tVB 46:5 BUSINESS START-UP: DISCIPLINE!
BUSINESS
START-UP:
DISCIPLINE!
“BUT I DISCIPLINE MY BODY AND BRING IT INTO SUBJECTION, LEST, WHEN I HAVE PREACHED TO OTHERS, I MYSELF SHOULD BECOME DISQUALIFIED.” 1 CORINTHIANS 9:27
A RINGING PHONE AND A CAR IN A DITCH
Some years ago, a lady's phone rang while she driving. In that instant she lowered her gaze. Just as quickly, she returned her gaze to the road. And C-R-A-S-H! There was a sudden jerk and she found her car, headlong, in the gutter! We all know not to answer our cell phones while driving, but then, why even leave it in a situation where it can cause distractions? It's one simple word indiscipline!
Discipline is one quality of
life that certainly ensures we fulfil our life visions and achieve all our set
goals, regardless, despite and in spite of interruptions, contradictions and
distractions.
WHAT IS DISCIPLINE?
Discipline, pronounced di-su-plin, is defined as 'A system of rules of conduct or method of practice'. It is also defined as 'The trait of being well behaved'. Indiscipline, the antonym, means 'The trait of lacking discipline'. In other words, he lacks 'a system of rules or method of practice' or she is not 'well behaved'. Such a life lacks guidelines. And when one seeks to fulfil a life vision, you cannot be successful if you lack rules, methods and good behaviour.
The matter of discipline is similar to that of a horse. It has been said that you can lead a horse to the stream but you can't make him drink water. Discipline is self-imposed. It has been described as a constant twenty-four battle for dominance between two unlikely foes-who really should be allies. The interesting thing about the battle is who the opponents are you and yourself!
According to Susan Heathfield, “There are two players. It's you against you 24 hours a day. The battle lines have been drawn, and the field is filled with obstacles; your career, family, health, taxes, etc. It's like being in a fifteen round fight everyday and the opponent is you. You're constantly hitting yourself. When you get hit and stumble, discipline is the tool to help pick you back up again. Discipline enables you to avoid complacency and stay focused on your goals regardless of the crises that disrupt your life.”
WHY ALL THE FUSS ABOUT DISCIPLINE?
According to Roy L. Smith, “Discipline is the refining fire by which talent becomes ability.” You may have all the talent but without discipline, you will one day act irrationally and mess things up. History and recent events in the news provide myriad instances of notable, honoured and well-respected men and women whom have fallen from great heights just because they lacked character when it mattered. Many know the story of Iron Mike Tyson, real name - Michael Gerard "Mike" Tyson.
According to Wikipedia, Mike Tyson was the first ever heavyweight champion to hold three boxing championships titles simultaneously; the WBA, WBC and IBF. He is still considered, in his prime, to be amongst the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time. He won his first 19 professional bouts by knockout, 12 in the first round. Tyson became synonymous with first round knockouts. His rise was celebrated. But in 1992, Tyson was convicted of sexually assaulting Desiree Washington, for which he served three years in prison. His downward spiral continued with a string of loses till his resignation from competitive boxing in 2006.
In the words of Harry Emerson Fosdick, “No horse gets anywhere until he is harnessed. No steam or gas ever drives anything until it is confined. No Niagara is ever turned into light and power until it is tunneled. No life ever grows great until it is focused, dedicated, disciplined”. I am really sorry to use this example. I admire the man and his achievements, but this is what a lack of restraint in actions and reactions can lead to. Tyson declared bankruptcy in 2003, despite receiving over US$30 million for several of his fights and $300 million during his career.
Even as I write, a traditional ruler in western Nigeria has been dethroned for engaging in a public fight with an ex-wife, causing fatal bodily injury! Imagine the disgrace that his unrestrained action has stained his descendants with? One would have expected that his exalted position would be a strong enough reason to control his actions. The truth is discipline is self-imposed. No one can do it for you!
BENEFITS OF A DISCIPLINED LIFE
Discipline, according to Remez Sasson, “...Enables you to choose, and then persevere with actions, thoughts and behavior, which lead to improvement and success. It also gives you the power and inner strength to overcome addictions, procrastination and laziness and to follow through whatever you do”. Susan Heathfield calls it, “…The formula for getting the utmost out of life and a prerequisite to success.” Discipline will encourage you to expand your knowledge and to persevere in order to stay ahead of the game.
Discipline will…
- Challenge you to make a sincere and honest commitment to yourself.
- Give you both the physical and mental strength needed to remain committed; you will find the facts you need to make important decisions by prioritizing your life before establishing goals.
- Enable you establish the proper routine and complete your goals on a daily basis, and thereby experience incredible confidence
- Change your life forever!
CULTIVATING DISCIPLINE
A study said that the average office worker spends 37% of their time in idle socializing, not to mention other vices that chew up more than 50% of work time with unproductive non-work. Little wonder many spend the whole week 'at work' and hardly have anything to show for it. And even worse is the fact that they plan on doing nothing to change their 'deliveries'. According to Steve Pavlina, “If you fail to challenge yourself in life, you won't gain any more self-discipline. Don't compare yourself to other people. It won't help. Simply look at where you are now, and aim to get better as you go forward.”
Susan Heathfield shares some wise steps to guide you through this all-necessary process of developing Discipline. Ignore them at your own risk!
Don't Sit Around Wasting Time: Every minute counts when you're trying to get ahead of the game. There were times when you threw away irreplaceable minutes that equated to weeks, months or even years of your life. Begin using all that once-wasted time to turn some of your dreams into reality.
Uniting the Body and Mind: The path to discipline is demanding. The only way you'll get there is by taking care of your body as well as your mind. Eat smart and exercise regularly these are of the utmost importance!
Establish a Contract with Yourself: You set the priorities, rules and guidelines and act as your own 'law enforcement' to enforce them. It's mental fortitude that, once required, will change your entire attitude.
Establish Goals: Setting a mental contract with yourself allows you to set goals and know without a shadow of a doubt that you will achieve them! Achieving your goals on time should be your minimum standard of success.
Maintain Values: Personal and professional values set the foundation for your goals, as well as how you go about achieving them. You'll discover discipline brings deep, inner satisfaction and applies what matters most to you in life. It's about so much more than just achieving monetary wealth.
Avoid Complacency: Constantly challenge yourself. Keep seeking more creative ways to achieve goals ahead of schedule. Have a continuous thirst for knowledge and never settle for less.
It was 5th century Euripides who said, “Do not consider painful what is good for you.” Discipline is good for you and a connection to your desired future. American Speaker and Author, Jim Rohn was quoted to have said, “Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.” You require discipline to follow through and arrive at your set destination.
From this point on, it's a choice that only you can make. Will you choose submission to the necessary discipline today in order to fulfill your life vision and, or indulge yourself boundlessly.
However, I know that if you've gotten this far reading this article, you're one of the smart ones. I sincerely believe I will see you at the top on your day of showing and celebration!
Till then, do stay blessed.
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