From time-to-time a really great quote will inspire me to write a post about a particular topic, today is one of those days. I posted it up on our Facebook Community Page as well as instagram because I feel it’s a good reminder.
Sometimes in our daily life, we get so caught up just doing the things that we ought to do such as go to work, clean our house, take care of the kids, prepare meals, run errands, pay bills, etc., that we don’t always put in the kind of time into our true goals and dreams that we wish we did. Other times the reason why we don’t tackle them is because of fear and lack of self-discipline.
This is such a great quote that I’ve never thought about in this exact way. Not that we go out seeking pain in life but ultimately we must decide to follow one path or the other. Nothing comes easy, we must either CHOOSE to work hard towards achieving our biggest dreams OR forever live with the ache of regret at not taking a chance or attempting to achieve our goals because we lacked the confidence, work ethic or chose to listen to all of the nay-sayers around us. The difference between the two of course is that after much discipline comes much reward! 🙂
When I have procrastinated in certain areas of my life and not been disciplined, I’ve certainly suffered the consequences in not being diligent. It often comes in the form of missed opportunities. In those moments, I feel really regretful and frustrated with myself. As long as I’m still alive, however, I know that I do have yet another chance to be disciplined and see the fruits of my labor thereafter. Having said that, it’s a daily choice because there are so many distractions and people vying for our attention in this busy world. We must remain focused, the key is to work towards our goals a little bit each day. Every large accomplishment comes from not one or two specific moments in time where discipline and hard work was exercised but through daily commitment and diligence to keep working even when the weather is beautiful outdoors and everything else seems more appealing at the moment than the task at hand. Attending College is a great example as it requires not days, weeks or months but years to achieve the desired outcome of a Degree in hand. It’s often easier to accomplish than other goals because we have a unique support system that we don’t always have in other areas of our life such as other students within the same program to talk to, study with and go through the journey alongside. In other areas of our life beyond College/University, we find ourselves going it alone whether it’s working towards a promotion, starting our own business, saving up for our first home, etc. It is when we don’t have that regular support system or accountability that it’s easy to give up.
Another great example comes to mind when it comes to the time it takes to discipline one’s self: starting a new workout program. In my mind there are three sets of people, those who stay committed, working a little each day to reach their health and fitness goals, next there are those who dream about their desired result, work out intensely for a week, become discouraged and fail to return to the gym that they signed up at working out sporadically when the mood strikes them, hoping that one day they’ll find an easier way to get into shape. Lastly, there are those who desire a better overall physique, better quality of life, weight loss and energy but who never begin at all out of fear of what others may think of their current physical appearance, fear that they may never reach their goal, never make the time to be active outdoors, or sign up for a gym membership, etc. Now, what if committing daily or even 3x per week on a consistent basis brought about the desired changes and essentially transformed an entire life? We will never know until we try, commit and follow through.
I would dare to say that fear (usually of failure), laziness, procrastination and distraction are the top reasons why most people do not remain disciplined. The good news is if you can overcome these 4 elements, you are well on your way to living a more disciplined life!
What areas do you struggle with when it comes to self-discipline? What techniques do you use or steps do you take to remain disciplined in various areas of your life?
Thanks for Reading!
XO
Absolutely great post!! I was raised by very disciplined parents and therefore, I am a fairly disciplined person myself. I feel that discipline leads to a very productive life. But, we live in a world with a whole bunch of undisciplined folks. Again, a great post!
Hi Lea, That is such a great point, parents are great models when it comes to discipline and work ethic. If kids don't see that growing up, they won't emulate it and it becomes harder to develop later on in life. I too was raised by disciplined parents who worked hard and am grateful for that guiding. 🙂
This is a fabulous quote! I'm going to remember this one for sure … when I am feeling less than motivated … Thank you for sharing!
I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed the quote! 🙂 You're welcome.
Love this! Thanks for posting. I am in the process of formulating my goals for 2015 and this post is in my list of articles to read as a reminder for the importance of self-discipline. Thanks!
I'm so glad to hear your enjoyed it enough to add to your list of reminder articles! 🙂 Happy New Year to you!
Absolutely great post!! I was raised by very disciplined parents and therefore, I am a fairly disciplined person myself. I feel that discipline leads to a very productive life. But, we live in a world with a whole bunch of undisciplined folks. Again, a great post!
Hi Lea, That is such a great point, parents are great models when it comes to discipline and work ethic. If kids don't see that growing up, they won't emulate it and it becomes harder to develop later on in life. I too was raised by disciplined parents who worked hard and am grateful for that guiding. 🙂
This is a fabulous quote! I'm going to remember this one for sure … when I am feeling less than motivated … Thank you for sharing!
I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed the quote! 🙂 You're welcome.
Love this! Thanks for posting. I am in the process of formulating my goals for 2015 and this post is in my list of articles to read as a reminder for the importance of self-discipline. Thanks!
I'm so glad to hear your enjoyed it enough to add to your list of reminder articles! 🙂 Happy New Year to you!