Do what you can: how to cultivate discipline

 

On the heels of my previous post, “Persistence, determination…,” what if you don’t see the results of your consistent efforts right away? Or even within months or years of “showing up” each day? How do you fight the discouragement and keep on keeping on? That, my friends, boils down to the question: How badly do you want it? If it’s something that doesn’t occupy your thoughts 24/7 or make you excited to jump (or crawl) out of bed each morning, then whatever it is may no longer be worthy of your attention. And that’s okay. But if it is a dream that defines you or your purpose in life, then you must work through any disappointment or obstacles and chalk them up as growing pains. Maybe up your game, reprioritize. Simplify along the way. According to “Consistency Beats Talent…,” ‘Do what you can with the hours you have. Cultivate discipline. Master your time so you can maximize your production with what time you have.’

How do you cultivate discipline?

Photo courtesy of David Castillo Dominici at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Persistence, determination: how to win at life

 

We become what we want to be
by consistently being what we want to become
each day. ~ Richard G. Scott

As I write this post, the wife of my former trainer just knocked out day #178 of showing up. Not simply getting out of bed in the morning (which, for many, is a feat to celebrate), but participating in some type of physical fitness. Every day. Segue into this article I recently read: “Consistency Beats Talent, Luck, Good Intentions, and Even Quality.” I’ve touched on the topic of consistency in past posts and think it’s worthy of another mention. Because whatever it is that we want to be good at requires showing up. Persistence. Want to become a published novelist, professional dancer, artist or athlete? Be the best spouse/partner, parent, employee, student and/or friend? Then show up. Every day. This isn’t rocket science, my friends. You don’t need a special degree or training. You just need to want it badly enough.

What do you want badly enough?

Photo courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.