Self-discipline can sound rather harsh and depriving, but it doesn’t have to be. Discipline simply means having a plan and sticking to it. If you don’t have a plan for your business & in some areas of your life, you may flounder and go off course. Whereas if you have discipline and are determined to stick to your plan, you can succeed in business and life a fulfilling life.
How does one achieve discipline? It shouldn’t be a vague plan. You should have goals for your business and work towards those goals. A great way to get started is to write down what your goals are (you may want to construct a vision board or whiteboard).
Be specific…
- What do you want to achieve?
- How much income do you want to earn?
- What goals do you have with regards to your personal life – do you want to increase your fitness?
- Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years ahead?
- What are your passions?
INTEGRITY AND DISCIPLINE GO TOGETHER
Discipline helps you achieve those goals. Every day when you see those goals on your board, you
are reminded to use discipline to achieve what you are set out to accomplish.
Say, your goal is to increase your fitness and to learn or improve a skill. You’ll be thinking
“I’m going to wake up early, I’m going to learn more, I’m going to eat better, I’m going exercise, I’m
going to work harder”.
However, your body may not be so enthusiastic, saying…
“It’s cold, I’m tired, I need more sleep, I’m not ready, I’m scared, I’m not confident enough yet, I don’t have the skills, this is too hard – where do I start?”
Discipline and integrity are the gateways to ensure what your mind envisions, is turned into reality. As for building your integrity, you will need to hold yourself accountable and set an example for others. This is a core principle when having a successful business. People watch what you are doing. Your actions tell them what your values and standards are. This flows onto leadership and how people view you as an employer, family member and friend. If you want to be a leader – you need to set high standards for yourself… especially if you expect high standards from others.
1. Fulfill your promises
To your staff, your clients, family – everyone. If you break a promise, you must apologize, but don’t let this become a pattern.
2. Keep your appointments
Your professional reputation is counting on it. People do not like to feel as though they are being discounted or not of value. They’ll take their business elsewhere.
3. Before you make a commitment…
Ensure you are 100 percent sure you can deliver. Do not over-commit yourself when you get a sense that your values may not be in alignment with your potential clients.
At the end of the day people respect honesty and will be inclined to see that you are trustworthy. This will speak volumes and will have a massive impact on your success in not only business, but in life as well.