Discipline

Have the discipline to do little things you don’t like,

and you can spend your life doing the big things
you do like.

Discipline is not everyone’s favorite word. In popularity, it probably slots somewhere between dentist and diarrhea. But self-discipline makes all the difference. Life is a trade off between instant pleasure and long-term reward.

Self-discipline in the little things – studying instead of watching TV – leads to a big thing – better qualifications.

Self-discipline in the little things – three sessions a week at the gym – leads to a big thing – a healthier life. Self-discipline in the little things – saving money instead of blowing it on booze – leads to a big thing – your own apartment.

The key to self-discipline is not an iron will. It is knowing WHY you want something. If you really know why you want to get out of debt, it’s easier to save. If you’re clear about why you want to improve your qualifications, it’s easier to study.

Something else about discipline: when you are self-disciplined, you don’t need to get discipline from anywhere else. As a result, you run your own life and people don’t tell you what to do.

When you don’t have self-discipline, you get it from outside. People who can’t discipline themselves often slot into jobs where they take orders. People who have absolutely no self-discipline, get themselves locked up!