Yin vs YangThe Battle for Success in Life

When I read a title like the one above I always laugh at the finality of it. It makes it sound as if your life will be changed forever into everything you ever dreamed simply by reading this. As if reading something can have that significant of an affect on someone.

Well what if it could? What if I told you that not only by reading this, but by actually following it, you can have anything you want in life? Anything at all. Would you believe it?

Me neither, so I’m not making any drastic promises.

But I am going to tell you that the following, although not much of a secret, can help you achieve any goal you have. I am going to talk about a not so secret key to everything you want in life. It is called ‘Self-Discipline’, something we all could use a little more of.

I feel our education system, and general 20th century culture, killed the reputation of the word ‘discipline’. Discipline became something children had to rebel against in school. Discipline became a trait only necessary for soldiers. Discipline meant doing your chores after dinner. Discipline got a bad rap.

“Self-discipline refers to the training that one gives one’s self to accomplish a certain task or to adopt a particular pattern of behaviour, even though one would really rather be doing something else. For example, denying oneself of an extravagant pleasure in order to accomplish a more demanding charitable deed. Thus, self-discipline is the assertion of willpower over more base desires, and is usually understood to be a synonym of ‘self control‘. Self-discipline is to some extent a substitute for motivation, when one uses reason to determine a best course of action that opposes one’s desires.” ….from Wikipedia

Discipline is a trait that takes time to build. It is built one decision at a time and is one of the tougher traits to obtain. Being disciplined is quite a challenge. As a matter of fact, the best way to build any discipline is to practice it each day. Practice discipline in any way possible. Becoming very disciplined gives you quite an edge in life.

Accomplishing a goal is all about traveling along a path from a starting point until you reach it. The definition of self-discipline mentions that it is “to some extent a substitute for motivation, when one uses reason to determine a best course of action that opposes one’s desires.” However, instead of substituting self discipline for motivation, use them together!

For example, let’s say you want to lose weight. You have a number you would like to weigh, and you have the number you actually do weigh. The first day, you are motivated, eager, and ready to go. However, this motivation is fleeting. Within a week, you are not so motivated at the thought of continuing to miss your favorite food. That thought you were holding on to that motivated you in the beginning is starting to fade. You need to change it up by adding in ‘self-discipline.’

Tell yourself you are going to be disciplined. Actually say the word ‘discipline’ to yourself. Remember, that by making the choice of being disciplined each time, you have no choice but to reach your goal. Motivation is great for getting started on any journey, but without adding in self-discipline, your motivation will only last so long. Be prepared for these moments of weakness in advance.

Reaching any goal, in business or individually, is the culmination of many individual choices. Motivation alone will only get you started. It is the incredible combination of motivation & self-discipline that breeds success. Think of it like an MMA fighter.

A fighter doesn’t just get into a cage motivated to fight. A good fighter accepts a fight and sets a regimented training program. They discipline themselves to prepare for the fight each day. They don’t know what they will face each day, but they know they have to face it. By the time they get into the cage, they are so prepared, it is just a matter of trying to execute their plan.

That’s exactly how any of us should attack a goal. Start with a little motivation, but remember, you will only reach where you want to go by adding in the key ingredient of self-discipline to finish what motivation started.