In my last article, I discussed organization as one of the key facets missing from the achievement process in the lives of most individuals and business owners. Today, I want to deal with the second major achievement facet that is often missing — and that is — DISCIPLINE.
What is discipline? My definition of discipline is:
The ability to consistently focus on one’s top priorities in a manner that insures the accomplishment of one’s dreams.
This may seem like a very simple definition to you, but I assure you it is full of richness that can help you achieve much, much more with your life. Let’s take this sentence apart and look at it closely, shall we?
Let me first restate the definition of discipline with appropriate highlights:
The ability to consistently focus on one’s top priorities in a manner that insures the accomplishment of one’s dreams.
First and foremost, discipline is an ability. By that, I mean that discipline is not a gift that you are born with — it is indeed something that can be learned by anyone and everyone. Period. Granted, it is more difficult to learn and master by some than others, but it is, nonetheless, a skill that can be acquired.
The core of discipline is encompassed in the words consistently focus. The best way to explain this is to use an example. Let’s say that you want to get in better physical condition. You purchase a gym membership. If you never use the membership — that is if you don’t go to the gym — you’ll never improve your physical condition, right? However, what happens if you go to the gym every day for two weeks and then don’t go for the rest of the year? That will produce the same results, right? You’ll never reach your goal of being in better physical condition due to lack of consistency. To consistently focus means that you do it regularly — in harmony with what it takes to reach your goal. I have a friend who is very successful in the direct sales arena. He tells potential team members that their success requires a consistent focus — work 3 to 5 hours every week for 3 to 5 years in order to create a secure financial future. That’s what consistently focus means.
So what are you to consistently focus upon? Your top priorities. This is where we see a linkage to “organization”. Organization helps you to define your goals, and well defined goals ultimately lead to understanding your top priorities.
Your top priorities are birthed from your dreams, and developing the ability to consistently focus on them leads to the achievement of your dreams. Simple formula — lots of hard work.
Very simply put, discipline is nothing more than your passion in action. You can have all of the knowledge in the world, but it is only when that knowledge is backed by action that it produces results that drive you toward the achievement of your dreams.
