Thursday, July 15, 2010

Self-Discipline - Control Your Thoughts and Actions.

When you’re working on a challenging goal, you can get distracted by things that are easier and more fun. Close off appealing options and you’ll achieve the results you want. 

How do you respond when you feel conflicted about what you SHOULD do vs. what you WANT to do?
"Self-respect is the fruit of discipline; the sense of dignity grows with the ability to say no to oneself." - Abraham Heschel, American theologian
"In reading the lives of great men, I found that the first victory they won was over themselves... self-discipline with all of them came first." - Harry Truman, American president
"It's easy to say 'no!' when there's a deeper 'yes!' burning inside." - Stephen Covey, American author

"Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment."
- Jim Rohn, American author


  1. Meredith,
    You make this subject so palatable with your sweet disposition! Self-discipline is definitely the difference maker. I think it's part of the reason I'm so drawn to working with elite athletes and high performers in business. They actually make me better!

  2. Thanks for your feedback and insights, Gina. It's really true that our own performance is affected by those we associate with. Elite athletes and high performers must exercise self-discipline consistently or they won't get the results they're hoping for!

  3. Thanks for these great tips, and for putting self-discipline in a positive light. (I love the quotes.)

    This post links wonderfully to your previous post regarding the importance of being able to concentrate on one thing at a time. Self-discipline can be seen a gift -- because if you invest the time and focus to get a clear, unfettered picture of what you need to reach a goal, you can better determine how much that goal actually means to you and what might be blocking you from achieving it. With this wisdom, self-discipline can then become a tool to help you reach that goal with confidence and dignity.

  4. Lori, I agree that focus and self-discipline are very closely related. As you say, you first need to have a laser focus on what you want, and then you have to use self-discipline to stay on track. I really value your insights.

  5. 5% of people are really capable of internally motivated change. No one wants to hear that and in the 'self-help' business you've just alienated 95% of your market. But with my Who Dares Wins program, I focus on those who want to be elite, using what I learned, used and taught in the Special Forces. I find lots of gurus preaching leadership but when I check their bios, I see no true leadership experience. The key is experience and a burning desire to change.

  6. Thank you Meredith for reminding & encouragement. I've been trying to change some of my undesirable habits and often find myself going through a roller-coaster ride; easily get distracted and unmotivated.Sometimes, I'm not sure if I really like what I'm doing for work. Almost constantly feel that there's so many areas that need my attention and deeply I know I can't be good at every single thing; or can we? if we want it badly? I've to review my burning desires ...

  7. Esther, we are NOT naturally good at everything, and you'll be frustrated if you try. Get in touch with your gifts and talents (ask others for input if you're not sure - they may surprise you), and figure out how you can use them in your work and personal life. The more aligned you are with what gives you joy AND ignites your spirit, the more you'll be driven to have the self-discipline you need to break bad habits and accomplish what you really want.

