Discipline for Success - 2009: By Paul Wilson, Jr.

I have to make a confession. I am writing about something that I have not yet mastered in every area of my life – discipline. I am still a work in progress. Nevertheless, as hard as it might be in some areas, I realize how essential discipline is for me to accomplish my life purpose.

Success equals opportunity plus preparation and discipline is at the center of that preparation. Personal discipline allows us to streamline our focus by cutting away the “fat” (unnecessary stuff) from our lives just like an athlete preparing for his/her upcoming season. The fat represents all the trivial things that keep us from fulfilling our potential.
Those who either consider themselves “free spirits” or just don’t like structured environments often view discipline as a dirty word. Furthermore, most environments that we encounter in life are undisciplined and allow undisciplined people to operate freely. Very few environments exist besides the military that can “shape” someone into a disciplined person. Therefore, discipline must be a choice that starts in a person’s internal environment, i.e. their character.

When a person develops and practices discipline in their habits, time management, health/eating, work ethic, relationships, etc., the result is that person can go into any undisciplined environment and thrive. The truly disciplined person can keep from being negatively influenced by other undisciplined people.

Discipline does not happen overnight. It must be developed over time through practice and intentional decision-making. The challenge is that the process of discipline can be hard and lonely. It’s hard because it forces us out of our comfort zone and makes us do things that we have not yet developed a taste for (or may never). It’s lonely because much of it is done behind the scenes and often other people, who aren't pursuing discipline in their lives, can’t relate to us.

Discipline takes focus, sacrifice, and commitment to your dream. When things become difficult, you must shift your focus to the purpose of the process and not the process itself, with the purpose being you positioning yourself to achieve your long-term goals. Only focusing on the process eventually will become discouraging. However, focusing on the end goal provides motivation to endure and appreciate the process. Short-term pain results in long-term gains.

Your success in life is directly correlated to your willingness to be disciplined in the following areas:
- Time management
- Financial decision making
- Utilizing your gifts and talents
- Relationships (family and business)
- Speech/Conversations
- Thoughts
- Health & Nutrition

Without discipline as a core component of your lifestyle, you will never reach your ultimate goals. So, think about the areas in which you are undisciplined and develop a plan to get better. You may need to get a coach or an accountability partner. This ultimately will help you to maximize your resources and not waste energy.

Don’t shortchange yourself or give yourself excuses for not being disciplined. Your success depends on you.

Perfect practice makes perfect…

Dream B.I.G.,
Paul Wilson, Jr.

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