The Big "D" for Success
Updated: Apr 16, 2019
“Ok, let’s make this really simple.” I heard these words from a client a couple days ago and I just had to smile. “If I only did one thing, what is it that I would need to do to be successful?”
“Great question”, I said. “But I’m going to turn it around on you. What do you believe has stood in your way of achieving success in the past and what’s standing in your way today?”
He was quiet for a minute, clearly pondering the question. Then he said “Well, I guess it would be that I haven’t kept the focus that I needed to. I got distracted. I made choices to do the ‘good’ instead of the ‘best’. Sometimes I’ve even found that taking that next step is a struggle. I know what I want to do, or need to do, but I don’t do it.”
“I hear that from so many leaders who are desperate for ‘success’ but don’t feel like they’re making the progress they want. Transparently, I’ve struggled with the same thing. As an intuitive, I have a lot, and I mean A LOT, of incredible ideas that are running through my mind all the time. But, it’s the discipline of focus and execution that is one of the greatest challenges for me. The good news is that we’re not alone. And, the other piece of good news is we can change our behavior to overcome the challenge.”
Lack of discipline is a stumbling block for all of us from time to time. The key for success is to build discipline in your life in a way that keeps you on track and on target.
We’re all going to have days when we’re just a little “Off”. But, with focus and discipline on your goals and a clear understanding of the path you need to take, these days will be the exception rather than the rule.
Discipline is doing what you really don’t want to do, so that you can do what you really want to do.
Often we choose the option that’s going to bring us happiness or relief in the short-term instead of keeping a focus on what’s most important. We want instant gratification. Discipline says “what you want most is more important than what you want now.” It’s paying the price in the little things so that you can buy the bigger things.
Leaders need to possess three areas of discipline in their lives to truly be successful:
Disciplined Thinking: You can’t get far in life if you don’t use your head. If you keep you mind active and regularly take on mental challenges, you will develop the kind of disciplined thinking that will help you with whatever you endeavor to do. So turn off the TV, pick up a book, and develop your thinking.
Disciplined Emotions: People have just two choices when it comes to their emotions: they can master them or be mastered by them. You shouldn’t let your feelings prevent you from doing what you should or drive you to do things you shouldn’t. If you want to know more about how you see and express yourself, develop and maintain social relationships, cope with challenges, and use emotional information in an effective and meaningful way, developing in your emotional intelligence is just what you need.
Disciplined Actions: Sharpening your mind and controlling your emotions are important, but they can take you only so far. Action is what separates the winners from the losers. Your actions always reflect your degree of discipline.
When you’re disciplined, you’re better able to make the choices day in and day out that move your closer to your goals.
Complexity often brings confusion, but disciple brings decisions…and the right decisions.
If you’re not as disciplined as you should be, that’s okay. The first step is recognizing the need to have more focus and discipline. Then, you can make the decisions to start changing your behavior that will position you for success.
Walking Points:
What do you believe has stood in your way of achieving success in the past and what’s standing in your way today?
What are 2 things you could do to be more disciplined?
Now, make the choice to change your behavior starting today. Just a little shift can have a huge impact.
Live. Love. Lead. Leave a Legacy!
Dr. Jason