After 50 years on this earth, I have concluded that to be successful in all areas of your life there is one attribute you must possess and that is consistency. Consistency in the application of executing those daily activities which will ultimately allow you to grow and always be moving forward in life. You are either moving forward or backward in becoming the person you want to be.
The definition of consistency is this:
Conformity in the application of something, typically that which is necessary for the sake of logic, accuracy, or fairness.
Here's the rub. Consistency is what we need but is so elusive. We try to wake up every morning at 5:00 AM. We try to exercise 5 days a week. We try to eat healthily. We try to be giving of our time and energy to others. We try to go to church every Sunday. We try to be on time for sales meetings. Get my point? So, consistency doesn't work without self-discipline. You don't wake up one morning and decide you are going to do these things which will make you a better, happier, more successful person. So, what's the missing link to achieving consistency in your life? I believe it's self-discipline.
The definition of self-discipline is this:
The ability to control one's feelings and overcome one's weaknesses; the ability to pursue what one thinks is right despite temptations to abandon it.
In other words, self-discipline is following through with your decision you made at some point in the past regardless of the multitude of excuses you have in the present. The desire and inner strength to complete what you started to reach your goal.
Here are a few books that talk about consistency and self-discipline I have found helpful. Not in any particular order.
The Compound Effect - Darren Hardy
Awaken the Giant Within - Anthony Robbins
The Success Principles - Jack Canfield
The Power of Habit - Charles Duhigg
Miracle Morning - Hal Elrod
Do you apply self-discipline in all areas of your life?Are the problems in your life due to lack of self-discipline that prevents you from being consistent in your daily routine and thus derails your desired result?
How do you make self-discipline become a habit to maintain the consistency needed on a daily basis?
There are many different opinions on how long something takes to become a habit. In my reading, I believe that it takes a minimum of 30 days. I think more importantly though is why do you want to change your habits? What is your WHY? Without your WHY, there is no reason to want to improve. Some people go their whole life without knowing their WHY. Your job is to find what drives and motivates you and then pursue it like today is your last day on this earth.
Please comment or post questions below to help others who may be struggling with self-discipline and consistency in their lives.
Questions for discussion:
What is your WHY?
What self-disciplines have you adopted in your life? And why?
What do you consistently do each day and why do you do it?
What changes have you seen in your life after forming good habits?
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