Discipline
The word “discipline” in our modern culture, has almost become a cuss word. Some may even become offended when challenged on work ethic and personal discipline. With the progression of technology and the bling, glitz and glam that is splashed all over social media, the world is being taught that success and achievement should come with no effort and no hard work.
Adverting, social media and movies are bombarding society with the idea of instant gratification and success. The idea suggests that life should be easy, that it requires no effort, no sacrifice and no perseverance. And the ideology and philosophy that is being created in the minds of many is a way of life that doesn’t really exist. The truth is, life is challenging and life can be tough, and without commitment and hard work there can be no real progress.
The most important key to the good life, isn’t time management, isn’t setting goals, or acquiring new skills. Although these things are important and should not be neglected, the most important key to success is “consistent self-discipline”.
Learning to manage time, gaining knowledge, and acquiring new skills are powerful tools for progress, however if they are not consistently applied, they essentially become of no use, and of no value to your life. Knowledge is good, but applied knowledge is powerful!
We are all faced with the sobering reality of the pain of regret, or the pain of discipline. Both will cost us something, and we will pay tax on either one by the habits we form, whether good or bad. If you are well disciplined in one area, and ill disciplined in another area, eventually the bad habit will affect the good habit, and ultimately negatively impact your life. We have to become ruthless in dealing with the bad habits in our lives.
Procrastination
Procrastination is the arch enemy of self-discipline. Procrastination erodes away your potential, and effects your life at its very core. It will steal your creativity and rob you of your self-confidence. The rewards of procrastination are immediate, but it offers no incentive for the future. It is like a slow leaking tap, that slowly drips away every day, and by the time you receive your water bill its too late, the damage is already done, and the costs are great!
Procrastination says, do it later….
Self-discipline says, just do it now….
The big question is; how do you overcome procrastination and bad habits?
You have to get focused and become totally with intentional with your daily routine!
I challenge my children every day on the simple task of making their beds every morning, and making sure their rooms are tidy before they leave the house to go to school. To them, dad is just being an irritation, but in the long run they will eventually begin to see that the discipline of making their bed and keeping their room tidy, is the same discipline it will take to study, to get an education, to get a job, get to work on time, and diligently build a career or even a business opportunity!
The key to success
True success doesn’t start in the boardroom when you are the CEO, it starts with a disciplined routine. It starts when you open your eyes in the morning and become consistent and disciplined in the small menial tasks at home, long before you even step outside. You cannot expect to become the CEO of a big company, if you cannot be the CEO of your personal life. When you get up, make your bed, make sure you take care of all your personal responsibilities, and do it consistently, then you are in line for the great promotion of life!
Personal code of conduct
Self-discipline is your very own personal code of conduct. When you master your own personal code of conduct it will begin to produce results in every other area of your life. Consistent self-discipline will impact your future more than you know. You may not always see immediate results, but when they come, they will be lasting results.
I want to encourage you to be ruthless with procrastination. Deal with it with total focus and intent, and become the pioneer of the life you have always dreamed of living! For every disciplined effort there will be a multiple reward! Your best life is on the other side of self-discipline. Get up, dress up, show up, and never give up!
Take care of your responsibilities and be diligent in your business and you will have more than enough— an abundance of food, clothing, and plenty for your household.
Proverbs 27:25-27