The Practice of Discipline
By: Brian Tracy
Discipline yourself to do what you know you need to do to be the very best in your field. Perhaps the best definition of self discipline is this: “Self discipline is the ability to make yourself do what you should do when you should do it, whether you feel like it or not.”
It is easy to do something when you feel like it. It’s when you don’t feel like it and you force yourself to do it anyway that you move your life and career onto the fast track.
What decisions do you need to make today in order to start moving toward the top of your field? Whatever it is, either to get in or get out, make a decision today and then get started. This single act alone can change the whole direction of your life.
Seven Steps to Success
There is a powerful seven step formula that you can use to set and achieve your goals for the rest of your life. Every single successful person uses this formula or some variation of this formula to achieve vastly more than the average person. And so can you. Here it is:
1. Decide What You Want
Step number one, decide exactly what it is you want in each part of your life. Become a “meaningful specific” rather than a “wandering generality.”
2. Write it Down
Second, write it down, clearly and in detail. Always think on paper. A goal that is not in writing is not a goal at all. It is merely a wish and it has no energy behind it.
3. Set A Deadline
Third, set a deadline for your goal. A deadline acts as a “forcing system” in your subconscious mind. It motivates you to do the things necessary to make your goal come true. If it is a big enough goal, set sub-deadlines as well. Don’t leave this to chance.
4. Make A List
Fourth, make a list of everything that you can think of that you are going to have to do to achieve your goal. When you think of new tasks and activities, write them on your list until your list is complete.
5. Organize Your List
Fifth, organize your list into a plan. Decide what you will have to do first and what you will have to do second. Decide what is more important and what is less important. And then write out your plan on paper, the same way you would develop a blueprint to build your dream house.
6. Take Action
The sixth step is for you to take action on your plan. Do something. Do anything. But get busy. Get going.
7. Do Something Every Day
Do something every single day that moves you in the direction of your most important goal at the moment. Develop the discipline of doing something 365 days each year that is moving you forward. You will be absolutely astonished at how much you accomplish when you utilize this formula in your life every single day.
Action Exercises
Here are two things you can do to put these ideas into action immediately.
First, decide exactly what you want, write it down with a deadline, make a plan and take action – on at least one goal – today!
Second, determine the price you will have to pay to achieve this goal and then get busy paying that price – whatever it is.
August 27th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
This is an excellent practice to get into to achieve what you want, Terry. I especially like the “writing it down” part … that really cements it into your subconscious, for some reason. I have somewhat of a “photographic memory” and can later look back and “see” what it was I wrote down on paper. I have used this technique over and over with great success. Excellent post my friend!
Scott Phares´s last undefined ..If you register your site for free at
August 29th, 2009 at 3:58 am
Hey Terry,
I printed this out and went straight to work on it. There’s nothing like committing something to paper and looking at it every day when it comes to reinforcement.
For me, personally, determining the price of what will cost is huge.
I have often, underestimated what it will take to accomplish goals and then I balk when a conflicting engagement pops up that compromises my progress toward a goal.
Great tips! keep the good stuff comin.
Pat
Patrick McIntosh´s last blog ..Success in Your Daily Routine
August 29th, 2009 at 9:33 am
Remember to set strong boundaries around yourself Pat.
This will protect you from time wasters and needy people.
The result…you will have more time to accomplish your highest payoff tasks.
You have a choice so, make it a better than terrific day!
Terry
October 5th, 2009 at 5:22 pm
Hi Terry,
Setting goals is always exciting and fun to do. But without the step by step process of writing down your goals, figuring out a game plan, and exercising discipline, specific goals can be difficult to achieve.
Once we map out our goals on paper, it makes our goals tangible and elicits more accountability. In my experience when I set a goal and adhere to the action plan combined with daily discipline, I reach my desired outcome. When I don’t implement the 7 steps of success that you describe, I find myself discouraged due to loss of productivity and dissapointed by the result.
This is a great lesson that you shared with us! I like most people expect to reach my goals but, realizing it takes specific action steps and focused discipline. This is especially critical to implement when starting something new and unfamiliar.
Thanks!
Laura