhibit the greatest or the least self-discipline? Here are a few discipline-related posts you may have missed.

 

 

“Discipline is the refining fire by which talent becomes ability.”

 

 

 

“Bad habits are like a comfortable bed, easy to get into, but hard to get out of.”

 

 

 

“The essence of self discipline is to do the important thing rather than the urgent thing.”

 

 

 

 

“Discipline is the refining fire by which talent becomes ability.”

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“Discipline is the refining fire by which talent becomes ability.”

—Roy L. Smith, 20th Century American Clergyman

Image from Unsplash by Samuel Giacomelli

Heat treatment is the process of heating and cooling metals to change their micro-structure and to bring out the physical and mechanical characteristics that make them more desirable.

Before modern metalworking techniques were invented, blacksmiths used heat to make metal more workable in forming them into the shapes they desired and in making them stronger.

EXERCISE:

Where can and will you apply the fires of greater personal and professional discipline to expand your talents into more masterful abilities?

Friday Review Discipline

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Friday Review: Discipline

Where and what on matters do you exhibit the greatest self discipline? Here are a few discipline-related posts you may have missed. Click the link to read the full message.

 

“Bad habits are like a comfortable bed, easy to get into, but hard to get out of.”

 

 

 

“The essence of self discipline is to do the important thing rather than the urgent thing.”

 

 

 

“All man’s gains are the fruit of venturing.”

 

 

 

 

 

Initiative Assessment

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“All man’s gains are the fruit of venturing.”

—Herodotus, 5th Century BCE Greek Historian

Image from Flickr by Lynn Friedman

Image from Flickr by Lynn Friedman

As part of my Personal Excellence Coaching program, I often conduct assessments which includes a review of the client’s achievement traits. Among the most important is that of initiative, in which the individual evaluates what needs to be done and ventures forth without being prodded by others to do so.

Beginning new things, solving challenging problems, and pursuing a new goal sure beats waiting and wishing for things to come our way.

EXERCISE:

Where would an “if it is to be it begins with me” approach have you venturing forth in new ways, to gain more of the sweet fruits of life?

“The essence of self discipline is…”

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“The essence of self discipline is to do the important thing rather than the urgent thing.”

-Barry Werner, American Sportscaster

QC #802

When it comes to prioritizing our days and getting things done, most people are familiar with some form of Time Matrix that breaks tasks into four categories:

  1. Important and Urgent.
  2. Not Important, and Not Urgent.
  3. Not Important, but Urgent.
  4. Important, but Not Urgent.

Virtually everyone would agree that item #1 – Important and Urgent – would be given the highest priority, and item #2 – Not Important and Not Urgent – would be the lowest. The challenge for most people is sorting through the amount of time we devote – or should I say “lose” – by inadvertently slipping into more #3 – Not Important, but Urgent – than #4 – Important, but Not Urgent.

EXERCISE:

Where would the habit of greater discipline concerning the important matters in your life pay you the highest returns, personally or professionally?

Consider selecting a friend, family member, mentor, or coach to work with in this area as soon as possible.

“Bad habits are like a comfortable bed, easy …”

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“Bad habits are like a comfortable bed, easy to get into, but hard to get out of.”

—Anonymous

Photo from Flickr by M01229

Photo from Flickr by M01229

As I write this post, it is a brisk seven degrees here in Michigan, and yet I am still going to  the gym to exercise.

My bed is comfortable, and far warmer than what awaits me outside. What gets me up and going when staying put would be far more pleasant?

Quite simply, I have made exercise a habit that takes far less discipline these days than it did in the past, before it became part of my daily routine.

The factors that lay beneath my exercise habit is the commitment I have made, and the value I attribute to being healthy.

EXERCISE:

What are the bad habits that no longer serve your professional or personal commitments? How will you embrace any discomfort you might experience by replacing one bad habit with one that will serve you better?