Self-Discipline - Some Words to the Wise

Kicking off this post with a Fortune Cookie...

Get control of yourself, and you'll set yourself free.

What you should do is often at odds with what you want to do. It’s tough to stay on track and follow through, especially when you could be doing something more fun. That’s why many people don't reach their goals. They don’t say “no” to the easy stuff and say “yes” to the hard stuff often enough. But without self-discipline, you can’t get the important things done.

A few tips...

1. Recognize that self-control comes from within. No one can give you discipline. Don’t blame circumstances or other people for your failure to stay on track. Take responsibility for what you want to achieve.

2. Make a conscious decision to control your thoughts and actions. Put yourself under a self-imposed plan with start times, stop times and deadlines. Stick with your schedule, even when you’re tired or you feel lazy. Just say no to lesser priorities and do what you committed to do.

3. Finally, keep track. Measure your progress at the end of the day, and hold yourself accountable for what you accomplished. At the same time, review the payoffs you got from completing these tasks. This will fuel your motivation and help you stick with your plan.

And some wisdom...

“Talent without discipline is like an octopus on roller skates. There's plenty of movement, but you never know if it's going to be forward, backwards, or sideways.” - H. Jackson Brown, American author (1940- )

“There never has been, and cannot be, a good life without self-control.” - Leo Tolstoy, Russian novelist (1828-1910)

“In reading the lives of great men, I found that the first victory they won was over themselves… self-discipline with all of them came first.” - Harry Truman, American president (1884-1972)

“To conquer oneself is a greater task than conquering others.” - Buddha, Indian founder of Buddhism (B.C. 563-483)

“The first and best victory is to conquer self.” - Plato, Greek philosopher (B.C. 428-347)

“Those who make the worst use of their time are the first to complain of its shortness.” - Jean de la Bruyère, French author (1645-1696)

“How different our lives are when we really know what is deeply important to us, and keeping that picture in mind, we manage ourselves each day to be and to do what really matters most.” - Stephen Covey, American author (1932- )

“Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least.” - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, German poet (1749-1832)

“You will never find time for anything. You must make it.” - Charles Buxton, British aviator (1823-1871)

“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.” - Jim Rohn, American author (1930-2009)

And another Fortune Cookie...

Do the important stuff now, and you'll have time later for everything else.

Post by Dennis E. Coates, Ph.D., Copyright 2010. Building Personal Strength .