“A discipline is any activity I can do by direct effort that will eventually enable me to do that which, currently, I cannot do by direct effort.” —John Mark Comer, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry
What is discipline? What is self-discipline?
Who do you know that is disciplined? Why do you think of them as disciplined?
There are myriad definitions of discipline. This is a definition of many.
Discipline is willpower and motivation applied consistently for a period of time in support of resolve (purpose).
The manifestation of discipline is habit. It takes effort (discipline) to form a habit, but once established, it runs on its own momentum. Discipline is no longer required in that particular area because the habit runs on auto-pilot.
Discipline can be internally administered, or externally applied.
Coaches externally motivate their players. The players build habits through discipline, but often, at least initially, the motivation comes from the coach.
The military uses external motivation during basic training to instill traits that will carry the member in any situation.
Often, after a period of seeing the results of the externally motivated discipline, internal motivation builds.
Three keys to success in becoming more disciplined with the goal of habit formation:
#1 Stay focused on Habit: Focusing discipline in one specific area of life, at the formation of a specific habit, produces the best results. Those who frantically attempt to be disciplined in many areas of life soon burnout and quit. Their willpower deteriorates, and they are back to where they started. Think New Year’s Resolutions.
Choose one habit you want to form. Focus your attention exclusively on that one habit. Tie it to your resolve. Keeping up willpower and motivation for a future habit that doesn’t support your resolve will fail.
#2 Seek external motivation: Athletes have coaches, because the coach will hold the athlete accountable to their training. In moments of weakness, the coach will give the right amount of motivation.
We all need coaches. Striving for greatness without encouragement and accountability is nearly impossible. There are coaches for everything. There are masterminds for everything. Finding someone else who is working toward a similar goal and becoming accountable to each other is powerful.
Seeking accountability is not weakness. It is a step in the direction of greatness.
#3 Consistency is King: By definition a habit is an action that activates when a specific trigger occurs. That means that during habit formation, consistency is vitally important.
Remember—those with a high level of self-discipline are those who consistently form success habits, thereby perpetually freeing up their self-discipline capacity. Applying a little discipline—motivation + willpower aimed at resolve—is the way to a disciplined and successful life.
Get after it. Live on purpose.
If this interests you, I’d love to hear from you! Schedule a phone call or send me an email.
